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So we’ve talked about Stitch Fix and we’ve talked about Twice, but now for something a little different in the fashion department: Golden Tote.
I had a reader recommend Golden Tote a few weeks ago so I was thrilled when the very next day, Golden Tote asked if I would like to try them out and share about my experience. Here’s how it works: every month they offer a surprise grab bag of clothes and accessories. You choose two items and Golden Tote curates the rest for you based on a style profile that you fill out on their web site.
So when my tote arrived, I knew I would really like what I had picked out but the four other items were a surprise.
Yes, I actually stopped to take a photo of the tote contents for you before diving in because that’s how much I love you. Is my devotion noted? Great. On to the clothes!
Dress// c/o Golden Tote. Necklace // chloe + isabel
I give you Item #1. This dress is one of the two items I picked out myself. And I adore it. My tote actually arrived on my doorstep just before Daniel was going to take me out to birthday dinner and I changed out of whatever I was wearing into this because….love.
I love the pattern, I love the cut. Dress it up with heels or dress it down with sandals. Win. And when I chose the dress on Golden Tote’s web site, they warned me that it ran a tad large, so I ordered a size smaller than I normally would and I’m glad I did.
Jeans // c/o Golden Tote, Sandals // Target, Shirt // Target, Necklace // chloe + isabel
And for Item #2, the second piece I chose, skinny jeans! I really needed a good pair of skinnies and these are perfect. The web site warned me that they ran a tad small, so I ordered a size up. And I’m wearing them in almost every photo, so…be warned.
Top // c/o Golden Tote, Sandals // Target, Jeans // c/o Golden Tote, Necklace // chloe + isabel
It’s hard to see the pretty lace detail of Item #3 in the first photo. This shirt makes me think of an updated Anne of Green Gables or something marvelous. I may have worn it three times since my Golden Tote arrived 6 days ago. This is one of the items Golden Tote curated for me and it’s a match made in heaven. I would have snatched it off the rack myself, for sure. The same cannot be said of Item #4…
Kimono // c/o Golden Tote, Shirt // thrifted, Jeans // c/o Golden Tote
Trying to rock it, but I would not have picked this out myself. It makes me want to say things like “fabulous!” and then move to South Florida.
Maybe I just don’t know how to wear kimonos. Kimono styling tips wanted. Blythe? Hook me up.
Top // c/o Golden Tote, Jeans // c/o Golden Tote, Shoes // thrifted
Ok, so when I first pulled this one out of my tote I thought no way. But then I tried it on…and I kind of love it. A lot.
If it weren’t 10,000 degrees in Florida right now, I would make this my momiform. Just wait til November, y’all…JUST WAIT.
Dress // c/o Golden Tote, Shoes and Belt // Target, Necklace // chloe + isabel
I tried this one on and liked it…then I belted it and loved it. Wore it to Mass on Sunday.
My favorite part is the sleeves.
So, here’s all m’ thoughts on Golden Tote:
- It’s less of a gamble than Stitch Fix. Because you choose some of your items, you won’t ever get a tote with no wins.
- You can budget for a tote knowing exactly how much it’ll cost ya. One of the tricky things about Stitch Fix is that you never know how much the items in your fix will cost. With Golden Tote, it’s just a flat rate of $49 for the 2-3 item tote and $149 for the 5-7 item tote. You cannot send individual items back, but you CAN return the whole tote.
- In general, I LOVE the clothes and I think they fit my style really well. Only one out of the six items may not be a staple of my wardrobe from now on (kimono…unless someone teaches me how to style it.)
- The clothes are reasonably priced. 6 pieces for $149 means that each item was less than $25. If I went shopping myself, I might be able to find a shirt for $25, but a great pair of jeans and those dresses would cost me much more.
- I didn’t have to leave my house. Did I mention that I didn’t have to leave my house with three adorable, but vivacious children in tow? I didn’t have to go ANYWHERE.
- I was very impressed by the sizing. Everything fit.
- Fun factor: A+
A big thanks to Golden Tote for letting me try out their wonderful service! They offer a new tote every month, so right now you can check out September’s Golden Tote!
Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this post. Review product was complimentary. Opinions all my own.
What do you think, friends? Wins? Styling tips? Kimono tips? Spill!
So you don’t send anything back no matter what? What if they didn’t fit or you really hated them? I can’t imagine I could ever get jeans right on the first try.
I love everything but the Kimono too! Especially those lovely dresses!
Nope. You can’t send anything back. They do have measurement guides etc. and I was really impressed that even the jeans fit! I think if you couldn’t choose two of your items, it might be too much of a gamble. But since you get a say in what your tote includes, I think it works. And each item is reasonably priced so even if you don’t like one or two items, you could gift ’em and you’d still have gotten a pretty good deal. Pros and cons.
UPDATE: I just got a clarification from Golden Tote. You CAN send the entire tote back if it doesn’t have anything you want. But you can’t send individual items back.
There’s a FB Golden Tote Trading Group where you can buy/sell/trade any GT items – just in case something doesn’t work out.
Oh. My. Goodness! LOVE LOVE LOVE the white shirt and the dresses – with you on the kimono, although I think if anyone can rock it, it’s you. And….could it be….I may have just found a replacement for my beloved ‘Stich Fix” Yikes! One question – if your REALLY don’t like something, can you send it back? Thanks so much for trying this and sharing!
I pretty much want to wear them everyday. But nope, you can’t send anything back. You buy the whole tote!
I clarified above, Janina, but you CAN send back the entire tote. Just not individual items. It’s all or nothin’
How fun! I agree about all the pieces. I love them, but I wouldn’t know what to do with the kimono. I third the question from the two ladies above… you don’t/can’t send items back even if they don’t fit or you don’t like them? (I have commitment issues when it comes to making purchases, so I always want the option to return things I decide I don’t want/need, and the size charts on clothing websites are never correct for me. I always end up needing to size down.)
Elizabeth, you can send back the entire tote. But you can’t pick and choose individual items to keep and return the rest. It’s everything or nothing. Just got clarification on that
I even kinda like the kimono. Especially from the back. But…not everyone likes pink as much as I do. Lol.
Well help me figure out how to wear it, Marcy! haha
Did you see Blythe’s post on kimonos on Fike Life? Lots of suggestions! You can totally rock it. Just play with it – then own it
Haha! I have no idea! Could you belt or is it too short?
Now you just have to try thredup and you’ll be all set.
Haha! I know! I’m on it!
I loved it all! That white shirt is something I would probably try to wear EVERY DAY! Loved the lace detail!!! I think once you get some tips on how to feel comfortable wearing that kimono, you’ll love it because the colors were gorgeous on you!
I’ve tried thredUp and loved them! I’ve only used them once and for my 11.5 year old daughter, but I got two great coats for her and spent $11. It was awesome!
I’m pretty sure I can get away with wearing that shirt pretty much everyday until late december in Florida, haha. I love it, too. And I gotta try ThredUp!
I am planning to sew a kimono (as a robe) and when I was researching simple DIY kimono instructions there were some great kimono-styling posts out there. If I find that I bookmarked any of the links I’ll shoot it to you. I’d say go with some worn/destroyed denim to tone down the glitz factor. And btw, I’ve had great luck with thredup (but haven’t tried any of the other sites).
OK, here’s the styling post I saw:
http://www.cottonandcurls.com/2013/08/diy-kimono-pretty-ways-to-style-it/
Love that post about the kimonos! Thanks for sharing!
I love #3 (the lacy ivory top) and #5 (the purple sweater). The shoulder detailing on the latter save it from being too boring and the zig-zags go well with your choppy haircut!
As far as the kimono is concerned, I totally don’t know how to style those. I think they’re a little strange, if I’m honest. If you do keep it, I think a white shirt would be a good contrast to the business of the print. If you don’t keep it (and since you can’t send it back), trade with someone who has cool clothes.
I don’t actually HAVE a basic white t-shirt, but I could probably use one. Good idea.
I think you great in all of them! Even the kimono. I kind of want one so I can walk around and pretend to be a Golden Girl.
My problem. “Something for Everyone”. But they only do S-L. So irritating. I actually go to the part of picking out something and realized I couldn’t order from them as I need an XL.
Boo.
Golden Girl was exactly what I was thinking! And boo indeed. The web site says that they hope to add more sizes as the company grows, but bummer they don’t have more options now!
So fun! I might have to try. I missed the “Daniel says” portion though, I always love reading his interpretation of the clothes you get!
You’re right! I should have added Daniel’s commentary in! Next time
WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!!! Fashion hit every time. You look fab and I LOVE the kimono.
Yay! I think of you as someone who really knows fashion, Luisa. So that’s thrilling
I love everything except the kimono. Perhaps they knew you would love everything else and have to keep it so they just threw that in!
Not sure how I feel about having to keep everything or send everything back. I’m not a big fan of all or nothing.
One thing I was thinking, Beth, is that I could gift items that didn’t work for me. Or do a clothing exchange with friends!
So wait, you can’t send ANYTHING back? :/
It all looks adorable on you, but I don’t think I could handle that.
By the way, your chloe + isabel jewelry is so stunning. I have about five of their things on my birthday/Christmas list!
It’s an all or nothing thing, Laura. So you can send it all back, or you can keep it all. But it’s like a unit.
And thank you! My SIL is a merchandiser so I got the hook up
No way I would get jeans on the first try!!! So tough. I also worry about sizing based on comments here. Plus I am bugged when I have to sign up/create an account to even browse. I guess I understand, but I have yet to take advantage of ThredUP either because I want to browse first; what if I use someone’s link/coupon and then don’t find anything?
Still haven’t tried ThredUp! I need to check it out. Yeah, I was really surprised that the jeans fit so well!
That kimono is awesome! The trick is to embrace your inner Stevie Nicks and just make your whole outfit slouchy and ethereal.
Haha! I will try to find my inner Stevie Nicks.
Your kimono is way too short, compared to the modern kimono styling. Try a different one!
Maybe I’m just not a kimono kind of gal? haha
I love these posts. I feel like we’re going shopping together. Plus you’re the cutest.
I wish we WERE going shopping together, Kendra. <3 You're a sweetie.
I thought the kimono looked really great on you! However, when I followed the link for styling tips that someone gave you above, all those women looked to me like they had gone out in their bathrobe…so I, personally, would probably use it that way, and not out in public. But maybe I’m missing something. I’m super sensitive to clothes that look like lingerie. (And for what it’s worth, I didn’t think that about YOU in the kimono at all, so maybe it’s just the styling on the models?)
That’s not a bad idea, Elizabeth, haha! If I can’t figure out a way to wear it out…I can always just wear it at my house and be comfy
Really love everything they picked for you. I get what you mean about the kimono but I think you can definitely pull that one off too. I am so completely impressed that they picked jeans perfectly for you and amazed at how wonderful all the pieces they picked out are! Definitely looking into this one!
Yes. I couldn’t believe how perfect it all was. I’m definitely doing it again!
I say “Fabulous”! What are you saying about me? hmmmm?
You’re too cute. My fave is the last dress. It’s perfect on you.
Maybe I’m saying you should wear more fabulous kimonos! And thanks, cutie pie. <3
I’m pinning this page…because when I get a haircut, I want to point to your cute hair and say, “That, please.” Although I’m not sure if the hubs will go for it…
You are so sweet, Jenny. Here’s my take on hair: it’s just hair. And it always grows back. So why not be adventurous?
I am soooooo doing this! By the looks of it I think I like this better than the others because of price and the fact that you pick out some of the stuff. So glad you told me about this! Love the pics and hello, the sweatshirt = you look awesome! The clothes you got are my fav even over the Stitch Fix stuff (and those were pretty great). Love it.
DO IT! And I agree. I think overall I like the pieces better than Stitch Fix pieces. I’ll still do SF for fun but….I think I prefer this
I love your fashion posts Haley! I love that white top, and the sweatshirt top is awesome. $149 is a lot to shell out, but you make a good point about the cost of each item. I looked at Golden Tote online, and I love some of the pieces in the boutique, but not so much the ones that are part of the tote. Hmmmm… maybe they sell out quickly at the beginning of the month?
I love your fashion posts! Keep then coming!
Thanks, Ashley! I’ve been surprised at how much fun I have with them. I’ll keep ’em coming
You’re so hip! I think I’m stuck in the land of neverending frump. Jeans and a white tee fo life!
I used your link! I hope you get credit. I went with the swing dress and one surprise.
I ALMOST got the swing dress. It’s so pretty!
If you want to get rid of individual pieces, Golden Tote does run a trading page on Facebook! It’s a great way to get rid of the pieces that don’t fit or you just don’t care for, and to pick up other pieces that you didn’t receive.
Some people will eve skip getting a tote if they don’t like the chosen pieces and just buy from the trading page, it really is wonderfully confinement. Plus the ladies that own GT chime in and will offer spoilers for the next month!
I think these are all cute! I especially love the detail on the white blouse. Definitely gave me Anne Shirley vibes. Also, can I just say your hair is edgy and awesome? My best friend has the same style cut. I wish I could pull it off the way you two do, but my features are to heavy/broad, so I think I’ll stick with the long hair thing I have going. Anyways. Really, really cool idea, the Gold Tote. Someday when it fits the budget, I would totally give it a go!
I’m thinking of trying out Golden Tote . . . just wondering which style profile (the picture) and store you picked when you signed up.
Hi Serena! I chose the center picture (maybe it’s Boho?) and Gap as the store. Hope that helps
an update – you CAN send individual items back, but when you do, the remaining items become ‘regular’ price, so it’s not generally worth it. and as someone mentioned above, there is a VERY active FB B/S/T group, to perfect what you got or unload the unloved things…