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Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanDec 10, 2014 | 23 comments

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

The Nina Garcia Quarterly box is finally here! I have been waiting months to have this box in my hands and it is amazing - totally worth the $100 I paid for it!

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

The Subscription Box: Nina Garcia for Quarterly

The Cost: $100 a box every 3 months

The Products: Items hand selected by Nina Garcia!

Ships to: Free to the US. (Canada +$30; rest of world +$40)

Check out all of my Quarterly reviews and the Women's Subscription Box Directory!

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

A better look at all the amazing items!

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

Each Quarterly box comes with a letter from the curator describing the theme for that quarter, and background on every item they selected.

This theme for the first box is Glam Grunge. From Nina:

I first came across grunge while interning at Perry Ellis under Marc Jacobs; today, that iconic collection in fashion history has re-emerged in a new incarnation, incorporating luxe elements to create a seemingly contradictory juxtaposition of glam and grunge.

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

Leather Dual Cone Cuff by Bauble Bar - Value $32

This piece was designed exclusively for Nina Garcia's first Quarterly box - you can't buy it anywhere! I love the exclusive, and I really like this bracelet. At first I thought it was a little too punk for me, but I put it on and haven't taken it off since! I'll probably stack it with some of my other Bauble Bar gold bracelets!

(I'm estimating the value of this bracelet based on other similar Bauble Bar bracelets).

This bracelet also came with a unique coupon code for $15 off $30 at Bauble Bar - I will definitely use it!

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream in So Berry Sexy - Value $21

Essie Nail Polish in Shearling Darling - Value $8

I love this Essie dark red wine shade - it's perfect for fall/winter!

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

Faux Fur Stole by Adrienne Landau - Value $40

I was THRILLED to see this scarf in the box! I don't know if I've mentioned it in reviews before - but I'm obsessed with all things faux fux. (I'm pretty hard to shop for with all the boxes I get, so whenever anyone asks for a gift idea for me, I just say anything with faux fur ...or a sweater for my dog!)

This is a perfect short scarf - It has velcro to keep it in place, and is super cozy! (I'm estimating on value for this item as well since it also is an exclusive to the Nina Garcia box!)

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

Jack Vartanian Ear Cuff - Value $50?

This is another one-of-a-kind piece in the box. I have no idea how to value it - the only place I can find Jack Vartanian pieces online is Barney's and they all are priced at over $1000.

I like that this piece works even if you don't have pierced ears. It's also delicate enough to balance out the metal stud look. I never would have bought this item, but now that I have it, I'm going to try it out!

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

VBeaute It Kit Anti Age Skin Care System - Value $99

An amazing box within an amazing box! This kit has the best packaging ever:

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

I'm so excited to try all of these products. I love that their skincare line is free of parabens and fragrances, and it's even vegan and gluten-free!

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ01

Pearl + Luxury Soap - Value $6

December Marie Claire Magazine - Value $4

This soap is made of crushed pearl and charcoal - it smells amazing too (probably thanks to it's all natural ingredients). This is definitely the most glamourous soap I've ever seen!

Verdict: This is one of my favorite subscription boxes of 2013. It's also the best celebrity curated box I've ever seen. I think it's because Nina has such distinct voice - you know you're getting high-end fashion and beauty products in this box, you know she's the expert, and you know she has the connections to get amazing products for the box! It really feels like her Quarterly mailing could be the box she sends to her closest friends for the holidays - that's how personal and special this box was for me!

I paid $100 for this box and received over $250 worth of glamourous and exclusive items. I am so glad I subscribed to Nina's Quarterly box and I can't wait too see what will be in the next mailing.

What do you think of the first Nina Garcia Quarterly box?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liz Cadman
Liz Cadman
Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

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23 comments

MJ

I see the date for the box closing is upcoming. Anyone know the exact date? Don’t get paid until the end of the month & I’m wondering if I’ll have time to order.

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Saffy

As far as I’m aware, you can buy any quarterly box until its sold out. I signed up for Nina’s ages ago because I was worried it would sell out. However, they haven’t charged me yet and it says they wont until it actually starts shipping which it says wont happen til next month. Which sort of makes sense if they are shipping a finite amount of boxes.

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Miriam

the JACK VARTANIAN EAR CUFF actually costs $500?! this is what’s written on their official website:
http://onlinestore.jackvartanian.com/br03421t_spike-piercing/p

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Liz Cadman

WOW! That’s kind of insane! 🙂

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Kerry

I love this box. I hope the next box has more accessories, like a necklace.

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Amanda

Oh this looks awesome!

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Christi

I love Nina but I’m really glad I passed on this box. I was underwhelmed with the items. Too broad of a style range with the cuff and the stole, too.

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@allcapsERINN

I’m too broke to subscribe to this one, but I loved living vicariously through you. Awesome box! I knew Nina Garcia would not disappoint.

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Jessica

This box has made me so disappointed in my Neiman Marcus PopSugar box. I really wish I bought this one instead, it’s much better than I expected it to be!

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HMagoncia

My thoughts on Nina Garcia’s Quarterly Box #NGQ01 !!

I’m 25 and I used to love watching Project Runway and so I had to give Nina Garcia’s fashion centered box a try, albeit the high cost.

Leather Dual Cone Cuff by Bauble Bar – Value $32
I was hesitant at first look, as it’s a very edgy piece, but with the right outfit, on my fierce/angry days this piece could be sexy/cool, haha. Glad it came with a $15 off $30 purchase for BaubleBar as I am waitlisted for some tortoise pieces!

Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream in So Berry Sexy – Value $21
I received the same shade as you, “So Berry Sexy”, and I was hoping this would be a dark berry/wine color for fall, but it is brighter so it will be a great shade for spring instead. Lovely creamy texture, a great find!

Essie Nail Polish in Shearling Darling – Value $8
Very dark color, close to black , goes along with glam grunge theme well. Good shade for the season, and a color I find wearable.

Faux Fur Stole by Adrienne Landau – Value $40
Wow, what a fun piece!! It’s very soft and warm, and adds texture and a chic touch to a fall outfit. I love that Nina Garcia included this seasonal fashion accessory in her subscription box.

Jack Vartanian Ear Cuff – Value $50?
Also hesitant about this item, but I think I will try it one day as you had mentioned, I think it would be fun to experiment with.

VBeaute It Kit Anti Age Skin Care System – Value $99
Ehhhhhhh, not really in need of an anti aging skincare system or skin products in general. I prefer more natural products with great fragrances, and I haven’t yet tested these products for effectiveness. I’m currently using Lush Cosmetics and they work well for me. I’m not a fan of trying many different products on my skin. It’s a beautifully packaged set of what appears to be quality products, but I do not have a need for them. This will be gifted!!

Pearl + Luxury Soap – Value $6
Smells luxurious and lovely for sure!

December Marie Claire Magazine – Value $4

Overall, a better-than-average box! Because I will not use the skincare, I feel my personal value for this box was cut in half. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in the next box #NCGQ02 !!

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Christine

Yea, I totally love my box! Can’t wait for another 3 months to get my next box!

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Jennifer

ARGGH!! I want this! I missed the date for the first box, but I am scheduled for #2. Great box, WISH I had subscribed when I originally saw it and considered it. But, I waited too long :-(((

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Mary

I am so glad to see your review of the box. I was so impatient waiting for it, and when I opened it yesterday, I was underwhelmed. What I like least is the faux fur piece – it just isn’t something I will ever wear. I do like the bracelet, and the ear cuff is growing on me, but really, for me this box was a big meh. I am seriously considering selling it on Ebay.

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tracey

I have to agree with Brandy. I couldn’t afford this box, but have been dying to know what I missed and I’m actually glad I saved $100 bucks. I am a little underwhelmed by the items in the box. Not one of those items make me regret purchasing this box. I adore Nina, superfan. I am hoping her next box will have more items I like since its on my christmas list.

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Mackenzie Degen

This has to be the best quarterly box I’ve seen! WIsh I had opted for it but $100 per box is a bit too much for me…

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Brandy

I think I’m in the complete minority here, but I wasn’t thrilled with this box. The only item I really liked was the soap, it smells so good. But, I could buy that for $6 vs $100 on the box.

I also liked the bracelet, but I think I’m far too old to pull it off. The lipstick looks nice, but far too dark for me. I wish I had gotten a lighter one.

I might have to put this one on eBay or gift it? Not sure.

I did like how Nina made it very personal though. It’s clear she put a lot of thought into it and I really appreciated that.

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Björg

That box looks amazing! Definitely seems like the best Fancy box I have seen. I’m going to save up to get the next one, it’s worth it 🙂

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Kimberly Johnson

I am very jealous of this box! Everything looks amazing.

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Terri O'Dea

I didn’t get in on this box in time put I already signed up for February. This box is the best subscription box I have ever seen. I hope her next box is just as good.

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Nancy

I just love my box and my feelings are very simular to yours Liz! Except for the earring thing! You might laugh at me but I’m 55 and I have never worn such a thing and have no idea how to even wear it!!!!! It could have come with instructions, except mot of you younger ladies probably have worn or at least played with wearing something like this. Anyway, I’ll see if one of my nieces in their 20’s would like to have it? Laugh if you must and ill go right along with you!!! LOL have fun with your boxes!

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