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My Stylish French Box Review – May 2017

Anna Reilly
ByAnna ReillyMay 30, 2017 | 30 comments

Check out my review of My Stylish French Box!

My French Country Home Box
5 overall rating
2 Ratings | 5 Reviews

My Stylish French Box is a quarterly subscription gift box of authentically French full-sized products for your home, garden, kitchen, and body.

Check out my review of My Stylish French Box!

The box was created and is curated by Sharon Santoni, blogger, author of My French Country Home, and resident of the French countryside. Each beautifully packaged box is themed around a different aspect of French living.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

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The Subscription: My Stylish French Box

The Cost: $195.00 per quarterly box. Shipping to the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe is free. Shipping to Australia is $30.00.

The Products: A curated selection of home, decor, beauty, and body products from French brands both well-known and new.

Ships to: Worldwide.

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Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

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Here's the information booklet that came alongside the (many, many) items in this box. I love the design! It definitely captures that romantic, elegant vibe that's so often associated with France.

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Inside, there are details about the products, many of which are exclusives.

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The theme of this spring/summer box is "Smelling the Roses", so it's full of fragrances and rustic, garden glamor.

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Exclusive Charvet Tote Bag - Value $20.00?

As this was an exclusive product, I took a guess at the value. I've seen plenty of tote bags in subscription boxes before, but typically, they're thin, single-layered canvas with slender straps and a print on the front—and probably not worth more than $10 or so. This bag, on the other hand, is made by a classic French linen company and features a sturdy, yet soft construction, thick woven straps, and a pretty lavender lining.

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It's the kind of bag that you can use to stow a few bottles of French wine without having to worry about a handle snapping on your stroll home. I estimated that the value of this bag was about $20.00, which actually might be a conservative guess. If this was at a boutique, its quality could easily help it fetch more.

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Fleur d'Oranger Rose Scent Diffuser, 3.38 fl. oz. - Value $18.00?

The first thing I noticed when I lifted the crisp, white, magnet-shut My Stylish French Box lid was the rich smell of roses emanating from within the box. That's thanks to this powerful little fragrance diffuser, which comes packaged in one of the prettiest boxes I've seen in awhile.

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Just dip the sticks into the fragrance to let it waft into the air. It's been awhile since I've reached for a rose scent—sometimes, in the context of perfume, I feel like it's almost too sophisticated for my day-to-day life. But I was so delighted by the downright beautiful smell of this diffuser that I'm eager to incorporate more of it into my world (at least at home). Walking into a room filled with the scent of roses has a way of making you feel like a queen.

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Fleur d'Oranger Soap, 25g - Value $1.00?

There's also a small 25g square of soap by the company packaged in a little organza bag. It also has a lovely rose scent that lingers on your hands after using it. I couldn't find this item online, so I took a guess at the price.

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2 Vintage Seed Packets - Value $2.00?

Again, I'm just taking a stab at the value of these packets. They're just paper, but seem authentically vintage (rather than reproductions).

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The booklet suggests either using them as bookmarks, or perhaps framing them. They are really pretty. I could see stuffing these long pockets with small bouquets to gift to a host or hostess.

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Antique Bobbin Wrapped in (New) Velvet Ribbon - $15.00?

Antique Nogent Scissors - Value $39.16?

The booklet explains that this box attempts to feature something vintage in each shipment. The items chosen this quarter are this vintage bobbin and scissors, which are paired with some soft, velvetty ribbon. I'd never heard of Nogent, but this hard-to-find scissor brand hand-makes their wares. They have a wide assortment of quirky and elegant scissor designs, and according to the booklet, each box will receive a unique pair (as the scissors were sourced from a Parisian flea market).

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I will admit, without exploring the brand of the scissors any further, I probably wouldn't have known just how valuable these items were. I could barely find a pair of these scissors to estimate the price with, and the ones I did find (linked above) were way more expensive than I could've imagined for such a dainty product. I just guessed at the value of the ribbon and bobbin, but I'll bet my estimation is actually lower than what the value actually is. (I just don't know how to appraise vintage bobbins!) I will say, even if they were more expensive, I don't know that they'd be worth more to me, but we'll get into that in the Verdict at the end of this review!

Check out my review of My Stylish French Box!

3 Slate Tags - Value $10.00?

These tags were apparently made to order from a company in Normandy. They can be used to label sections of the garden, places at the table... whatever suits your needs. I might use them to leave notes for my delivery man when packages are on their way (I could just hang one over my doorknob). I couldn't find these specially made tags online, obviously, so I linked to something similar for value's sake. I would've loved to know the name of the producer, even if they're small, though. It brings a human element to the product that I enjoy.

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Feret Hyaline Jelly, 1.7 fl. oz. - Value $12.99

This handcream has a gel-like consistency not unlike hand sanitizer. This natural, paraben-free brand has apparently been around since 1859, and this jelly, in particular, is recommended as a restorative ointment for hands and feet after gardening or washing up. It has kind of a medicinal scent to it up front, but after that fades, there's a hint of soft rose. I can't say it left my hands feeling very rejuvenated, though. After it quickly evaporated, I had a fainty tacky residue left on my hands.

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Feret La Baume, 1.7 fl. oz. - Value $20.00

There's a balm from the brand included, as well. I liked this product a bit better than the first. It's a balm, but it's a little oilier than I expected. It has that same slight medicinal scent to it, but less so than the jelly. It goes on smoothly and did instantly make my hands feel soothed, though it took a moment for the formula to absorb into my skin. There was still a hint of a residue once it was all massaged in, but I think because this is more of an oily product, it wasn't tacky. I could see using this balm in the evening before bed and waking up with super soft hands.

Check out my review of My Stylish French Box!

Bonus Item: Watercolor Print by Jeanne McKay Hartmann - Value $8.00?

I'd never heard of this artist before, and I'll be honest—I gave her name a bit of a side-eye when I first saw it. This painter, according to the booklet, "loves France," but I don't think she's French herself. So while she does make a beautiful watercolor of roses, I was a bit underwhelmed not to see a real French artist featured here.

I'm not sure how the artist prices her work (her site shop has not yet launched, as of the time this review was published), so I estimated based on how much I'd likely spend on something like this at a shop. It's printed on nice watercolor paper, but this small (maybe 8" x 10"?) print didn't come with a frame, a mat, nor a back, so I don't know that I would value it too high.

Check out my review of My Stylish French Box!

Bonus Item: Floral Notecards and Envelopes - Value $18.00?

These notecards are also done by the artist. They're very pretty, but again, I wish they were authentically French. I estimated value based on some handpainted notecards I found on Etsy (linked above).

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The envelopes that come with the set are very cute, though. they have teeny tiny dots on the inside to provide extra privacy.

The Verdict: This box was delightfully glamorous, though I'm not sure I could justify the cost each quarter. The box is almost $200.00. I was really conservative with my estimates, but I found a value of only about $165.00 (including the bonus items). On top of that, I'm not sure that I personally would get enough value from the items in the box. The vintage bobbin, for example, is a lovely, thoughtful touch, but I don't see it as a treasure in the way someone else might. The slate tags, too, are a cute set, but especially without knowing too many details of their background, they feel a bit like something I could've picked up at a craft store. I think it comes down to style—if this box is right up your alley, aesthetic-wise, then you'll find lots to love here. I will say the fragrance products were phenomenal, and the balm is nice, too. And hey, it's just plain fun knowing you're having an authentically French experience no matter what corner of the world you're in!

What do you think of My Stylish French Box?

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Formerly known as My Stylish French Box, this is a quarterly subscription gift box of full sized products for home, garden, kitchen and femme from France. Featuring iconic French brands such as Cire Trudon and Fragonard as well as under the radar creators and artisans. Each box is based around a ... read more.

Anna Reilly
Anna Reilly
Anna loves collecting little treasures, be they pop-culture finds, handmade mementos, or new potions to put in her makeup bag. Beauty boxes got her interested in the subscription world, but now she's swooning for all things kawaii!

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30 comments

Sharon Santoni

Bonjour !

Thank you for the thoughtful review, Anna. We look forward to sending you our August box and we hope it will exceed expectations.

Just wanted to comment on the value of the box. As we read through the comments, we took these notes into account and the feedback is invaluable for us. The value of this box comes out at $250 on our side, due to a few of the items being worth more than the estimates above. The tote bag which is made by one of the last linen creators in France and is lined, made in a custom size and printed exclusively for us, would retail for at least $50. Additionally the Fleur d’oranger incense sticks are not yet available in the US but the creator let us know they would retail for $37. We valued the limited edition watercolor print higher as well, but we know some of the art items are subjective.

Just wanted to weigh in here because we take the feedback seriously, and love giving our clients a box from France of full-sized products that exceeds the value they paid, as well as hard to find and exclusive items at no shipping charge.

We hope that helps ! Thank you to everyone who left a comment and we can’t wait to surprise you for August. We’ve put together a box on the theme of Holidays in Provence, and we are looking forward to sharing an exceptional selection from the south of France.

Kindly,

Sharon & Hana @ My Stylish French Box

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Pandora

I probably spelled that wrong..but you know what subscription I’m speaking of…love my oui please

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Pandora

I’d rather spend on add ons and maybe OIU PLEASE

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Pandora

Definitely not worth the money..I’d be pissed

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Michelle

Wow I would have not been happy with this box at that price. A lot of “trinket” items and nothing that makes the price easy to swallow at all.

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Rebecca

Very disappointing how little research went into reviewing this box. It’s a lux high end box- and zero effort went into looking up the RV of products. $20 for the linen tote?!? $1 for the soap? I would have hoped there would have been a lot more effort put into learning about the companies featured.

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Kathy

Beautiful box and excellent review. This box isn’t for everyone, but I think it’s lovely. I had been eyeing this sub, but passed on the first two. The email for the third box arrived today, and I think I will subscribe.

As for value on the items, it’s there. My friend gifted me a very similar but larger tote, and I know it’s in the 100 dollar range. I have several pairs of those scissors, and the wooded bobbins wrapped in new and vintage velvet, lace, assorted ribbons fill my sewing cottage/studio. Some of these items are family heirlooms, others are gifts, or I purchased myself. Good quality does cost more, but if these items are not to your personal liking, they could be in the PSMH price range, and you still would not enjoy this box. I love this box, but I am happy I skipped this one.

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Tonya

Oh, this box is gorgeous and I’m so coveting that tote bag, but $200 is insane. I’m probably spoiled by the RVs of boxes like PopSugar, FFF, RZ, etc., but I’d pay $100 tops. Still, lovely items…very much my aesthetic.

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Misti

I don’t understand why some booklets don’t give rv’s. Did anyone get this box who would be interested in swapping anything from it? 🙂

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Ks

I love the variety of products but $200???? For price of 1 year of boxes, you can get a round trip to Paris!

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...

I wish that were true where I live! The cheapest fare is over $1,900.

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Pamela

I would never spend $200 for any box but I think this box is beautiful and looks very upscale

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Michelle

I like the diffuser and fancy soap/cream, but I still couldn’t see spending over $70 for the box. Just my opinion..

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Laura

Jeanne McKay Hartmann – A native Pacific Northwest girl, Jeanne lives in Seattle (like me).

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Tamara

To anyone lucky enough to afford this box, please don’t use the scissors on paper as it will dull them. Should anyone wish to part with their scissors, I would love to workout a swap or purchase.

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Anna Reilly

Ooo, thank you for this tip, Tamara! I’ve only ever owned mass-produced craft store scissors, so it’s good to know these handmade ones need some extra TLC. Thank you for commenting 🙂

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Ellie

I would be upset if I paid $200 and got this box. No way, in my view, is this stuff worth $200.

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Julie

This is a beautiful box but at $200 it needs a hero item and this doesn’t have it. It’s a wonderful mix of things but I feel like it’s things I can pick up at TJ Maxx especially if they aren’t using actual french artists or companies.

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Anna Reilly

I think most of the pieces are from or by French companies (or flea markets!), but for the prints from the American artist (which is a bonus item anyway). Still, I agree with you – when so many of the items are at least functionally equivalent to things you can find at stateside shops for less, it’s a little harder to justify paying more just to get something from abroad.

I guess it really comes down to how passionate you are about that culture – there are people who are really fascinated by French culture and that French country aesthetic, and they probably perceive far more value in this box than I’m able to (I’m more interested in this box because I like discovering new odds and ends for my apartment, and not so much because I’m looking for French items).

Thanks so much for commenting, Julie!

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...

The diffuser link is incorrect. The brand is called Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger and the rose diffuser is available on their website for €29, which is $32.40 in USD. I believe the value of the soap is €2, or $2.23 in USD (based on the cost of a three-pack).

I found another linen bag from Charvet for $105. (Look on figanbella dot com.) The linen bag Luxe Provence sent was from Perl B and had leather handles, but it was $135. I don’t think you could buy more than a small tea towel for $20!

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Em

I think you are hugely under-valuing the diffuser and the tote. A linen tote of that quality is likely at least $50 and the diffuser is more like $40, based in similar ones online.

That said, I still agree with you that the aesthetic is pretty specific.

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Mariek

Agree that tote is beautiful. Looks like it is worth way more than 20 bucks. The rest of the items are bleh though, and don’t justify the 200 price for the whole box

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Michelle

Okay, I am sorry but this is complete junk! I would be livid had I paid almost $200 for this mess. I do not see how they can charge that much for this? Crazy!!!

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Ash

I agree.

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Emilia

Agreed.

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Jackie

Anna, I always appreciate your reviews because you’re honest – without being rude. I read other sub sites, and not all reviewers are willing to say “hey this definitely isn’t worth the $200 to me, but maybe it’s your cup of tea!”.

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AAC

But the valuations are not correct in this case. Maybe it’s because Liz has more experience, but I find her RV to be more accurate.

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Sarahfromdallas

Well I don’t think she was really given much to go off of. I certainly wouldn’t have known how to value that stuff. It’s not her fault.