Facebook PixelModCloth Stylish Surprise Box Review - July 2017 | MSA
My Subscription Addiction
My Subscription Addiction
Our reviewers research, test, and recommend the best subscriptions and products independently; click to learn more about our editorial guidelines. We may receive commissions on purchases made through links on our site.

ModCloth Stylish Surprise Box Review – July 2017

Anna Reilly
ByAnna ReillyJul 28, 2017 | 43 comments

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

ModCloth Stylish Surprise
4 overall rating
27 Ratings | 6 Reviews

A few times a year, ModCloth launches their “Stylish Surprise”, which are mystery items you can buy at a deep discount. We're talking typically pricier pieces for around $10-$20! Buying a Stylish Surprise is sort of like buying a blind box toy—you'll know the category of item you're buying (like dresses, apparel, shoes, apartment, etc.) and what size you've chosen, but you'll only find out what exact piece you're getting when you open your box. There are usually a wide range of styles and aesthetics in the mix, so what you wind up with is totally random... and a total surprise!

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

The thing about Stylish Surprise is that items go fast. We're talking sold-out-in-hours fast. The Stylish Surprises I shopped for this review is now done and sold out, but there always seems to be another Stylish Surprise event right around the corner. Check out the items I got to see the kind of mix of products you can expect and stay tuned for updates!

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

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

The Box: ModCloth Stylish Surprise

Here were the categories this time:

  • Stylish Surprise Dresses - $20 each, sizes XS-4X
  • Stylish Surprise Apparel - $15 each, sizes XS-4X
  • Stylish Surprise Shoes - $10 each, sizes 5-11
  • Stylish Surprise Jewelry - $5 each
  • Stylish Surprise Apartment - $10 each

Check out all of our ModCloth Stylish Surprise reviews and the Women's Clothing Subscription Box Directory!

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

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

As with normal ModCloth orders, the box comes with an invoice, though it only gives the prices you paid for the Stylish Surprises, not the original value of the products you wind up with. I was able to nab items from the Apparel, Dresses, and Shoes categories—everything from the Apartment and Jewelry categories was gone by the time I got to place my order (which was only a few hours into the event)!

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise! It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

There are a couple discounts in the box. The first is a Hello Fresh coupon...

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise! It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

...and the second is a code for 25% off orders of $100 or more in celebration of ModCloth's 15th birthday!

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

Stylish Surprise Top - Cost $15.00, Value $39.99?

This top is a little cutesier than what I'd usually reach for, but the fit is amaaaazing! I found similar tops on the ModCloth site (the brand is called Circus), and at the time of this post, they're on sale for $39.99. That's still way more than a measly $15.00!

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise! It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise! It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

The top is made from 100% rayon, but it feels like cotton weave. Note that if you hate ironing, this isn't the top for you, hehe. It's really soft, and the fabric drifts beautifully over my torso. It's loose but not in the sense that it's billowy or blousey, and it's just fitted enough to still feel tailored. This is a UK size 14, which corresponds with the large sizing I picked (usually I'm a medium on top and a large on the bottom, but 1) I wasn't sure if I'd end up with a bottom or a top, and 2) I've had experience with pieces from ModCloth running small on me, so I figured I'd cut my losses). The color and print is really cute and flattering, and the pleated, bow-adorned neckline is so sweet! It's got a bit of a retro vibe. It took me a few tries to get the bow looking cute, but I'm really happy with this leaf-printed design, especially with fall coming up soon.

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise! It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise! It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

Stylish Surprise Shoes - Cost $10.00, Value $39.99?

Other flats by this brand, But Another Innocent Tale (a.k.a. B.A.I.T.) Footwear, are going for $39.99 at the time of this post, so again, this is a great deal. These shoes are definitely too cutesy for me, but I'm excited to find a friend who might want to take these in. They're so darn charming with their patent hearts and suede-like bodies. They're a tad stiff to walk in, but I'm hoping they'd break in nicely. The right shoe had what looks like a little scuff or oil stain on the toe, but it's not super noticeable given the rest of the personality these shoes have!

It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise! It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise! It's time to review the dress, top, and shoes I got in my ModCloth Stylish Surprise!

Stylish Surprise Dress - Cost $20.00, Value $59.99?

I was most excited to see what dress I'd get from Stylish Surprise, and while this dress isn't exactly my style, I was really impressed by the quality of what I got! This deep teal maxi dress features a sheer overlay printed with periwinkle- and purple-splashed flowers. It's got a real elegant, bohemian, sort of 70s vibe about it, especially given the keyhole neckline and slightly puffed sleeves. The brand is Coco Love, and the dress itself is 100$ polyester. It's not on the ModCloth site anymore, but other Coco Love pieces go for around $59.99, so I'm definitely getting a deal here. While this isn't my aesthetic, I'm really digging how beautifully this dress fits (with heeled boots on of course), so I might have to hang onto it for awhile and use it on special occasions!

Verdict: I was pleasantly surprised by my first-ever ModCloth Stylish Surprise! The three items cost me as much as just one of these items would've been at regular price (at least), so I'm thrilled by the value. The only thing I'm definitely giving/swapping away are the shoes, but I was overall impressed by the quality of the pieces I got, given that this is basically a clearance event. I can't wait for the next Stylish Surprise!

What do you think about ModCloth’s Stylish Surprise this time around? What did you get?

Starting at $10.00
Subscribe Now
ModCloth Stylish Surprise is a once-a-quarter mystery box. ModCloth offers their apparel, shoes, accessories and sometimes apartment items at a huge discount, but you don't know what you're going to get - you can only pick the size. This isn't a typical subscription, so if you want to make sure ... 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!

Join the Conversation

Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.

43 comments

Melanie

I ordered three dresses and two were identical. I contacted Modcloth and they refunded the $20 for the dress and then, when I said I would really rather have a different dress, they apologized and said all they could do was refund the $20 and give me a $15 gift card. And that’s fine, but I’m bummed.

Reply ButtonReply

Patricia

I think you lucked out! I was nervous about ordering too & should have gone with my instincts not to…but I did it anyway. Ugh! Big mistake! I got two dresses (as apparel picks) & a pair of flats. Both dresses were super ugly & one was even the wrong size. The shoes were ugly too and incredibly uncomfortable. I will not be risking this again. I’ll take my $50 and buy something I really like.

Reply ButtonReply

Amanda

Patricia,

If they gave you dresses when you ordered apparel chat them on their website! I got an apparel instead of a dress and got to keep the apparel and got a full refund for the dress. They are very accommodating!

Reply ButtonReply

Mandi

I ordered 7 shoes and 2 apparel and with the code it was 30% off the total. I was excited about my “score” until the most drab, boring items arrived. I’m not sure that I’ll wear ANY of it, but Goodwill is getting a solid donation from me in the morning! Next time I’ll pass on this “deal” of a lifetime. I should know better than to risk it.

Reply ButtonReply

SquirrelyGirl

The dress is called “Come Sway Awhile” and was originally $129.99

The orange top is called “Up, Up and Amaze” in leaves and was originally $49.99

The BAIT flats are the Ermah Pink and on their website (and other sites) for $57

You scored!

Reply ButtonReply

Anna Reilly

Oh AWESOME! Thanks for digging that info up!

Reply ButtonReply

SquirrelyGirl

No problem! Great haul!

Michelle

How do you find out that info. I’d love to know what my items retail for. I think I did pretty good.

Reply ButtonReply

Vanessa

The easiest way to identify them is to carefully peel off the top sticker and get the original modcloth “PID#” Then use google powers searching “modcloth” with that number and like if it’s a dress or shirt or whatever. If that doesn’t work (sometimes it doesn’t) I do a google search with descriptive terms for the article of clothing and then check “image” at the top of the screento do just an image search. There’s usually some pinterest pins that will have the name of the piece and you can research from there. (Sometimes waybackmachine.com will even have some screenshots of modcloths web listings for older articles with long dead links. These are the methods I’ve been using with great success. I’m obsessed with stylish surprise, haha!

SquirrelyGirl

I have been shopping with Modcloth for years and also sell their liquidation clothing so I guess I have become good at id’ing/finding items lol. If you want to pm me pictures I can try and help you find them 🙂

Kelly

I ordered three pairs of shoes. The value was good but not sure I’ll wear any of them.

Red open toe mule with block heel by Wild Diva

https://www.betseyjohnson.com/product/SB-ADELE/238166.uts?selectedColor=IVORY (But in black)

https://www.bcfootwear.com/home.tpl?page=singleitem.inc&cart=170728762504&sku=PETITE-9SF&H_P_Special=PETITE# (Pewter)

Reply ButtonReply

Michelle

I got those same flats as you. The second pair. They’re cute! I wish that I hadn’t gotten 2 pairs of flats though as I’m kinda short.

Reply ButtonReply

Ragan

I would totally be happy with shoes like that. I don’t know when it happened, but a ton of hot pink infiltrated my wardrobe this year.

Reply ButtonReply

steph

I love that top, so cute.
Can’t wait to see what I get in my first stylish surprise, my first modcloth order actually!
Hope it comes soon!
Is there a board where people are posting what they got? I’d love to see or maybe it might make me mad? haha

Reply ButtonReply

Bluebillie

I’m in the “take the sleeves off” camp as I have your same style and proportions but shorter and slightly smaller (still smaller on top bigger on bottom, same hair color and style too). I’d say twinsies! … but man that’s too twee! I think sleeveless, the dress instantly becomes more 90’s grunge. With the boots and eye makeup it would be an awesome statement. I think for the top, you could style with grey or grey and black to stay away from the orange and just black pumpkin look. You could totally work the to with different knot techniques too! You look great as always, love all your reviews.

Reply ButtonReply

Anna Reilly

Oh my gosh, these are such rad styling ideas! I love the idea of grunging up the currently-very-boho dress. That’s way more me 🙂 Thank you for being so complimentary and for all of the great fashion ideas!!!!

Reply ButtonReply

Jen

I wonder if Modcloth knows when they’re sending clothes to a reviewer and then pick better stuff for those people. What I see in these reviews is often much better than what I’ve gotten in the stylish surprise, as well as what other people get based on the comments. I can’t believe they would think it’s ok to send 3 of the same item!!

Reply ButtonReply

Kristin

I got the same exact shirt so seems unlikely.

Reply ButtonReply

Lynner

And Anna worked for them for many years….just saying

Reply ButtonReply

Jennifer V

I love the idea of taking the sleeves off the dress! I have always wanted to try an Apartment Stylish Surprise, but they sell out SO quickly!

Reply ButtonReply

Stephanie

Urgh I got three crew neck t-shirts with words on them, which I would never ever wear. Then I got three of the same exact dress! The dress is cute but I don’t need 3 of them!

Reply ButtonReply

Shannon R.

Have you contacted Modcloth about the repeats? That’s not right, they should fix it!

Reply ButtonReply

Ky

I love the top and shoes. Both are very cute.

Reply ButtonReply

Jennifer

I say keep the sleeves on the dress but get it shortened to just above the knee and pair with booties and felt hat for fall and maybe a denim jacket.

Reply ButtonReply

Lola

I had the same thought of shortening the dress. Cool 70s retro vibe.

Reply ButtonReply

Jenny

I received the same top in a unicorn print! Fun stuff!

Reply ButtonReply

Kat

I absolutely agree that if you made a slight alteration to remove the sleeves on that dress it would be gorgeous. And I think that that shirt looks gorgeous.

I ordered 2 dresses, 3 apparel, and 3 shoes. I’m nervous as to what I’m getting for my first stylish surprise. Mine is 8.8 pounds and should be delivered by Monday at the latest (I feel like I’m talking about a baby). Fingers crossed.

Reply ButtonReply

jenniferjoykelly

The top is wonderful on you!!! Honestly, I think the dress is a little too much for your stature. I do like the idea that someone said of taking off the sleeves, that would look great on you!

Reply ButtonReply

Anna Reilly

Hehe, I agree about the dress – it works, but only because I’m wearing boots with a bit of a heel. I’d never have thought about removing the sleeves but I am loving that idea! Especially since I’m on the shorter side, this dress already feels like a LOT of fabric on me, ha! Taking the sleeves off might alleviate that vibe a bit. Plus, I think it’ll just look really cool. Thank you so much for your kind suggestions <3

Reply ButtonReply

Ann

That dress would get lots of wear, if you were Loretta Lynn, circa 1972. Definitely retro!

Nice haul! Love that top on you!

Reply ButtonReply

Michelle

OMG!! You took the thought right out of my head. Then I remembered my grandma wore a dress like that to her and grandpas 50th wedding anniversary party!! 20 years ago….

Reply ButtonReply

Kris

I almost bought an item from the apparel and shoes category, but I’m so picky about my clothes that I just couldn’t do it! 😬 The shirt definitely looks great on you and the dress is nice too , but I completely agree that the shoes are way too cutesy for my aesthetic!! Based on Mod Cloth pricing…you got a good deal! 👍🏻

Reply ButtonReply

judy

…. I think you SCORED!!! 🙂 ……. LOVE that shirt on you…… great fit, great fall color….. and great retro vibe…… shoes are a bit Mary Poppins but someone will love them too……… the dress looks fab on you !!!

Reply ButtonReply

Helen

I like the dress but I think it would work better without the sleeves. It almost seems like they don’t quite belong on the dress. Now if you were super handy with a needle you could take the sleeves off and make a belt out of them. 🙂

I am always really tempted by the stylish surprise but can never seem to pull the trigger. It probably doesn’t help that I go to the sale page first pick out the worst dress available in my size and just know I’ll get that one. One of these days…

Reply ButtonReply

Kris

Wow, Helen… I did the exact same thing! It seems to always be my luck !!!

Reply ButtonReply

michelle

I wish I would of received a dress like that. Very beautiful. Mine are nice but now I’m having a little envy! 😉

Reply ButtonReply

Svetlana7e

I would be so happy if I receive it. The dress is awesome, I have such an envy for you. I 5’11 and I would absolutely love the dress. The shirt is very cute and nice on you. Orange is not my color but it looks so good on you and great for fall theme. The flats are adorable. Ok, ok, I am totally jealous for what you got and you look great in every piece of clothing and shoes. Just add some stilettos for your dress and you will be a red carpet queen.

Reply ButtonReply

liabc

The fabric on that dress is the same as the Helena Quinn Kimono from Rachel Zoe Box of Style. It’s lovely.

Reply ButtonReply

sher_w

That’s what I thought too! 🙂

Reply ButtonReply

Jane

Great haul!

Reply ButtonReply