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Golden Tote $149 Clothing Tote Review – August 2017

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Golden Tote
4 overall rating
72 Ratings | 8 Reviews

If you aren’t familiar with Golden Tote, here’s a really quick intro: Every month you get to pick out 1-2 pieces, and they surprise you with the rest. (The surprise items are completely different from the pieces you pick from). Golden Tote also offers a Surprise Tote, where you choose your preferred size but what you receive is a complete surprise.

This is a review of the $149 Golden Tote.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

I love this months tote's color scheme! The size is also nice and spacious. This will be a great option to tote around my craft supplies!

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

The Subscription Box: Golden Tote

The Cost: $149 for the Golden Tote or $59 for The Mini Tote (both allow you to pick some of your items). $89 for The Surprise Tote. 

The Products: a total of 5 clothing items (2 you choose and 3 that are a surprise)

Ships to: Everywhere! Flat rate ground shipping within the US is $9.95. International is $30. Free shipping on US orders of $149 or more and International orders of $149 or more are charged $25.

Delivered via: UPS or USPS

Check out all of our Golden Tote reviews and the Women’s Clothing Subscription Box Directory!

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

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

A thank you note was included, which also includes more info about their return policy and instructions.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Here's a copy of my invoice, listing each item sent along with the retail prices.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Ellison Crochet Lace Top, size S - Value $45

This cream crochet top is the first item I chose for this month's The Golden Tote. I would also like to refer to it as my most favorite subscription box find of all time! I absolutely love this top and it speaks to my style in many ways. In addition to being a great quality, the crochet is super unique but feminine, and thick.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Look at the scallops along the neckline! I layered a cream camisole underneath for a monochromatic look, but I think it would also look cool with a contrasting underlayer. There is a lot of cut-out shapes in this crochet, but the diamonds are very opaque.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

I don't have a lot of tops with bell-sleeves but I looooove the extra flared three-quarter length here. To me, they are a special part of this top, but they're not so exaggerated that they get in the way.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

The neckline opens up thanks to a sweet little button and elastic closure. I like that the keyhole is small and doesn't take away from the elaborate crochet pattern. So happy with this pick!

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

ETWO Sundown Maxi Dress, size S - Value $46

This black maxi was my second pick! I chose it because I'm always on the hunt for a sleeved or structured maxi dress and after looking at the product photos, I felt this particular style would provide a thicker fabric. I'm also a fan of fall floral, so it was a good choice for right now.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Overall, this maxi is super sweet and I'm happy with this choice. The fabric is indeed a thick crepe-like polyester and the fit is true to size. There's an elastic waist that hugs ever so slightly, so it's comfortable to wear. The v-neck plunges lower than I'm comfortable with, so I layered a matching camisole underneath.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

 

The floral pattern doesn't match perfectly in the back, but for $46, I wouldn't expect it to. I'm a fan of the skirt's length too. For reference, I'm 5'4" and wearing a 2.5" heeled boot.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Naked Zebra Cold Shoulder V-Neck Top in Black, size S - Listed Value $40

The first of the surprise items is this casual cold-shoulder blouse. I like the slightly oversized fit, asymmetrical hem, and rolled cap sleeves. However, those shoulder cut-outs are making me cringe. I'm really trying to get on board with all things cold-shoulder, but this detail makes the top a miss for me. The fabric is pretty cool though and has a sporty handfeel.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

The sporty vibe continues with a horizontal flap along the yoke and vertical seam.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Renee C Border Print Blouse, size S - Listed Value $40

Next up is this sweet boho-inspired printed blouse. It too has a slightly oversized fit, so pairs well with skinny denim and booties. It wouldn't be my first choice, but the print and overall silhouette fits my style profile, so I'm glad they sent something new to try!

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

I am really enjoying the shorter than typical bell sleeve too. It lays flat and unassuming, but also adds a bit of flare. This detail definitely adds to the $40 value for me.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Moci Cold Shoulder Dress, size S - Listed Value $40

Last, but certainly not least, is a sweet bandage style dress. It is made of a slightly stretchy polyester and the horizontal ribbing is a mix of black and navy blue, although the overall dress appears more of the latter. Yes, there are cold shoulder cut-outs, but there's something about the sleeve ruffles that saves this for me. The dress' quality is really high and I'm shocked this is only valued at $40. It would make a great dress to wear to a fall wedding or special night out.

Golden Tote $149 Tote August 2017 Women's Clothing Subscription Box

Sorry for the bra strap fail here. There's a purely decorative cut-out on the back.

Verdict: Although I received a Mystery Tote last month, this is my first experience with the $149 monthly Golden Tote. I am once again happy with what I received and like that, I get to pick two new items, yet there's still a surprise factor based on preferences. I will regularly wear three of the items and now have a great cocktail dress on-hand. Although the black top was a miss, the total value of what I'll wear still exceeds the $149 monthly cost.

What do you think about The Golden Tote

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Golden tote is a surprise shopping spree bundled up in a cute, canvas tote bag and delivered to your door without doing any of the work. It's a great assortment of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories curated just for you. Select one or two items, and the Golden Tote stylists surprise you with the... read more.
Sara McClelland
Sara McClelland
Sara received a gift subscription to Birchbox in 2013 and has been intrigued by (ok, obsessed with) discovery and fashion boxes ever since. Her basset hound, Oliver, is a huge fan of Barkbox, too.

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16 comments

Elizabeth

I am so with you on the cold shoulder trend. I’m ready for it to fade away into the distance. And I gasped when I saw the crochet top; it’s lovely!!

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Sara McClelland

Haha, I may have gasped too! Thanks, Elizabeth 🙂

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Jann

The crochet top is so cute! I think it is my favorite item of all time too. It just fits you perfectly. 🙂

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Sara McClelland

It really is so good! <3

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AmyM

LOVE that crochet top on you. As soon as I saw the photo I thought, ‘she is crazy about that top.’ I really like everything you received. Great choices!

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Sara McClelland

LOL <3 it! Thanks, Amy!

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hjp

So with Golden Tote there’s no chance to return or exchange items you don’t love?

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Laura

You can return anything you want but all items revert to their boutique price, so most of the time it actually costs more to return it. Plus you have to pay for return shipping. If she returned that one top, she would have to pay $171 plus shipping, so it’s actually more cost effective to just keep it. There is a Golden Tote swap and shop site on Facebook that people try to sell stuff they don’t like.

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Sara McClelland

Thank you for clarifying! I’ll make sure to be clearer in my reviews 🙂

hjp

Interesting! Thanks for the info!

Haley Faye

I love everything on you, and you styled that Renee C blouse to perfection! ☺️

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Sara McClelland

Thanks, Haley <3 I have some big shoes to fill with The Golden Tote reviews 🙂

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Maggie

I actually think the black top is my favorite on you! It looks very flattering. However, how something looks doesn’t always mean it feels the same way.

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heat7918

I agree with Maggie – that black tops looks amazing on you! I think my least favorite is the black floral maxi dress… it looks too big on you or just needs to be a little more fitted (for my taste) because you have such an adorable shape!

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judy

I agree with both Maggie and heat7918….. 🙂 …… LOVE the crochet top with skinny jeans and booties………so adorable – feminine, fun and romantic ……. LOVE you in that black top with skinny jeans…… it IS so flattering……. and I too think the maxi dress is too big for you…… you are too darn cute to be swallowed up by that “thing”…….hope that’s okay to say…… 🙁 🙂