If you aren’t familiar with Golden Tote, here’s a really quick intro: Every month, a new "collection" of seasonally appropriate, trend-conscious clothing is added to their collection. Depending on the subscription level you choose, you can pick out 1-2 pieces from those options, and Golden Tote will surprise you with the rest. The surprise items are completely different from the collections you pick from. Golden Tote also offers a Surprise Tote, where you choose your preferred size but leave all the picking up to the stylists at Golden Tote.
Golden Tote also offers the option to choose add-ons, which means you can shop additional clothing from the displayed monthly collection for a reduced price!
This is a review of the $149.00 Golden Tote (the largest option), which includes 5 clothing items total plus free shipping. (Free shipping is good for any order over $149.00.)
And for those of you asking, yes, everything does arrive in a literal tote! The November tote features a leaf pattern. (So far, it seems like each month features a new, different tote design!)
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.)
The Subscription Box: Golden Tote
The Cost: $149.00 for the Golden Tote (5 clothing items), or $59.00 for the Mini Tote (2 clothing items). Both allow you to pick at least one of your items. The Surprise Tote (3 clothing items all picked by Golden Tote) is $89.00.
The Products: The full-sized Golden Tote (being reviewed here) contains five clothing items, up to two of which you get to pick from a featured monthly collection of styles (including tops, bottoms, dresses, and some outerwear). The rest, Golden Tote chooses for you from a separate assortment of seasonal, on-trend looks.
Ships to: The US for $5.95 or free on orders $149 and over. International for $30.00.
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!
My tote came with a thank you note, as well as return instructions, in case something doesn't fit or otherwise work out.
They also sent along an invoice to remind me what I picked myself and what "Secret Items" Golden Tote picked for me!
Autumn Cardigan Sweater, Size Medium - Retail Value $45.00 or $40.00 with a tote
This might just be my favorite item from Golden Tote yet! It's not the most flattering item, but boy oh boy is it ever cozy. It's 53% nylon and 47% viscose with a stretchy, slightly fuzzy feeling. It's not the thickest sweater in the world, but it makes up for it in volume and general snuggliness. I really like the heathered almond-like color (they call it "Mocha" on the invoice), and the big, deep pockets are a huge plus. I think I'll keep this in my office for that occasional chilly morning. Since it's neutral, it should work with a lot of different outfits, from button-ups and skirts to tees and jeans.
Released Hem Straight Jeans in Dark Wash, Size 31 - Retail Value $50.00 or $40.00 with a tote
I was such a big fan of the jeans I got in my first Golden Tote order that I just had to try my luck again! Last month's pair were skinnies, and this month's pair is a straight-leg style. It's more like a bootcut. I was really happy with the fit, once again. These jeans have a good bit of stretch to them (they're 73% cotton, 14% rayon, 11% polyester, and 2% spandex, FYI), so they hug my body without being too restrictive or stiff. I love the dark wash, and the raw, frayed ankles are a look I haven't tried before. I wear non-skinny-jeans so infrequently that I feel like my legs were like "YAAAAASSS" when I put these on, haha! They're super comfortable and create a pretty nice line. Over the weekend, I wore these cuffed over slightly-heeled booties, which looked really cute, too. I did notice that they stretch out after awhile, but they snap back to where I like 'em after a round in the laundry.
Pink Owl Floral A-Line Dress, Size Medium
From here on out, all the looks are things Golden Tote picked for me. They aren't listed in the site boutique, nor do they have prices listed on the invoice, hence the lack of prices for these looks. But don't worry—I'll break the value down in the Verdict at the end of this review!
You can see in the pic above that I used this dress as an opportunity to give the whole "dresses over jeans" trend a try. It was... okay. I feel like the fault isn't on the trend, but that it requires (at least on me) skinny denim and a dress that's not quite so overwhelming. I really love how comfortable this dress is. It's a knit poly-spandex blend with a stretchy polyester lining, so it's soft and has plenty of give. But the fabric and lining together have a heft about them that feels a bit bulky on me. The pattern is really pretty, but I feel like it's a little too much for me—looking in the mirror, it's like "dress!" where I want it to be like "oh look, it's me wearing a dress!" All that said, I might hang on to it and see if I can style it in a way that works a bit better for me. Maybe it just needs a belt or a little jacket to break it up.
Le Lis Dandelion Print Top, Size Medium
Ooo, now this top was a winner right out the gate. I really like this unexpected pattern—the pinkish dandelion seeds look really elegant, but also a little bit playful. I love the little layers over the neckline, which create a tiny keyhole and a bit more ruffly movement in the top. It just feels very romantic, but not fragile or overly dainty for my tastes. The top is polyester and a little bit sheer, but only when you really hold it up to the light. I'm such a fan of this top! Great pick, Golden Tote.
Le Lis Scoop Neck Tee with Shoulder Ruffle Detail, Size Medium
So, I don't think this is an amazing top, but there are so many things I like about it that you'll totally see me wearing it regardless! This knit top has a softness to it that I didn't expect, plus I really like the slightly heathered black color. I have a few pieces with ruffles on them, and I love the bit of playfulness they add to an average sweater or sweatshirt. The same goes for the little ruffles on the shoulders of this top. The downside is that they do make my already-wide shoulders look just a bit wider. The broad neckline has the same effect. Again, that's not a dealbreaker for me—this just might not be the top I reach for when I'm dressing to impress. But it's a great casual-day-out pick! Like the last look, be aware that it's the slightest bit sheer. Also, as you can tell above, the neck is too wide for regular bra straps. I'll either have to go for something strapless or wear a simple bra with straps that won't clash too much!
The Verdict: I'm so happy with Golden Tote! I feel like I've already recommended it to so many friends of mine who are looking for a monthly styling subscription that will work for them. I've found that the aesthetic of this subscription addresses both ends of my style spectrum. I'm in a good habit now of picking relatively basic staple pieces that I know I'll love and letting the Golden Tote stylists fill the rest of the bag with slightly more adventurous pieces—things I can wear to work or more-special occasions that I might not think to reach for myself. For instance, I love the jeans I've gotten from Golden Tote thus far, and this month's cardigan will def be in my wardrobe for awhile. But the fluttery dandelion-print top? That's super me but something I probably wouldn't notice or think to try on at the store. And now, I have a slightly more polished look that I can wear to professional events, family dinners, holiday parties... it's super practical and versatile!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Some of the items from the November collection are still available to shop, but what other items you'll get in your tote is totally a surprise! Follow this link to see the current featured collections!
Value Breakdown: This box cost $149.00 + free shipping. The two items I could find a price for had a retail value of $95.00 total, or $80.00 as part of a tote. Follow me on this math—the cost of the tote minus the $80.00 part-of-a-tote cost of the two items I picked is $69.00, meaning the remaining three items that Golden Tote curated for me have an average value of $23.00 each.
You can also think about the value in terms of the overall average cost per item, which is $29.80 (five items totaling $149.00). That means you're paying about $30.00 per item in this tote. In terms of tops, I pay a little less than that at the mall, but for jeans that really fit, $30.00 is often a steal. Add in the convenience/curation factor (and the free tote bag!), and I feel like the pricing on this feels pretty fair and works for my budget.
What do you think about Golden Tote?
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