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Trunk Club for Women Subscription Review – November 2017

Trunk Club December 2017 box closed

Trunk Club
3.5 overall rating
59 Ratings | 13 Reviews

Trunk Club is a clothing styling service for both women and men. Similar to Stitchfix, subscribers fill out a detailed style profile which, in turn, your assigned stylist uses to handpick clothes, shoes, and accessories. There is a $25 styling fee which is credited towards whatever you decide to keep.

Trunk Club December 2017 box closed and on it's side showing handle

The quality of this box is incredible! It looks like a suitcase trunk and is made of thick cardboard. There's a handle at the top of the box which was great when carrying the box around my house.

Trunk Club December 2017 closeup of box closed and on it's side showing handle

Trunk Club is a Nordstrom company, and they send similar brands that range in the $75-300 range. In the style profile, you can choose your preferred price range for each category (ie. $50-100, $100-200, or $200+)

The items in this box are reflective of my style and price preferences, so your Trunk Club may be completely different!

Trunk Club December 2017 box open showing clothes folded

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

Trunk Club December 2017 review

About Trunk Club

The Subscription Box: Trunk Club

The Cost: $25 styling fee, credited towards any items you choose to keep, plus the cost of whatever you keep. Shipping and returns are free.

The Products: Clothing, shoes, and accessories hand-selected by your stylist for you to try on at home

Ships to: Contiguous 48 states for free. Alaska and Hawaii (shipping and return fees apply)

Good to Know: Trunk Club carries sizes XS - 3X. Check out Anna's plus size reviews here!

Also good to know: Trunk Club price matches "within 14 days of purchase exclusively to Nordstrom." The $25 styling fee is waived if you use a Nordstrom credit or debit card.

Trunk Club Women's November 2017 Review

Trunk Club envelope

Trunk Club instructions

Trunk Club return address postage

My box arrived with a packet of info and shipping materials for anything I decide to return.

Trunk Club letter from stylist

When I originally completed my style profile, I was matched to a stylist, Kaley. We discussed my profile and I shared her on my Pinterest board for style inspiration! At first this month I did not have any specific requests. However, after seeing my preview, there were many styles that didn't feel "me" or seasonally appropriate. At that point, I remembered I've been seeking sweater coats and a black pant and asked Kaley to send options.

Trunk Club closeup of invoice

Here's a list of what was sent, along with pricing if I decide to keep anything. They also sent instructions of what to do next, including providing Kaley feedback using their app. You are given five business days to try everything on and ship back whatever you do not want to keep. You can also ask for an extension if you need more time. I can drop my box back off at any UPS location, or I can schedule a free pickup through the Trunk Club app or website!

Trunk Club info

Trunk Club also provided more info about holiday gifting ideas!

Marc Fisher Yellin Pointy Toe Chelsea Boot shoe box closed

Marc Fisher Yellin Pointy Toe Chelsea Boot

Marc Fisher Yellin Pointy Toe Chelsea Boot, size 8 - Cost to keep: $179.95

These black leather booties are perfection! The last thing I need is another pair of booties, but I am strongly considering adding them to my closet, even at the steep price tag. The quality is incredible and I know I'd own them for a long time to come.

Marc Fisher Yellin Pointy Toe Chelsea Boot closeup of toe

I don't own any shoes this pointy and I love the unique squared tip. It's subtle, but there are also metal tips on the toe that feel modern, with a Western nod.

Marc Fisher Yellin Pointy Toe Chelsea Boot back

There's also a metal detail on the back, along with approximately 1" heels.

Overall, I found the booties to be comfortable and super wearable. There are elastic insets that help to put both shoes on easily. These are a solid pair of boots!

Halogen Woven Plaid Wrap, size O/S - Cost to keep: $129

I normally dislike plaid patterns, but I was drawn to the neutral palette and large scale on this coat. It is made of 85% polyester and 15% wool but feels like a good quality of the latter. The oversized fit, large front pockets, and three-quarter sleeves give this more of a poncho or wrap feel, which is not the look I was hoping for. I should have communicated better to Kaley, but I was really hoping for a beautiful maxi wool or knitted buttoned car coat. The open front feels sloppy and too lightweight for my current cold-weather needs. It's a pretty item though and would easily fit a plethora of body types and autumnal wardrobes.

BP. Ruffle Hem Bell Sleeve Top, size S - Cost to keep: $45

If I'm not mistaken, this was one of the replacement items Kaley added after providing preview feedback. And it's an awesome choice for my style! This top is made of 100% cotton and has a nice drape and soft hand feel. I love the mock ribbed turtleneck, wide bell sleeves, and asymmetrical peplum waist; without these details, it might be boring. Unfortunately, this top feels too similar to a recent Golden Tote score, so I will likely send this back. It's a great price for the quality, though so I may have to ask to try it in yellow or pink!

Madewell 'High Riser' Coated Skinny Jeans, size 27 - Cost to keep: $135 (found here for $90.45)

I have tried coated jeans in other clothing subscription boxes and never thought about keeping them in the past. I found this pair to fit a lot better than most. They are a cotton/nylon/elastane blend and have a true skinny jean tightness to them, but are comfortable on. They feel more like a cool-girl pant, rather than a flashy jean. I would definitely consider keeping these, especially at the sale price on Nordstrom.com!

J. Crew Buffalo Check Shirt Jacket, size S - Cost to keep: $110

Are you like me and not realize J.Crew is sold at Nordstrom?! I am unable to find this particular jacket on their website, but there are lots of other great options. I have always been a fan of J. Crew, so even though I don't care for plaids, I decided to give this a whirl when I saw it in my preview. This is described as a jacket, but I think it's more of a long sleeve pullover. It is made of a soft wool buffalo plaid and complete with front pockets and buttoned collar. I always look to J. Crew to elevate classic clothing, and although I think they acheived that with this item, it misses the mark for my personal style.

Articles of Society Heather High Waist Jeans, size 27 - Cost to keep: $64

I have had success with Articles of Society in past Trunk Club boxes, so I was happy to once again see this brand. This particular black pair of skinny jeans is made from a cotton/polyester/rayon/spandex so lots of stretch and a comfortable fit I'm used to. However, they feel a bit basic and similar to another pair of black denim I already own. These will sadly be returned.

Patagonia 'Better Sweater' Jacket, size S - Cost to keep: $139

Oh boy, this is not what I meant by sweater coat. 🙁 Don't get me wrong, I looooove a good Patagonia item, but more of the down jacket variety. I will say though, the quality is there in this piece. It is made of 100% polyester, but the black and white heathered knit is incredibly soft. It is fleece-lined and a few zippered pockets. Despite the great quality, this is just not the style jacket I personally would justify spending $100+ on.

Sanctuary Plaid Boyfriend Shirt, size S - Cost to keep: $79

Similar to the J. Crew top, I would normally say nay to plaid, but there was something cool-girl about this when I saw it in the Trunk Club preview. In person, it's still cool, but a little too oversized for my frame. It's a boyfriend fit, so I would expect it to be slouchy, but the sleeves were a tad long and the bodice's cut not so flattering. The 100% rayon fabric, however, is a nice black, burgundy and white plaid and I like how the pockets and cuffs have black snaps. There's also an option to roll and snap the sleeves which is great when transitioning to different seasons.

Free People High Waist Ankle Skinny Pants, size 27 - Cost to keep: $58

Ugh, these are perfection....almost! I was so excited to see these pants in my Trunk Club box! They look like a legging, but the cotton/polyester/spandex blend is super thick and feels like a skinny pant on (meaning I would be totally comfortable pairing them shorter tops, something I don't usually do with cotton leggings). On the Nordstrom model, they look flooded to the ankle, but these definitely fit longer on my 5'4" frame. The downside? They were sent in my normal size and have vertical darts starting at the elastic waist that help them fit like a glove, but they are beyond tight. Like, cutting off my circulation tight. I asked Kaley about exchanges, and although totally doable, she mentioned Free People normally runs large, so the next size up could be too big. I've decided to not take the chance and send them back.

 

Free People Topanga Sleeveless Turtleneck, size S - Cost to keep: $20

I am always a fan of Free People, especially at this price point, but to be honest, this top feels really random for the time of year. I am definitely in a cold-weather mindset, so I was a little thrown seeing a sleeveless top, albeit turtleneck. The polyester/rayon ribbed fabric is really lightweight with a casual fit. The racerback sleeve cutout is exaggerated making this top not bra strap-friendly. It's a cool piece, but even at $20, I'm sending this option back.

Topshop Ponte Twill Coat, size 6 - Cost to keep: $110

Last up this month is a beautiful pink car coat! Made of 65% polyester, 33% viscose, and 2% elastane, I thought it was more of a true wool, based on the fabric's quality. The coat is a simple and sophisticated silhouette, with notched lapel, two buttons, and slitted front pockets. It was sent a size larger than I normally wear, but I would expect this coat to be oversized. Although I think it looks better on me unbuttoned, it's an overall pretty option.

Verdict: I'm sad to say it, but this month's Trunk Club is not a favorite. Normally my boxes hit it out of the park, so I'm not totally disappointed when thinking about this subscription service overall. This month was filled with a lot of options, but I experienced more sizing and personal style misses than normal. Regardless, Trunk Club is by far my favorite box to receive each month and I will definitely look forward to next month.

For the $25 styling fee (which includes free shipping and returns), I feel Trunk Club is an easy process start to finish and a low-risk way of discovering high-quality brands and trends. You will definitely pay more out of pocket for the styles you keep, but you’re guaranteed Nordstrom brands.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Trunk Club curates its boxes based on each individual’s preferences as well as what’s available. What you get might not be the same as what I got, but you also might get something that fits your style and body even better than the looks above! Sign up and see what they choose for you!

Value Breakdown: This box cost $25 with free shipping and returns. The total retail value of the 9 items inside is $1,068.95 and an average of $97.18 per item. The cost of each item is listed alongside it above, but if I choose to keep anything, the $25 cost of the box would also be applied to the purchase.

Check out all of our Trunk Club reviews and the Women's Clothing Subscription Box Directory!

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

What do you think of Trunk Club? What did you receive this month?

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Trunk Club is Nordstrom’s online personal styling service for women and men priced at $25 per month (which gets applied towards any items you choose to keep). When you sign up, you provide Nordstrom Trunk Club with your sizing, preferences, and budget, and the subscription service then matches yo... 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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11 comments

Moo

I just ordered the coated jeans in Madewell’s site for about $63. They look great on you and their current sale is good until tomorrow!

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AH

Holy Plaid and Black Pants/skinnies! I was really surprised to see these picks for you, as I thought you were pretty strictly against plaid. There’s 3 plaid tops/outerwear and 3 black pairs of jeans/pants! I’ve wanted to say it before, but I dont want it to come across as anything except a compliment. I see you trying oversized tops and “tent” silhouettes a lot. You absolutely, positively have a body that can rock much tighter styles! I hope you will try some tighter, more structured tops in the future!

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Sara McClelland

Thanks, AH! I do gravitate towards tented silhouettes, but maybe I’ll switch it up in 2018 😉

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Amy

Those plaids are manly and unflattering on you. They don’t do anything for your figure.

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Noelle L

These items all look like high quality. I think you could wear anything and it would look cute. I agree, too much plaid in the selections. The red and black J Crew, perfect colors and fit for you. As is the Free the People top. Maybe wear it as a turtleneck under sweaters until Spring? And the fit not quite right on some of the tops/jackets. Like I said, nice quality good try on Trunk Club’s part.

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Sara McClelland

Thanks, Noelle! This box was definitely filled with high-quality clothing and shoes, which is one of the things I love most about Trunk Club!

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Ks

Good boots are always a great investment. Everything else they sent? Hard pass. Maybe the coated jeans but even then…you can probably find cheaper option.

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Michelle

I’m sure its just me but everything looks manly and lumberjacky…I know that isn’t a word but it is now. Those boots remind me of the boots and polyester pants my dad wore in the 60’s.

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LoriW.

The boots are gorgeous! I don’t think I could justify paying $180 for them, but I’d sure try.

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Kc

They chose A LOT of plaid and similar colors. The jeans and shoes are all that stand out. With over $1000 of items shipped in one box I’m paranoid it’d get lost in the mail or an item would get damaged that I’d have to end up paying for. I feel like my stylist doesn’t listen to my requests to keep things under $100 per piece so I haven’t used this sub in quite awhile now.

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abidina

I know it isn’t your aesthetic, but the black booties/coated jeans/buffalo plaid pullover combo is SO CUTE on you. I really love my Trunk Club, but I do hate when I get a piece that’s almost right but sold out in the size I REALLY need – though that’s an issue anywhere!

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