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.
This is a review of the 2-item Golden Tote, which is $59.00 + an add-on item.
I've gotten the $149.00 5-item tote so far, but I wanted to try out the $59.00 version. The $59.00 tote comes with two pieces—one I pick, plus one they pick for me. You can also pick member-priced add-on items to toss in with your order. That allows for a bit more customization and control. I could have added on a bunch of items, spending as much as I would've with the $149.00 tote, but picking more than I would've with that tote. I decided to stick to just one add-on for now, but maybe I'll expand that in the future! Let's see how I like this new style of subscription...
And yes, everything does arrive in a literal tote!
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.)
About Golden Tote Clothing Subscription Box
The Subscription Box: Golden Tote 2-Item Tote plus Add-Ons
The Cost: Golden Tote offers a $149.00 Golden Tote (5 clothing items), or $59.00 Mini Tote (2 clothing items). Both allow you to pick at least one of the items you get and choose member-priced add-on items that you'd like to receive as well. The other items are all a surprise! There's also a Surprise Tote (3 clothing items all picked by Golden Tote) for $89.00. I'll be reviewing the 2-item tote today, plus the one add-on item I chose!
The Products: The 5-item Golden Tote includes 2 clothing items that YOU choose from their catalog, plus 3 items that Golden Tote's stylists choose for you based on your preferences. The 3 additional items don't typically come from the catalog, so they're complete surprises. Golden Tote releases a new "collection" of items to add to its catalog. The items are a mix of trendy and timeless looks, including dresses, casual tops, blouses, bottoms, denim, and third pieces like cardigans and jackets.
Ships to: The US for $5.95 or free on orders $149.00 and over. International for $30.00.
Delivered via: UPS or USPS
Golden Tote April 2018 Review
Here's my invoice, plus info on how to do exchanges, etc.
Here are the two pieces I KNEW I was getting from Golden Tote. The skirt was the item I picked with my $59.00 Mini Tote, and the top is the add-on item I chose. We'll check out the surprise item I got with my Mini Tote in just a bit.
Buttoned Up Skirt in Camel, Size Large - Retail Value $46.00, Member Price $40.00
I've wanted a skirt like this forever, but many of the similar styles I've tried on at the mall or at little shops around town end up being 1) wayyy too short on me or 2) don't accommodate for my wider hips and booty very well. While I will say the buttons on this skirt are a little rattly (I'm going to have to be careful not to tug on them too hard) and the fabric takes a loooong time to steam (you can still see some crinkles in the skirt in the photos above). HOWEVER. LOOK HOW CUTE IT IS!!!!! I can't express how thrilled I am with the fit of this cotton skirt. The fabric is thick with a cut that perfectly grazes my hips and doesn't make them look stuffed into the skirt. The waist sits happily right where I want it without being super tight or uncomfortably loose. And the length is flirty but not so short that I have to walk around like a stiff little Barbie doll. I'm smitten with the little pockets up front, too. The vibe is sort of retro, which suits me just fine. There's a whole 70s moment happening for spring and summer, and this skirt is the perfect piece to help me dip my toe into that trend.
Ruffled Button Down, Size Medium - Retail Value $46.00, Member Price $38.00
This shirt is a little outside the box for me (a.k.a. it's not black, gray, or white...) but the color caught my eye immediately and I do love me a collared top. I really like how the cut balances a romantic, fluttery vibe with a prim, tailored, classic shape. The lightweight, semi-sheer polyester fabric just feels springy. I tucked the button down into the skirt for these photos—because of the cut of the top, it's not perfect for tucking, but I do love the rust and blue colors together. I could totally see wearing this shirt untucked over some black skinnies, though!
Final Touch Twist Back Top, Size Medium
This was the surprise item I got with my Mini Golden Tote. It totally scores points for being black (my fave staple color) and for being super effortless and understated. The fabric is floaty and semi-sheer and feels lighter than air to wear. The back is open, which I can see being super chic for summer picnics and night-time barbecues. I like how the back makes this understated look really statement-making. And the crinkled texture makes it a bit more visually interesting than a plain, smooth, black blouse.
The Verdict: This might be my favorite order ever from Golden Tote! The skirt is rad, the blue top is going to be a fun, flirtatious pop of color for my monotone wardrobe, and the black top will be great for date night adventures. All in all, I spent $102.95 on these three pieces (including shipping). That averages out to be $34.32 per piece. Not bad. That's about what I'd expect to pay for pieces of similar quality at the mall. But these have the bonus of fitting me beautifully right out of the shipping envelope. I didn't have to shuffle through sizes at the store or have to get bummed out by cuts that don't work for my silhouette.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Sign up now to start shopping regular totes! There's no telling what pieces Golden Tote will pick for you, but as of writing this review, the two items I picked from their catalog are still available!
Value Breakdown: This box cost a total of $102.95 ($59.00 tote + $38.00 add-on + $5.95 shipping). The two items that did have prices clocked in at $92.00 retail, meaning the final item would be worth at least $10.95.
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