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 recently, I've been opting for 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. So far, I'm loving this strategy of shopping with Golden Tote!
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 June 2018 Review
Here's my invoice, plus info on how to do exchanges, etc.
Chambray Star Tank, Size Medium - Retail Value $42.00, Member Price $38.00
These first two looks are what comprise my Mini Tote. The first item, this sleeveless 100% Tencel button-up, is the item I picked for myself. (I also get a surprise item as part of the tote, which we'll get to in a sec.) I'm not a fan of the red, white, and blue "Americana" styles you see around this time of year (they're just not my vibe), but I also don't want to look super out of place at my friend's July 4th barbecue. This top seemed like a happy medium for me—the small white stars are just enough of a nod to the holiday without feeling corny, and the classic shape of this collared look means I can keep wearing it long after summer's end. (I'm thinking it'd look super cute peeking out under a black or whiskey-brown crewneck sweater...)
She & Sky Zipper Blouse, Size Medium
And now for my surprise item! This black top was chosen based on my style profile and size preferences. It's pretty understated, but the fit, in my opinion, is top notch. The fabric is 55% cotton, 45% polyester, so it's smooth and almost chiffon-like in texture, but it's super soft and breathable. It sits really neatly on my shoulders and doesn't slide around or droop down so that I'm always adjusting it. I like how the cuffed sleeves kick away from my arms a little and how the gold zipper gives the top just a pop of visual interest.
Sultry Ruffle Dress, Size Large - Retail Value $42.00, Member Price $38.00
Finally, we have my add-on item. Add-on items can be bought individually at retail via the site "boutique", but when you nab them as add-ons to a tote order, you get them for a slight discount. I figured having a nice dress option handy for summer wedding season wasn't a bad idea, so I opted for this navy number. It's a 100% polyester sheath that's on the thin side, fabric-wise—I'll have to wear it with some shapewear underneath for reinforcements. I kind of wish the fabric was a little thicker, or that it was lined in some way so that the smooth polyester fabric didn't move around as much as it does. (That slit in the skirt likes to creep up... and up... and up...) But! I am loving the navy color, and I find the ruffle really flattering and fun.
The Verdict: Golden Tote is a favorite of mine thanks to their mix of classic and contemporary silhouettes. I feel like I can always find something that fits my needs in their offerings. The quality and fit are nice, too. I'd call it regional-department-store quality, as in, it's not upscale or anything, but I do feel like I get what I pay for. I also feel like the stylists do a pretty solid job of choosing the surprise items I've received. This is the one service where I get things that I can count on being in my closet for a long time. If you like trendy pieces, they have plenty to pick from, but if you're looking for staple styles, they have their fair share of those, too.
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 $97.00 ($59.00 tote + $35.00 add-on + $5.95 shipping). That means I spent an average of $32.33 per item.
Check out all of our Golden Tote reviews and the Women’s Clothing Subscription Box Directory!
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