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 July 2018 Review
Here's my invoice, plus info on how to do exchanges, etc.
Let's check out the two items that I knew I was getting this month!
Keep Life Simple Top in Off-White, Size Medium - Retail Value $40.00, Member Price $35.00
I love how versatile this crisp white top is. The scalloped shoulders and keyhole detail give it a little more personality than your typical white blouse, but it's still polished enough to wear to formal events. I like it with these shorts, too, though! (We'll get to the shorts in just a second.) The shape is just slightly boxy, which makes the hem hit me higher than most of the longer/tunic-length white tops I currently own. I think it's super flattering. The only thing I might change is the fabric. The top is 65% cotton, 35% polyester, and while it breathes nicely, it is nearly impossible to get the wrinkles out no matter how much I steam the fabric. Fingers crossed it's a little more agreeable if I wash it and hang it to dry!
Summer Lovin' Denim Shorts, Size Large - Retail Value $45.00, Member Price $40.00
I am SO not a shorts gal, but every so often, I find myself in a situation where they're the option that makes the most sense. (Think hot days at the amusement park, running around playing kickball, or any other activity where a dress won't do but pants would feel soooo uncomfortably stuffy.) When I was picking an add-on item to get with this month's tote, I only owned ONE pair of shorts that I would leave the house in, so I figured it was time for another pair. I've had such good luck with jeans I've gotten via this service that I decided to bite the bullet. While they are still shorts, I am pretty stoked about the fit of this item. They're only available in letter sizes, rather than numbers, which made me nervous, but the size large shorts I got are really comfy and have a great stretch to them without being flimsy. (They're 98% cotton, 2% spandex.) The pocket details and raw hems make them a little more "fashion" I suppose, but I like that they're otherwise simple enough that they'll go with anything. I might not wear them often, but the next time I have a baseball game to go to or a summer hiking adventure to pack for, I'll be ready!
Lush Twist Tee, Size Medium - Listed Value $40.00
This is the "surprise" item in the box—technically the second item that came in my Mini Tote along with the white top that I picked for myself. I'm really happy with it! I love a striped top, especially one with a cute crew neckline and flattering short sleeves like this one has. I'm not sure how well you can tell from the photos, but the stripes are actually a dark evergreen color. The twist detail is cute and visually interesting, though the more I look at the above image, the more it feels like I'm doing a Magic Eye, hehe! The top is 59% polyester, 39% cotton, and 2% spandex, so it's light with a lot of stretch. Just right for the humid late-summer weather.
The Verdict: Golden Tote does it again! I loved this round-up of easy, breezy pieces that'll see me through the end of summer (and beyond). As usual, I'm really impressed by how nicely everything fit. The shorts in particular fit like a glove—not having to try on a million pairs of ill-fitting shorts at the mall in order to find my size is a dream! I think it's cool that I get to choose (at least!) two items that I'm absolutely sure I want but still have the element of surprise via the mystery item in the tote. Doing the Mini Tote + add-on item combo has been serving me really well. It's versatile, comfortable, well-fitting items like this that make me recommend Golden Tote to so many of my friends!
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 $104.95 ($59.00 tote + $40.00 add-on + $5.95 shipping). That means I spent an average of $34.98 per item.
Check out all of our Golden Tote reviews and the Women’s Clothing Subscription Box Directory!
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