Golden Tote Review, March 2014

Golden Tote is a monthly service that lets you choose between one of two options (or both options, I guess, if you're having an especially lucrative month in terms of cash flow). You can spend $49 for two or three articles of clothing worth as much as $200 (you choose one of the items, while Golden Tote chooses the others), or you can spend $149 for five to seven articles of clothing worth as much as $600 (you choose two of the items, while Golden Tote chooses the others). The items come to you packed inside a tote bag with gold print (hence the name "Golden Tote").

I had heard good things about Golden Tote, so I decided to give it a try this month. I sat at my computer, prepared to buy the cheaper option, when I realized that I didn't like the selection of clothing offered for that tote. (You get fewer choices for the $49 tote than you do for the $149 tote.) I hesitantly traveled over to the $149 section and immediately saw two pieces that I loved. I think that, to prevent myself from ruminating too much about what I was doing, my brain went blank for the few minutes it took me to enter my payment information and press "submit." (Luckily, I had pulled in some extra "fun money" from side jobs that week, so I could rationalize my purchase and not feel too guilty about it.) Then I sat back, slightly shaken but excited about what I would receive in my tote.

I got the tote this week. Here's what I found inside, along with my comments:

 

1. Love Stitch open chevron cardigan. This was one of the items I selected. It's very cute, super soft, and comfortable. Definitely a good addition to my spring wardrobe.

2. Thread & Supply denim jacket. This was the second item I chose, and I love it. The sleeves are made of a soft, sweatshirt-like fabric, and it's a really comfortable, easy-to-throw-on piece. I've already worn it a few times, and I got it just a few days ago.


 

3. Priddy by Puella dress. I wasn't too sure about this one at first, as I tend to like loose, drapy clothing. When I tried it on, though, I found that it fit me almost perfectly and was more flattering than I thought it would be. I wouldn't wear this as a dress (more like a tunic top), but I think it'll be cute for summer. 

4. Lumiere sweater. I probably wouldn't buy this if I were in a store, but I like it. It's a good, basic piece to wear with jeans, and it fits well.

5. Porridge t-shirt. I LOVE THIS. Golden Tote promised that the first 1,000 people to place an order this month would get a t-shirt from Porridge, in one of several prints. I was one of the first 1,000, so I knew I'd be getting a t-shirt, but I loved the duck pattern so much that I emailed the company to ask if they could make sure that I got this specific shirt and not one of the other prints. They obliged, and I'm so happy! The photo shows the back of the shirt. The front is a solid gray v-neck. It's very soft and oversized and comfortable. In fact, I'm wearing it right now. Did I mention that I love it?

6. Under Skies top. This was the only "miss" for me. I didn't hate this top, but I didn't love it. The lace sleeves were kind of itchy, and I didn't like the material the top was made from. Plus, the cut was a little too boxy for my taste. Luckily, I checked out the Golden Tote Trading Group on Facebook, and traded this top for a cardigan that had been released in last month's box. A win for me, and a win for the person who wanted this top!

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All in all, I was very happy with my first Golden Tote. My budget won't let me spend $149 on it every month, but the cheaper tote is in my price range, and I could see myself splurging on the larger tote every so often.

Interested in Golden Tote? Sign up through my referral link and I'll send good vibes your way: Golden Tote subscription link