Popbasic: The Jovial Collection – December 2014

So I’ve been quietly stalking Popbasic’s page and lusting after their cute tops and jewelry for some time before I decided to finally jump in and try one of their collections. (For $15 off your first collection, use my referral link.)

For folks  unfamiliar with Popbasic, they introduce “micro-collections” of adorable basic pieces that are a one time purchase.  When I saw their new Jovial Collection, I fell in love.  I was a bit hesitant to jump in since I have a terrible time getting jeans to fit properly and I’d need their highest size (I’m a size 14/16).  But I was swayed when Popsugar offered a refund if you didn’t like the jeans.  I figured I had nothing to lose so I put in my order.

It arrived in a super cute box with a lovely handwritten note and some freebie hair ties. (We are already off to a great start).

Also included a lovely dual sided card describing the pieces on one side and then offering styling options on the other.

Garnet Long Sleeve Top (RRP $60)
Description: “Perfect for casual outings, our Garnet Long Sleeve Top is 100% cotton which means you can wear it during cooler nights in the Summer, or throw on a knit in Winter. 100% cotton.”
Verdict: Hit!
This is a high quality top and it’s perfect for layering in the winter time. I have a ton of navy pieces and nautical inspired pieces that this will pair great with.  Surprisingly, the fabric had a really nice stretch to it which I imagine is so that it doesn’t lose its shape (like many cotton tops do over time). I was very impressed with the quality on this.

Great Stretch Skinny Jeans (RRP $80)
Description: “A magical combination of legging and jean, our Great Stretch Skinny Jeans look lovely with a cotton tee, or dressed up with a silk blouse and wedges for night time. Lizzie wears size x-small. 69% rayon 26% polyamide 5% elastane.”
Verdict: Miss for Size/Love for Design
There is good news and bad news. The good news is these jeans are well made and totally bad ass. The bad news is they run super small. I attempted to try these on (aka desperately tugging and praying to the patron saint of Weight Watchers)  and I was a sad sad panda. While I have a range of sizes in my closet (from 12 – 16) I’d say that in most brands I’m fine with a 16 in jeans.  I Often it will be loose, occasionally a little snug, but zipping up is never a problem.  I’d be shocked if these jeans were a size 12 in the average brand (like the Gap). Thankfully I can return them, but I do wish Popbasic went up a few more sizes (particularly for pieces that run small). It’s actually much tougher for the higher sized folks to find awesome, classy basics than the size 2s and 4s. For the ladies who live on the cusp of regular sizes and plus sizes it’s a particular nightmar,e because you end up too small for plus sizes and too large for regular sizes.

Sugar Crystal Necklace (RRP $20)
Description: “A pretty addition to your treasure trove, wear our Sugar Crystal Necklace with a black shift for meetings, or with a party dress in the New Year. Crystal; silver plated alloy.”
Verdict: Love!
This is a great statement necklace that goes with everything. It’s lightweight but it doesn’t feel flimsy.  Strangely, I owned no statement necklaces in silver tone so this was a welcome addition to my wardrobe. It came packed in a little velvet bag which was a nice touch.

OVERALL

Verdict:Hit!

The regular cost of this collection is $75 (including shipping), but I used a referral link and paid only $60. This collection is an amazing value at that cost. These pieces are versatile and can be paired with tons of things I already own. Everything was packaged so nicely and the freebie and note were lovely. Because my jeans needed to be returned, I contacted Popbasic and they refunded my card $45 immediately for the jeans (I mailed them back, but they didn’t even wait on receiving them). The customer service was super responsive and friendly. Even though I couldn’t wear the jeans I wouldn’t hesitate to order from Popbasic again and I’d recommend them to anyone looking for nice basics at a great price.

Have you ordered from any of the fashion subs or boxes? What did you think?

THE BACKSTORY
Popbasic offers micro-collections of fashion forward, limited edition basic pieces at an affordable price.   You don’t subscribe, but just order individual collections.
For $15 off your first collection, use my referral link.

Author: Writer Preziosi

Once upon a time, long, long ago, Lisa attended Syracuse University where she studied singing in a giant castle surrounded by ice and snow. After she earned her music degree, she headed to the island of Manhattan, down to the West Village, to a place called the New School. There, she earned another degree in the great art of writing stories for children. She currently works on that same island trying to help real people, while making up stories about imaginary ones. Her first book, “The Ice Maiden’s Tale,” a fairy tale adventure, was released on May 30, 2017 and is up for sale on Amazon. View all posts by Writer Preziosi