Jewelry – Lisa Preziosi

Top 15 Sub Box Items of 2015

So it’s time for me to pick my favorite 15 items from all of my 2015 Sub boxes. This was epically hard and I swear I started with twice as many awesome items that I had to painfully work through. There were so many great things that just couldn’t make the cut. I’ve broken down the list for you by month.

JANUARY

Orbital Eyeshadow – Borealis: (Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
from Julep Maven: January 2015 – The Chrysalis Collection – Modern Beauty
Possibly my most favorite eyeshadow ever. It’s a smoky eye for dummies and the peacock shimmer on it is amazing.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (Suggested Retail: $30.00)
from the Popsugar: January 2015
This product does exactly what it says it will and is unscented. It’s great for both men and women as well as folks with sensitive skin. Since I tried this I’ve recommended it to tons of my friends.

FEBRUARY

ACME Party Box Company Bamboo Heart Cutting Board & Cheese Knife
(Suggested Retail: $32.00)
from Popsugar: February 2015
This set was so adorable and I regularly pull out this cutting board to slice fruit.

MARCH

Three Gold Rings Necklace from Amanda Deer Jewelry (Retail: $32.00)
from Fair Ivy: March 2015
I found myself reaching for this necklace all the time. It’s so simple, lovely and great for layering. I got lots of compliments on it.

APRIL

Multipurpose Pro Tools Oval Brush by Harry Josh: (Estimated Retail: $40.00)
from the Nina Garcia Quarterly (#NGQ05): April 2015
The saving grace of my last Nina Garcia box. This is a great brush and I love the mint shade. It sits out on my bedroom dresser.

Handmade Mug & Spoon from White Peach Pottery (Retail: $32.00+)
from Fair Ivy: April 2015
I adore handmade ceramics and this mug and spoon set is so lovely. It sits out on display on my kitchen shelves.

Miansai Modern Screw Cuff:(Estimated Retail: $200.00)
from the Rachel Zoe Box of Style: April 2015
This is my favorite item of all for 2015. It’s classic and somehow edgy and conservative at the same time. It’s great quality and I really want the exact same one in a rose gold finish.

MAY

Silver Chalcedony Bracelet from Simply Lovely Handmade (Retail: $???)
from Fair Ivy: May 2015
I love the delicateness of this bracelet and how well it layers with other pieces I have. The pink stone is also right on trend for 2016.

JULY

Oribe Aprés Beach Wave and Shine Spray (Full Size: $39.00)
from Birchbox: July 2015
Oribe products are always amazing and since I wear my hair wavy, this was a great product for me.

O.R.G. Skincare Mineral Face Peel (Retail: $44.00)
From Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Summer 2015
I was concerned about spraying a peel directly into my face, but this didn’t irritate my skin at all and (I know this sounds gross) it really peeled off all the dead skin. I tried this with my best friend and she was amazed. Seriously, my favorite peel ever.

SEPTEMBER

Cluse La Bohéme Rose Gold Watch with dual straps:(Estimated Retail: $132.00)
from the Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Fall 2015
I don’t own many watches and this one is so lovely and classic. The rose gold on this is epic and the changeable straps make it so versatile. I know I’ll have and use this piece forever.

Albanese 12 Flavor Gummy Bears 7.5 oz (Estimated Retail: $2.19)
from the Treat Chest Candy Club: August 2015 Box
Yes, gummy bears are on this list. Because they are the best damn gummy bears in the world. They were so good I ordered my boyfriend and I a giant 1 lb bag of them.

OCTOBER

Savvy Sleepers Luxury Satin Pillowcase (Suggested Retail: $36.00)
from Popsugar: October 2015 & a New Limited Edition Holiday Box!
This pillowcase was so soft and comfy, that I used the coupon code in the box to buy some more for my bed.

DECEMBER

Swing Design Nova Blue Mist Jewelry Box (Suggested Retail: $36.00)
from the Popsugar: December 2015 & A Promotion Fail
I am a sucker for Mint and this box was perfectly sized to hold all kinds of goodies. I have two of them and they live on each end table on the sides of my bed.

Lelet NY Swarovski Crystal Hair Pin (Retail: $98.00)
from the Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Winter 2015
This is gorgeous and has an heirloom feel to it. So beautiful.

It was fun to look back and see which items I ended up falling in love with and which ones I adored from the start. Overall, my favorite subscription box for the year was the Rachel Zoe Box of Style. I received so many amazing things from that subscription and if I could only choose one to keep, it would be Rachel’s, hands down.

So that’s what we got in 2015, but what do I want to see in 2016?

FOR BEAUTY
Watercolor Eyeshadows: Enough with the neutral palettes, we have a ton of them. How about some pastels? I’d love to see some fun watercolor shades in blues, greens and pinks. Give us something that we might not already have in our makeup bag.

Practical Luxury: Full sizes of Fancy Shampoo, Conditioner, Bodywash—even deodorant. We get tons of masks and styling items, but I’d love to try out the pricier every day products. If I fall in love with one, I’d probably splurge on it regularly.

Unique Polish Finishes: We get a lot of cremé, glitter and shimmer polishes but there are a lot of other finishes out there. How about more holographics, jellies and duochromes this year?

Tools: I want to see more styling tools. I’d fall over to get a Mason Pearson brush or comb, a fabulous curling wand, or a great Blush brush.

FOR ACCESSORIES
Rose Gold: We saw rose gold jewelry pop up in a lot of 2015 boxes, but it’s still on trend and most women don’t have a ton of it in their jewelry collection. Send us more please.

Moonstone: I love moonstone and it shines with both Pantone colors of the year (baby pink and blue). It’s gorgeous and mystical and I’d love to see it pop up in some jewelry.

FOR FOOD
Seasonings: I’d love to see more seasoning and spice blends (particularly salt free ones). Oils are great too—basically less snacks and more cooking items.

FOR LIFESTYLE
Bagged Lunches: Those of us who bring our lunch to work or school are always on the lookout for new boxes, bags or other gadgets that make it easier and more fun to pack a lunch. Cool Bento boxes, insulated containers and thermos are all welcome.

High End Cleaners: Cleaning isn’t glamourous but it’s a fact of life and I’d love to see high end cleaners in boxes. Eco-friendly countertop cleaners, fancy scrub brushes or specialty laundry detergents would all be some great practical additions.

So what’s your wish list for sub box items in 2016?

Fair Ivy: September 2015

It’s been a bit quiet here since I was away at a work conference out in San Diego. And when I say “work” I mean my boring day job that pays for things like gas and electric (and makeup, let’s be honest), not far more stuff like reviewing products and writing books. So now it’s time once again to pay catch up on all the past boxes, so I’m kicking off my “crap look how behind I am” spree with my last Fair Ivy box. I really loved this sub but in the interest of saving money, I decided to unsubscribe. Fair Ivy alternates their boxes with handmade finds and jewelry every other month. For September and my last month (sniff, sniff) I’ll get jewelry.

My package

Inside a lovely wrapped box and a Card:

Handmade 14K gold fill & Swarovski pearl earrings from NimbooDesigns
(Retail: $42.00)
Description: “These elegant earrings are made of 14K gold fill circular tags and vegan Swarovski pearls. The earwires are handcrafted by me with 14K gold fill wire so they are suitable for sensitive ears.”
Verdict: Love!
Right off the bat, did anyone else know “vegan Swarovski pearls” existed? I make jewelry (or at least I hoard jewelry making supplies) and I had no idea that was a thing. I learn so very much from sub boxes. In any case, I love these earrings. By some type of design mojo they manage to be so many things all at once: classic but fashion forward, dainty but edgy, refined but unfussy. I’ve already used them a ton and I know I’ll be grabbing them frequently.

And let’s talk about the back of these.

The stiletto style is Ah-may-zing. This pick was a bit edgier than a lot of the jewelry I’ve received from Fair Ivy and I think it was an inspired choice. I paid $36.95 for this box and the cost of the earrings is $42 (without shipping). That’s a great deal especially since this box typically breaks even when it comes to retail value.

This is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry from Fair Ivy and I’m so happy I ended my subscription on a high note.

What did you think of the earrings? Did you love them as much as I do?

THE BACKSTORY
Fair Ivy is a subscription box of beautifully wrapped, vegan friendly handmade items made by individual artisans from the US.

Subscriptions currently cost $30/month + Shipping.

Fair Ivy: July 2015

Every month Fair Ivy sends a handmade find with a guarantee of jewelry every other month. July is a jewelry month.

I got my package which was only slightly worse for the wear.

Inside we have a cute little box with an unfortunately dead bit of evergreen, but still I appreciate the effort that went into the wrapping.

Silver & Gold Bar Necklace from Grey Goose Gifts
(Retail: $???)
Verdict: Gift
Grey Goose Gifts has been featured in previous Fair Ivy boxes and I do love their designs. I think this is pretty and classic, very much in line with the Fair Ivy aesthetic, but maybe it’s a bit *too* much in line. It’s way too similar to the pieces we already received. I feel like most Fair Ivy necklaces I get resemble each other so closely that I don’t really need multiples. It’s also extra disappointing because Grey Goose Gifts has some interesting designs that include crescent moons, druzy stones and anchors – all things subscribers haven’t gotten before, and would still work within the aesthetic.

I’m going to set this aside as a Christmas gift, (but there’s always the chance I’ll decide I want it after all and then treat myself.) I paid $36.95 (including shipping) and I can’t find the cost of this necklace on the site so I’m guessing it was custom made for subscribers. The pricing seems in line with what many of the other pieces cost and it does seem worth the price. Unfortunately, I am feeling like it’s probably time for me to cancel this subscription. I love the designs and buying from indie makers but I’m getting too much jewelry that all looks the same.

What does your jewelry collection look like? Do you have eclectic tastes or do you stick to one aesthetic?

THE BACKSTORY

Fair Ivy is a subscription box of beautifully wrapped, vegan friendly handmade items made by individual artisans from the US.

Subscriptions currently cost $30/month + Shipping.

Fair Ivy: May 2015

Every month Fair Ivy sends a handmade find, with a guarantee of jewelry being included every other month. May is one of the months featuring jewelry, so let’s see what shiny little pretty we’ve got.

A lovely wrapped box from Simply Lovely Handmade with a coupon!
Use the code “FAIRIVY” to save 20% (valid through June 30, 2015).

Simply Lovely Handmade is designed and handcrafted in St. Charles, Missouri and describes their collection themselves as, “…a collection of stylish, understated, perfect for everyday jewelry. From delicate layering necklaces to the perfect statement earrings, each piece of jewelry is designed to be an essential for daily wear while transitioning effortlessly from day to night.”

Silver Chalcedony Bracelet from Simply Lovely Handmade
(Retail: $???)
Descripton: “This delicate bracelet, custom designed in collaboration with Fair Ivy, features a pink chalcedony gemstone on a sterling silver satellite chain.”
Verdict: Hit!
Layering delicate jewelry has been on trend this season, so this lovely gemstone bracelet is perfect for the season. I have a lot of gold toned bracelets, but very few silver so this will work wonderfully in my collection. The pink shade will also coordinate well with lots of other colors. This piece was custom designed for Fair Ivy so I couldn’t find it on the website in order to come up with a comparable retail price.

I paid $36.95 (including shipping). I think that’s an excellent price for a sterling silver bracelet with a lovely gemstone, so I’m quite happy with my purchase. Next month will bring us a different handmade surprise. I’m hoping for something in the home décor category.

Do you enjoy handmade jewelry? If so, where is your go to shopping site?

THE BACKSTORY

Fair Ivy is a subscription box of beautifully wrapped, vegan friendly handmade items made by individual artisans from the US.

Subscriptions currently cost $30/month + Shipping.

Fair Ivy: March 2015

Every month Fair Ivy sends a handmade find with every other month including a jewelry surprise.

This was a jewelry month so let’s open up our mysterious packet and see what’s inside.

Three Gold Rings Necklace from Amanda Deer Jewelry
(Retail: $32.00)
Amanda Deer writes, “I set out to create pieces that are simple, chic and wearable every day- tiny little statements that add just a touch of glam to any outfit. My line features dainty necklaces and bracelets, some inspired by nature and others inspired by faith and family. I hope you enjoy this dainty 14kt gold filled three ring necklace, handmade by me in my studio.”
Verdict: Like

Now this necklace on its own is lovely and there is just one reason I didn’t give it a “love” verdict. It is super similar to necklaces Fair Ivy sent to subscribers previously. In the past we’ve received not one, but two necklaces with circle charms. One had one circle and another had two. While this one has three, it still seems redundant. I’m particularly disappointed because Amanda Deer has so much amazing stuff on her website that is at the same price point and offers much more interest. (Like this amazing crescent necklace). I know Fair Ivy may not be considering the jewelry designs they sent out before their hiatus, but they should keep in mind that long term customers will have the similar pieces and be disappointed to have three necklaces that all look alike.

I paid $36.95 (including shipping) and with a retail price of $32 (excluding shipping) I pretty much break even. I love dainty jewelry and the necklace is lovely, I just wish we’d gotten a different Amanda Deer design—one that subscribers hadn’t seen before.

What is your jewelry style? Are you a statement kind of girl or a daintier lady?

COUPON CODE!
AMANDE DEER JEWELRY: Save 10% using code; valid through 5/1/15

THE BACKSTORY
Fair Ivy is a subscription box of beautifully wrapped, vegan friendly handmade items made by individual artisans from the US.

Subscriptions currently cost $30/month + Shipping.

Fair Ivy: January 2015

One of my favorite subs has returned from hiatus!
Fair Ivy is back with unique handmade finds. Fair Ivy has done a slight revamp of their program and they now only offer one subscription option that features a handmade surprise each month. Jewelry will be featured every other month.

A little about Fair Ivy: ” All of our unique surprise gifts are created by individual US artists, so your love of surprises and gifts helps support handmade (a US version of buy local!) by supporting their wonderful craft and livelihood. Each gift you receive is handmade and vegan-friendly, and contains an information card with details of the artist’s process, background, or inspiration, so you can understand the time and care put into each hand-wrapped item.”

So I got my little January packaged and tucked inside with my cute little cards was a beautifully wrapped box. Fair Ivy is the absolute best at packaging and that extra effort really makes you feel like you are getting a gift every month.

Earrings from Song Yee Designs
(Retail: ???)
Song Yee Designs describes these earrings as “a pair of sterling silver earrings featuring life like rose leaves dangling from dainty French hook ear wires.”
Verdict: Like

I couldn’t find these exact earrings on Song Yee’s site so I don’t have a retail value for them. They are dainty and cute, but they didn’t wow me. I felt like they either should have been bigger or had multiple leaves (maybe mixed metal with copper or gold). Because there is only one surprise item I feel like that item should really wow me. After looking at Song Yee’s site I see a ton more interesting and compelling designs (the druzy pieces in particular were striking). Fair Ivy’s aesthetic is feminine and delicate, but I’d like to see a bit more daring in their choices. Still these are lovely earrings in sterling silver and I’m sure I’ll use them.

I paid $36.95 (including shipping) and I do feel that these earrings were perhaps a touch overvalued. I’d put the price at $20 – $25 rather than $30. Next month should feature a non-jewelry item and I can’t wait to see what it is. I love that this subscription supports independent artists and that it introduces me to brands and artisans I would otherwise miss out on.

What type of jewelry do you prefer? Classic and dainty or bold and edgy?

THE BACKSTORY

Fair Ivy is a subscription box of beautifully wrapped, vegan friendly handmade items made by individual artisans from the US.

Subscriptions currently cost $30/month + Shipping.

Fair Ivy Duet: March 2014

This is the post where we get to focus on those fabulous handmade finds and explore some of the artistry of American crafters. This month features Fair Ivy’s Duet subscription, which features a jewelry plus a handmade item.

So let’s jump right into the box.

As usual, Fair Ivy has gorgeous packaging.

Package #1 (Jewelry) –23k Gold leaf Inlay Sterling Silver Round concave dome post earrings
from Virginia Wynne Jewelry
(Retail: $27.00)
Description: “The studs are hand cut out of sheet metal, shaped and then a thin layer of 23K gold used inside the dome with a technique called Keum-Boo”
Verdict: Love!
I like to wear studs to work and these are lovely and unique. I think the concave shape gives them a bit of an edge. These are quite versatile and I think they’ll be a nice counterpoint against feminine spring florals. This also came with a coupon code. Just use the code SURPRISE10 for 10% off Virgina Wynne’s Etsy shop.

An unassuming envelope arrives…

And now we have Package #2:

Package #2 –Screen Printed Tea Towel from Wit & Whistle
(Retail: $20.00)
Description: “Wit &Whistle offers witty greeting cards and whistle worthy paper and home goods” all designed by Amanda Wright.
Verdict: Love!
I’m planning a giant spring cleaning overhaul of my home including my kitchen so I’m thrilled to get new home items to spruce it up. The Wit & Whistle shop is full of cute offerings and I am particularly enthralled with this Escargot Stamp.

OVERALL
Verdict: Love!

Estimated Retail: $47.00. I paid $43 including the shipping so I got more than my value and I loved the items in this box. I will definitely use both items andthe Wit & Whistle shop is a great discovery for my online shopping fix.

Last month I expressed that I felt I kept receiving jewelry from Fair Ivy that was a bit too similar and was wishing for a box that only included just the handmade item. The genies at Fair Ivy must have heard my wish so they created the Mystery subscription featuring just one handmade item per month. I’ve signed up for that subscription going forward and I’m uber excited to see what shows up on my doorstep.

Do you enjoy handmade items? Are you a frequent Etsy shopper?

THE BACKSTORY

Fair Ivy is a subscription box of beautifully wrapped, handmade items made by individual artisans.
There are now three exciting subscription options:
A jewelry only subscription at $25.00 a month (plus shipping) for 1 jewelry item per month. (This option will ship in the US & Canada).
Or
The Mystery at $20.00 a month (plus shipping) for 1 handmade mystery gift every month
Or
The Duet subscription at $35.00 a month (plus shipping) of 2 handmade items (1 item will be jewelry). (This option only ships in the US).
Because the items ship directly from the artisans, if you choose a duet subscription you will receive the packages individually throughout the month.
DISCOUNT CODE: FAIRIVYFRIEND for $5 off the first month of any subscription.

Fair Ivy Duet: February 2014

Now it’s that time of the month where we get to check out those fabulous Etsy finds and explore the creativity of some American artisans. With Fair Ivy’s new Duet subscription, I get two cool packages a month – one with jewelry and the other with a mysterious surprise. You know how I love mysterious surprises, so enough chatter and let’s see what’s inside!

As usual, one of Fair Ivy’s specialties is wonderful packaging.

Package #1 (Jewelry) –Sterling Silver Hammered Disc Necklace from Grey Goose Gifts
(Retail: $28.00)
Grey Goose Gifts from Ohio make beautiful handmade jewelry. They are chock full of charming layering pieces with classic delicate designs. This piece is just a simple short silver chain with a hammered silver circle. I think it would work best layered beneath other longer chains.

Verdict: On the Fence
Oh, how I really hate giving that verdict because this is a lovely little piece and I do like the style of it. My issue is not with the piece itself, but this piece in the context of my Fair Ivy subscription. As a Fair Ivy subscriber I have already received many necklaces that I feel are too similar to this one. The only jewelry pieces I’ve received since joining have been earrings and necklaces (3 sets of earrings; 5 necklaces). Every necklace has been on a short silver chain and two others (besides this one) featured small circle pendants. It is the same silhouette each month and while I really like the look I don’t feel as though I need so many similar jewelry pieces in my collection. I’d really love to get some other types of jewelry (bring on the bracelets, rings, brooches, and watches) or at least some necklaces with a different style and shape. Last month’s chain featured pearls and I found that to be a nice variation.

Package #2…a box mysteriously labeled “Fragile”…

This little box is too damn cute for words.

Package #2 –Tillandsia planter from White Peach Pottery
(Retail: $18.00)
Artist Marianne Tolosa of White Peach Pottery creates hand-crafted pottery at her studio in Virgina. Housed inside that enigmatic Fragile box was an adorable Tillandsia planter. I’m guessing my version was made specifically for Fair Ivy since I can’t find it in the White Peach store (although there are lots of other styles).

Verdict: Love!
I love this cute little pot and its cute little magic plant that doesn’t need dirt. It has been a cold barren winter folks, and seeing this cheerful guy show up was perfectly timed. White Peach has some gorgeous (and reasonably priced) things in her store and I could envision a bunch of these little planters in those pastel colors being an amazing Easter table centerpiece. This is the kind of item that makes me love this subscription. It’s unique, supports independent artists and isn’t something I’d find anywhere else (or think to pick up for myself.)

OVERALL
Verdict: Mixed

Estimated Retail: $46.00.
With shipping, I paid $43 including the shipping so I got more value that what I paid. Judging this box solely on its own merit it is a wonderful box. The problem comes from the fact that I feel like as though I keep receiving the same necklace every other month. I do adore the planter and it’s exactly the kind of thing I want from this type of subscription.

I’m going to see what pops up in next month’s box, and if the jewelry is still too similar I may take a brief hiatus from this box to build up some room for more silver necklaces.

Fair Ivy offers a jewelry only subscription in addition to the Duet. I’d love it if they offered one for just the other handmade items. I’d be happy to pay $20 a month just a handmade surprise each month.

What is your jewelry collection like?
Are you eclectic or do you stick to the same type of design?

THE BACKSTORY

Fair Ivy is a subscription box of beautifully wrapped, handmade items made by individual artisans.

There are two subscription options:

A jewelry only subscription at $25.00 a month (plus shipping) for 1 jewelry item per month. (This option will ship in the US & Canada).

The Duet subscription at $35.00 a month (plus shipping) of 2 handmade items (1 item will be jewelry). (This option only ships in the US).

Because the items ship directly from the artisans, if you choose an original subscription you will receive the packages individually throughout the month.

DISCOUNT CODE: FAIRIVYFRIEND for $5 off the first month of any subscription.

Fair Ivy Duet: January 2014

Fair Ivy’s been kicking off the new year with a lot of fun changes. As I mentioned in my last Fair Ivy post, they’ve changed their subscription options and this will be my first one featuring their new “Duet” subscription. They’ve also revamped their website to feature more info on their featured artists. For more info on subscription options, pricing and a coupon code, jump down below. Now let’s jump into the packages!

Package #1 – Cajeta Goat’s Milk Caramels from Bliss Farms Dry Goods
(Retail: $2.00 each = Package of 8 for $16.00)

Verdict: Miss/Hit for a different month
Last year Fair Ivy included a wonderful goat’s milk caramel sauce by these same folks at Bliss Farms Dry Goods and I loved it. I’m sure these are delicious, but January is sandwiched between December’s Christmas excess and February’s Valentine’s decadence, so getting candy felt very ill-timed. I think food items like jarred preserves, interesting seasonings/spices or specialty trail mix/dried fruit would have been more appropriate. I’m sure these are still wonderful but I’ll just wait a little while before I enjoy them.

Package #2 (Jewelry) – Sterling Silver & Freshwater Pearl Necklace from Just A Charm
(Retail: $25.00)

My second Fair Ivy package has a funny story attached. As usual I received a gorgeously packaged box. It was from Just A Charm who’d sent me lovely things before. I excitedly opened the box and inside was….nothing? Cue confused Lisa searching the packaging and the floor making sure I didn’t miss something. But it seems somewhere along the way someone had painstakingly wrapped an empty box which got sent to me. I emailed Fair Ivy and they responded immediately with an apology and a brand new package. All subscriptions get the occasional bump in the road, but they don’t all have such wonderful customer service. Just A Charm also more than made up with it by sending me an additional gift. I really couldn’t have asked for it to be handled in a nicer way.

Verdict: Love!
Just A Charm describes themselves as making “contemporary jewelry with clean and simple geometrics…The style is modern, versatile, minimalist and understated.” I adore the unique way the pearls have been included on this chain. I don’t have a single piece like it and I think it’s going to be so lovely for spring. It is feminine and dainty and exactly the type of jewelry I’ve come to expect from Fair Ivy. I can’t wait to wear it.

FREEBIE
This is the just charming necklace that Just A Charm added because of the mishap with my package. It’s really lovely and I think it will make a wonderful layering piece. It was such a nice surprise in the box and I appreciate that they went that extra mile because of the earlier mistake.

OVERALL

Estimated Retail: $43.00. I paid $43 including the shipping so I got exactly the retail value but without paying the shipping costs I might have if I just purchased through their Etsy stores. The necklaces were beautiful and I even though I wasn’t crazy about getting candy this month, they still won’t go to waste. I’m excited to see what new things will come in February (Valentine’s Day theme perhaps?) and I’m hoping we’ll see some exciting new artists!

What did you think of this box?
Would you be all about the caramels or is the pearl necklace more your speed?

THE BACKSTORY

Fair Ivy is a subscription box of beautifully wrapped, handmade items made by individual artisans.

There are two subscription options:

A jewelry only subscription at $25.00 a month (plus shipping) for 1 jewelry item per month. (This option will ship in the US & Canada).

The Duet subscription at $35.00 a month (plus shipping) of 2 handmade items (1 item will be jewelry). (This option only ships in the US).

Because the items ship directly from the artisans, if you choose an original subscription you will receive the packages individually throughout the month.

DISCOUNT CODE: FAIRIVYFRIEND for $5 off the first month of any subscription.

Fair Ivy: Jewelry & More! – December 2013

As you know we recently had a Fair Ivy giveaway. Congratulations to our winner Patty from Texas! She won a lovely vintage style bag made by Dulcinas for Fair Ivy. A big thank you to Dulcinas, Fair Ivy and all of you wonderful readers who participated.

Fair Ivy is a subscription service that features hand-crafted gifts. They recently changed their subscription options so this will be my last post that features three packages. They still offer two subscriptions but now you will chose from the Duet (two items; one is jewelry) and the jewelry only subscription. For more info on pricing and a coupon code, jump down below. Now enough backstory, let’s get into the box!

The first package I received was the jewelry Item.

Package #1 – Jewelry

As usual, amazing packaging. Inside the lovely little box was a pair of earrings from Lustrous Elements by Erin Miller. Erin writes, that she “these sparkly little gold filled and sterling silver earrings” have been “cut from gold filled and silver sheet, sanded smooth and given a satin finish” and “hang on handmade goldfilled earwires.” She also enclosed an adorable quote in the gift box. Those little extra details are what make these packages feel super special.

Verdict: Love!
These are cute and versatile. The mix of metals ensures that they’ll match just about anything you have while the size makes them perfect for everyday use. The dangle gives them a playful, whimsical vibe. All the previous earrings I’ve received from Fair Ivy have been studs so I’m thrilled to have a different style to add to my collection.

Package #2 – Chocolates

My second Fair Ivy package brought on the yum. Enclosed were two square chocolate bars from the Animas Chocolate Co. I received a Milk Chocolate with Almonds and 71% with Peppermint Dark Chocolate.

Verdict: Hit!
The logo on the Animas Chocolate Co. card is “lose your soul to chocolate.” I guess my soul is in jeopardy since I pretty much ate that entire Milk Chocolate with Almonds immediately after taking photos for you guys. It was delicious. I’m not a huge fan of peppermint and chocolate, but the first bar was so good I will most certainly give the other one a try. I love getting food items in these subscriptions since it gives me the opportunity to try things I may never otherwise hear about.

Package #3 – Soap

My last Fair Ivy package was from Piccolo Paradiso who make artisan soap and body products. Tucked inside was handmade soap and Grapefruit Lip Balm.

Verdict: Gift/Hit
As is par for the course with we subscription box junkies, I receive lots and lots of soap bars. This one smells fabulous and is beautifully packaged so I’m reserving it as a gift for someone special. The lip balm on the other hand, is something I can always use tons of. I have different ones all over the house and in my bag and I love trying out new ones. Included with this gift was a coupon code. If you like Piccolo Paradiso, you can enjoy 20% off your next order of $25.00 or more. Just use FairIvyDec. It expires 4./30/2014.

OVERALL
Package #1 – Earrings from Lustrous Elements by Erin Miller: $28.00
Package #2 – Milk Chocolate with Almonds and 71% with Peppermint Dark Chocolate from Animas Chocolate Co.: 2 @ 3.25 each (Total: $6.50)
Package #3 – Artisan soap & Grapefruit Lip Balm from Piccolo Paradiso.
Estimated Retail: $44.50.
I paid $48, and since the retail prices don’t include shipping costs, I feel like I definitely got my value with this box. I loved the earrings, and will use or gift everything in the box. Be sure to take a look at new pricing and subscription options Fair Ivy is offering below. I think their new setup is going to allow for a wider variety of surprises in their boxes.

What did you think of this box? Did you love the earrings as much as I did?

THE BACKSTORY

Fair Ivy is a subscription box of beautifully wrapped, handmade items made by individual artisans.

There are two subscription options:

A jewelry only subscription at $25.00 a month (plus shipping) for 1 jewelry item per month. (This option will ship in the US & Canada).

The Duet subscription at $35.00 a month (plus shipping) of 2 handmade items (1 item will be jewelry). (This option only ships in the US).

Because the items ship directly from the artisans, if you choose an original subscription you will receive the packages individually throughout the month.

DISCOUNT CODE: Sign up for the Fair Ivy Newsletter here to receive a $5.00 off coupon.

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