Rachel Zoe Box of Style – Lisa Preziosi

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Summer 2017

To kick off the beginning of summer, I’ve got my favorite sub box – Rachel Zoe Box of Style. This is a quarterly subscription that features high end brands and will set you back $100 for your seasonal fix.

Note from Rachel Zoe: “More than just a season, summer is a state of mind. For this Box of Style edition, my team and I wanted to bring that wanderlust the warm months evoke in all of us to life..”

The Sheer Perfection

Helena Quinn Kimono: (Estimated Retail: $120.00)
Description: “Versatility is the key to a polished closet. From the beach to the stree, this muted floral stunner pulls together any ensemble—instant chic.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Stow in your beach or work bag for an effortless throw-on-and-go daytime option. Layer over a crisp blouse and trousers for an elevated evening look.”
Verdict: There’s nothing that gets me looking forward to summer more than getting clothes I can’t fit into.
Why Rachel? Why have you forsaken me? We’ve gotten clothing items in the past but they were over-sized enough that they could fit a very large variety of women. This is not very big and it has a belt so it just looks odd if it doesn’t fit you properly. It’s so beautiful and I’m epically sad that I can’t fit into it. I’m so disappointed because there are so many fashion things that larger size women miss out on. This box was something that even plus size women could enjoy. Now, not so much. Rachel Zoe also has added in a customization option and this is an “exclusive collaboration” so there’s no excuse why they couldn’t include clothing with sizing options. Rachel’s going to have to score a lot of points in this box to win me over.

The Ace of Shades

Rael Durante Sunglasses Tortoise Shell (Estimated Retail: $150.00)
Description: “There’s no such thing as too many sunnies, and this modern twist on a timeless style completes any look, causal or glam.”
Rachel’s Reasons to Love: “Classic wear-with-anything hues makes for easy accessorizing. The updated cat-eye complements a variety of face shapes.”
Verdict: Love!
Cat eye glasses are my favorite shape and we were able to choose between black or tortoise shell. I find tortoise shell complements my hair and pale skin better so I opted for that shade. They are fun, classic and complimentary to a lot of face shapes. A great choice.

The Wish You Were Here

The Brave Collection – Compass Necklace (Estimated Retail: $115.00)
Description: “Summer is synonymous with travel, and this handmade necklace is a chic symbol of those sweet escapes we look forward to all year long.”
Style with Purpose: “This piece is handmade by fair-trade artisans in Cambodia, and 10% of profits are donated toward the fight against human trafficking.”
Verdict: Love!
Delicate gold jewelry is perfect for summer. I adore unique pieces and this one also donates profits to a worthy cause so that makes it even lovelier. I have a silver talisman necklace that reads “courage without fear” that I wear regularly and this piece has a very similar feel, so excited to add it to my collection.

The Out of Office

Sole Society Straw Panama Hat: (Estimated Retail: $27.00)
Description: “A wide-brimmed hat is one of the most glamourous ways to protect your face from the sun, and this playful iteration adds a bit of splash to any outfit.”
Rachel’s Styling Hacks: “Tie on a scarf underneath for a snug-wind-proof fit. Pack upside down and stuff crown with clothing to save space and maintain shape when traveling.
Verdict: Cheap Looking
Maybe this is just me but I think the pompoms on this hat really make it look cheap. I love hats and collect them, but this one just seems like something you could find at a low end accessory store. I like the idea of including a sunhat, I just don’t care for the one they chose.

The Jet Set

Beautycounter “Color Pinch” Cream Blusher in Hibiscus: (Estimated Retail: $37.00)

Protect Stick Sunscreen: (Estimated Retail: $18.00)
Description: “A bright cream blush and a fresh, breathable sunscreen are summer’s dynamic beauty duo and the ultimate way to bring out your natural glow.”
Rachel’s Reasons to Love: “Clean, good-for-you ingredients—totally paraben and silicone-free. Double-duty color: Dab Cream Blusher on cheeks and lips for a subtle pop. No streaks—safer, mineral sunscreen goes on clear.”
Verdict: Hit!
I love cream blushes and this one looks perfect for summer. (How could something called Hibiscus not be?) I didn’t swatch it yet since I’m still working through some other makeup first. I’m always on the lookout for new sunscreen products because the sun is my mortal enemy. Currently, I don’t have a solid stick product so I’m happy to try this one out.

OVERALL:

Verdict: This is why doves cry.
Let’s start with the good stuff. The box fit the summer theme perfectly and the estimated retail value was a whopping $467. I thought the blush, sunscreen, glasses and necklace were all on point, and I will enjoy using those items. Unfortunately, Rachel Zoe opted to include a piece of clothing with a value of $150 that could be a potential fit issue for a lot of customers, and was for me. That’s a huge amount to deduct from the box. So for a plus size lady your box value automatically falls down to a $317 before you even start looking at the products. As for the hat, it’s not the quality I expect from a $100 box or from Rachel Zoe. It’s more suited to a discount store in the mall. It didn’t scream out luxury.

I’ve always felt Box of Style was very thoughtfully curated to work for women of all shapes, sizes and ages, but this box clearly wasn’t put together with that idea in mind. Even though I do like the majority of the items, the kimono was so disappointing that it ruined the whole experience for me. As a pricier sub I expect better.

How do you feel about sized clothing in sub boxes?
Are they just part of the sub box gamble or do you think they are unfair to subscribers?

THE BACKSTORY
Box of Style has Fashion, beauty and lifestyle items you’ll be obsessed with! Over $300 worth of product in every box.

Box of Style ships 4 times per year—March, July, September & December

Membership renews each quarter

COSTS:
Seasonal Membership: $100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership: Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

COUPON CODE: Use code BOXOFSTYLE25 for 25% off your first purchase at Rachel Zoe’s shop.
(Valid through September 15, 2017)

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Spring 2017 + $20 Off!!

To offset the inexorable sadness that is Monday, I’ve got my favorite sub box to review – Rachel Zoe Box of Style This is a quarterly subscription that features high end brands. Right now through May 1, 2017, there is a great promotion going on for $20 off your subscription. Just use code SPRING20!

Note from Rachel Zoe: “For this editions’ box my team and I really focused on highlighting incredible female-founded brands. I couldn’t think of a better season to bring to life our mission o empowering women by living a life in style.”

I am really psyched about this box’s theme as I love to support female founded brands and companies. In this current political climate, we all need to look out and help each other as much as possible.

In addition to our fancy black box, we got an awesome extra.
SPECIAL FEATURED ITEM:

Stella Artois Buy a Lady a Drink Limited Edition Chalice: (Estimated Retail: $13.00)
Description: “663 million people around the world lack access to safe water. This crisis disproportionately affects women, who spend millions of hours a day collecting water for their families. Stella Artois and water.org have partnered together to give them that time back. Every limited edition Chalices old helps provide 5 years of clean water for 1 person in the developing world. Leave your mark at BuyALadyADrink.com. ”
Verdict: Beautiful on the Inside & Outside
These chalices have beautiful artwork designed by artists from Brazil, Cambodia and Uganda. (I believe mine is from Brazil). They are not only lovely to look at, but they help bring clean water to people that desperately need it. A win for everyone.

HERO ITEM:

The Weekend Warrior: Tribe Alive Custom Carryall: (Estimated Retail: $238.00)
Description: “Tribe Alive was founded by Carly Burson to utilize her passion for fashion as a platform to help alleviate poverty among women around the world. Our partnership employed over 150 Indian Artisans in three cities. As a working mom on-the-go I live for a chic-=yet-functional carryall. Handmade by female artisans, this is truly a bag with a purpose, making it even more major to carry.”
Rachel’s “How To Wear”: “Pair with casual separates to look pulled together when running errands. Add a pop of print to your office look or elevate your workout ensemble.”
Verdict: Hit!
This is an exclusive collaboration that happens to match exactly to a clutch sent out by Popsugar, so now I have an adorable set. I love handmade items and the fact that this helped give women a way out of poverty and a job they could be proud of, makes this bag even better. The only downside is that from the spoiler pics, I thought it would be a bigger tote, but to me it’s more purse size than tote bag (if that makes sense).

The Totally Adornable: Adornmonde Ivo Earrings – Silver (Estimated Retail: $62.00)
Description: “Adornmonde was founded by Niki Allworth with the simple purpose to design beautiful, limited edition jewelry. Bold earrings are an effortless way to upgrade any ensemble. This modern take on a classic hoops I sculptural and unexpected.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Wear the bars alone for day then add the hoop to elevate your look for evening. Embrace the edgy asymmetrical trend by wearing the bar on one ear and the hoop on the other.”
Verdict: Hit!
I love that we were able to select whether we wanted gold or silver. I already own some gold hoops, so I opted for the silver, but I would have been happy with either. The transformer-esque quality to this earring, lets you have different looks – from edgy to classic. I wouldn’t have normally chose this style, but it’s part of why I love this sub. It lets me try new styles I might otherwise shy away from.

The Tied & True: Symbology Scarf: (Estimated Retail: $50.00)
Description: “Symbology was founded by Marissa Heyl after a trip to India inspired her to combine her lifelong passion for design with women’s rights. A bold scarf is one of the most versatile accessories a woman can own. This handcrafter exclusive can be styled so many different ways and instantly adds a personal flavor to any outfit.”
Rachel’s Accessories Inspo: “Add French flair by wearing loosely around your neck. Tie on a handbag strap for a playful splash of color or on your wrist to replace your favorite cuff.”
February 15, 2017)
Verdict: Like
This is another exclusive collaboration. The scarf is very pretty and can give both a professional and global chic vibe. The little card inside says that the “peacock feather scarf symbolizes integrity and beauty” and was printed in Sanganer India.
Coupon Code: Take 15% off with code BOXOFSTYLE

The Skin Savior: Tatcha Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder: (Estimated Retail: $65.00)
Description: “Tatcha was founded by Victoria Tsai and inspired by Geisha beauty rituals and their mantra that less is more. As we move into spring, reviving tired winter skin is a must, and it all starts with a great exfoliator. Gentle on skin this powder is my first step to a healthy glow.”
Rachel’s Beauty How-To: “Use it in the morning followed by your go-to sunscreen and at night with your favorite moisturizer.”
Verdict: Like
I’m all about exfoliators and Tatcha is a brand I’ve heard good things about. I’m excited to incorporate this into my skincare routine. I’ve been hoardingfancy pants products to turn my new bathroom into a spa and this is going into the collection.

The Haute Hydrator: BRK Glass & Silicone Water Bottle: (Estimated Retail: $35.00)
Description: “WBKR was founded by friends Tal Winter and Kate Cutler as an antidote to cheap plastic bottles, and the key to skin that glows from the inside. With a renewed focus on wellness, staying hydrated is key to looking and feeling your best. This sleek design is one you’ll actually want to tote around, making it even easier to get your daily dose of H20.”
Rachel’s Reasons to Love: “Be Green! Resolve to reduce wasteful plastic water bottles by using this refillable style. Skincare starts from within—hydrate often for reduced wrinkles, shinier hair and nails and a more even, radiant skin tone.”
Verdict: Like!
I know, I know I usually hate water bottles because I have eleventymillion of them but this one is so lovely that I’m making an exception. I’m also trying to force myself to drink more water (and less Coke Zero) so this will help the cause.

The Sweet Treat: Butter London Nail Polish “Piece of Cake”(Estimated Retail: $18.00)
Description: “Butter London was founded by entrepreneur, Sasha Muir with the help of premier fashion manicurist Nonie Crème as the first healthy nail lacquer. A sleek mani is the ultimate finishing touch to any look and ‘Piece of Cake’ is sheer perfection – a fresh twist on bold neutrals.”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “Layer over a white polish to make the pale pink really pop. Keep layers thin and let them dry for a t least a minute in between to avoid smudging.”
Verdict: Hit!
One of the things I love about this sub, is that Rachel manages to choose items that can appeal to women of all ages. This shade would look lovely on a Co-ed or a grandmother, on someone with light skin or dark. It works for so many different subscribers.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!
This may be one of my favorite of Rachel’s boxes. First, I loved the theme and that many items helped support women and causes in developing countries. From a fashion standpoint, this included some fun exclusive collaborations and I will use and enjoy every single thing in the box. Including the chalice, the value on this box was a whopping $481. That’s a huge return on a $100 investment. Everything included was wonderful quality and I can see the pieces lasting for quite some time. A great start for 2017.

What did you think of Rachel’s Spring Box?

THE BACKSTORY
Box of Style has Fashion, beauty and lifestyle items you’ll be obsessed with! Over $300 worth of product in every box.

Box of Style ships 4 times per year—March, July, September & December

Membership renews each quarter

COSTS:
LIMITED TIME COUPON CODE!!! Now through May 1, 2017 – Save $20 Off with code SPRING20
DISCOUNT!: Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!
Seasonal Membership: $100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership: Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

Save

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Winter 2016, Spring Spoilers + $10 Off

Rachel Zoe Box of Style has been my favorite subscription, but I had a few hiccups with my Winter 2016 box. Before I get into all that jazz, I’ve got an awesome Spring spoiler, plus $10 off if you use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 .

SPRING SPOILER:

Rachel Zoe “teamed up with Tribe Alive, a fair-trade accessory label that supports independent artisans in developing countries, to create a striking and versatile handbag perfect for festival season. Valued at $200, the black and white carryall is made of foot-loomed fabric and cognac brown leather and produced on a small-batch scale to ensure the highest quality.”

Their “partnership with Tribe Alive yielded a beautiful handbag while providing five months of employment for more than 150 Indian artisan partners in three cities. From the weavers in Panipat to master tailors and leather workers in Delhi to the logistics team in Jaipur, this bag positively impacted every link of the supply chain. That’s truly a wow factor.”

This bag looks amazing and I love that it supports artisans around the globe. It also is a perfect match for Popsugar’s February spoiler, a Tribe Alive clutch. I can’t wait to use them together!

So before I get into the box goodies, I need to talk about some customer service drama.
I ended up with two winter boxes. How? I had a quarterly subscription and Box of Style had some great promotions for purchasing an annual prepaid one. I jumped on the sale and signed up, but unfortunately, it gave me two subscriptions – a quarterly and an annual prepaid. I immediately contacted customer service via their email interface. I wanted to make sure I didn’t get two of the same box and that my yearly subscription would start in Spring. I got no response, despite the fast approaching shipping date for the Winter boxes. I emailed repeatedly for weeks, and got two deliveries of this box. Box of Style had no phone access so there was no number for me to call. Finally, over a month later, and countless email inquiries, I got an auto-response that my subscription was canceled. No apology for the wait or the hassle. It was incredibly disheartening. Even through my many past struggles with Popsugar customer service, they at least responded in a reasonable amount of time. This experience really put a huge damper on the fun of this box.

So in any case, imagine all these times times deux.

HERO ITEM:

The Serious Sparkle: Dylanlex Zoey Custom Necklace😦Estimated Retail: $200.00)
Description: “No look is complete without a STATEMENT-MAKING accessory and I couldn’t be more obsessed with this custom necklace designed exclusively for us by It-girl-idolized Dylanlex. Whether you’re going glam or casual, this piece is perfection.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Fasten loosely to wear as a classic bib necklace or tighten to style as a choker. Layer over luxe lace or satin ensembles for an effortlessly chic evening look. Give it an off-duty spin with a chunky sweater and lived-in denim.”
Coupon Code: Use code ZOEY for 15% off select styles.
Verdict: Hit!
This necklace is lovely and can work in both glam and casual settings. The clear crystals also make it extremely versatile. I always love exclusive items and this is unique to the Rachel Zoe sub box. Since I don’t need two of these, I’m going to gift or sell the extra.

The First Winter Layer: Sunday Riley tidal Enzyme Brightening Water Cream (Estimated Retail: $65.00)
Description: “I always make it a point to treat my face to a little TLC after a long evening out or long travel day. This luxe water cream BRIGHTENS, SOOTHES and HYDRATES dry winter skin—and it smells amazing too!”
Beauty Tips: “Layer as a mask for an instant- spa-fresh feeling without leaving the comfort of home. Wear under your makeup to seal in hydration all day and night long. During the day lightly pat onto your skin over makeup for a dewy, fresh look.”
Verdict: Love!
So many magazines and bloggers rave about Sunday Riley, but it’s a bit spendy for my current budget. I’m so excited to try this out. I’m going to keep my second one as part of my beauty stash.

The Knit Factor: Soia & Kyo Olivia Cable Knit Hat: (Estimated Retail: $50.00)
Description: “I love when it gets coo enough to start wearing beanies. My whole family ears beanies throughout the year. This classic CABLE KNIT style comes in 3 COLD-WEATHER HUES and I keep all of them in my winter essentials stash.
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Stow in your everyday bag to keep sudden winter chills at bay. Wear slouchy for day or cuffed for evening. Throw on and go over air-dried hair to keep the top from frizzing when you don’t have time to fully style.”
Coupon Code: Use code ZOE to receive 20% off sitewide, excluding all SALE items. (Valid through February 15, 2017)
Verdict: Okay
I like and wear knitted hats, but this one is a bit boring for my taste. Plus it has this metal logo that managed to fall off after just two weeks of wearing it. I’d have loved to see a knit hat with a bit more fashion to it. Like everything else, I got two of these. I ended up gifting the white one and then keeping a black one for myself.

The Mood Setter: D.L. & Co. The Zoe Report “Birch” Custom Candle (Estimated Retail: $50.00)
Description: “Nothing sets the AMBIANCE like a great smelling candle, and this one is a dream. Whether you’re hosting an intimate HOLIDAY GET-TOGETHER or getting some much deserved R&R at home, this woodsy scent is the perfect touch.”
Rachel’s Living in Style Tips: “Place as the focal point in a chic holiday centerpiece or table setting. Enhance your at-home spa experience with some added stress relief. The perfect last-minute host or hostess gift for any occasion.
Coupon Code: Use DLC020 for 05% off sitewide (Valid through February 15, 2016).
Verdict: Very “Manly”
This candle smells like wood mixed with men’s cologne. The black minimalist style of the candle is just not my personal taste. It didn’t feel very holiday or fun. A different scent or some packaging with a pretty metallic would have made it a win for me. I gave one to my boyfriend and I’ve still got one on my shelf waiting to go to someone will really like it.

The Tiny-But-Mighty: Dagne Dover Exclusive Leather Card Case (Estimated Retail: $50.00)
Description: “As with any working mom, it is always a challenge to stay on top of things. I live for anything that helps to keep me ORGANIZED. Major bonus points if it’s insanely chic, like this LEATHER card case. The ideal size to hold all of your essentials, yet sleek enough to toss inside a clutch.”
Rachel’s Living in Style Tips: “The luxe pebbled leather and rich navy hue makes it perfect evening accessory and a great alternative to black. Upgrade your usual business card holder. Swap out for your everyday wallet when you just need the bare necessities, like cash, credit cards and ID.”
Verdict: Like!
Navy is always a great neutral and this will be perfect to carry my business cards during job interviews or conferences. Still though, I’m not quite sure it feels Holiday or Winter to me. I also don’t need two of these, so I’ll have to give away my extra.

The One-Two Punch: Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Berry Pop (Estimated Retail: $18.50)
Description: “A BOLD LIP is the quintessential accessory of the beauty world-it pulls a LOOK TOGETHER and draws in the eye. IF you’re like me, you sometimes find it had to re-apply when you’re ON-THE-GO, but his lip color and primer in one keeps your lips looking FLAWLESS for hours!”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “Wear with a cheek tint and mascara for an everyday fresh-faced look. Swipe on to add a dash of holiday glam to your everyday look. Pair with a sleek cat-eye for a dramatic evening effect. Stash it in your go-to clutch of an instant update-a picture-perfect pout in one swipe.”
Coupon Code: Use code ZOEREPORT to receive 25% off sitewide. (Valid through February 15, 2017)
Verdict: Like
The idea of a primer and lip product in one sounds like a wonderful idea. Berry shades are lovely for winter. I didn’t swatch this because I’m saving it for after my move, but it seems like a really pretty color. Once again, I have an extra so that will go toward a friend.

THE SPOTLIGHT: Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Fragrance
Description: “Introducing the winter SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT sponsored by JUICY COUTURE FRAGRANCES. This season we include an extra special sample of something we’re currently obsessing over. Try it and love it!”
Verdict: Miss
You know my perfume aversion, but this is an extra item that doesn’t even have a suggested retail value so I won’t let it affect my opinion of the overall box.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Lost its luster
Sooner or later, the one you love the most is going to let you down. My customer service issues really put a huge damper on this box, even before I opened it. The retail value is a whopping $433.50, while the cost was only $100. Luckily the items I really liked were the pricier ones, so the box was still worth it for me. However, as lovely and high end as these choices were, this didn’t feel like a special Holiday box. The hat was ordinary, the card holder seemed better suited for another time of year and the scent and styling of the candle were not particularly appealing. As a subscriber from the very beginning, this is probably my least favorite Rachel Zoe Box. That being said, even with some missteps it’s still a pretty damn good box. Thankfully, the discount I received on a yearly sub offset getting the same box twice. I’m hoping Spring will bring more of the usual Rachel Zoe awesomeness and that in the meantime, they’ve improved their customer service.

What did you think of Rachel’s Winter Box?

THE BACKSTORY
DISCOUNT!: Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!
Seasonal Membership: $100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership: Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

Save

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Fall 2016 & $10 Off

It’s time for my favorite sub box: the Rachel Zoe Box of Style. This quarterly sub is a bit of a splurge at $100, but it’s chock full of high end, quality items so it’s always a treat to review. (If you want to sign up Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!) This box also lists coupon codes for the included brands so I’m adding to my review so you can pick up the stuff you love at a discount.

Fall is a great time of year for fashion so let’s see what Rachel Zoe has picked out for us.

HERO ITEM:

The Colorblock: Donni Charm Wonder Cape:(Estimated Retail: $197.00)
Description: “There is nothing more Classic than black and white. This versatile Cape transcends seasons and flatters every body type—it’s sizeless, ageless and timeless.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “For day, wear the cape over a cream-colored turtleneck k and a dark wide-leg denim. Play up the luxe vibe for evening by teaming it with a satin slip dress and leather ankle boots. Wrap it around your neck to transform it into a cozy scarf.”
Coupon Code: Use RZxDC20 for 20% off site wide (Valid through November 15, 2016).
Verdict: Love!
This item was the spoiler and retails for almost twice the cost of the box. It is so so soft and such a classic piece. (It even has the cutest charm on the label). This is a great option for travel since you can wear it a variety of ways plus it can keep you warm on those chilly flights. I love how classic and high end it looks. This is the kind of the thing I can totally use in my wardrobe and I’d probably never splurge for on my own. I also adore that Rachel includes fashion items women of every age and size can pull off. It’s not an easy thing to do and it makes fashion accessible and fun. To help see the full piece better I included one of Rachel Zoe’s styling options.

The Cinch: B-Low the Belt Gatsby Wrap Belt (Estimated Retail: $105.00)
Description: “This belt is so versatile: Double wrap it to cinch a maxi dress, do a dramatic single wrap around a thicker jacket or pull it through belt loops on trousers. With tassels, that add a little extra interest, it’s a style star favorite.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Wrap the belt around a cape or tunic to polish a roomy silhouette. Adapt a dressy frock for daytime by slinging the belt around your hips and wearing with flat shoes. Add polish too casual t-shirt and jeans by pulling through your belt loops and letting the tassels fall at the fron..”
Coupon Code: Use RZOE20B-LOW for 20% off site wide (Valid through November 15, 2016).
Verdict: Hit!
Good belts that can accommodate larger size ladies are hard to find, so this was a wonderful inclusion. I don’t own anything like this and it’s definitely taking me a bit out of my comfort zone. I love that it coordinates with the cape from this box. I’m going to have fun incorporating it into some looks.

The Eye-Catcher: Rachel Zoe Tassel Bracelet: (Estimated Retail: $95.00)
Description: “I am beyond exited to include a piece of jewelry from my own collection in this season’s Box of Style! Whether styled on its own as an elegant addition to your look, or layered among your stack of usual suspects, this is a great piece of jewelry you’ll wear constantly.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Wear the bracelet alone with a simple shift dress for the office—the chain and tassel are all the statement you need. For a double dose of tassel, pair it with the wrap belt to dress up a simple jumpsuit for a night out. Let your jewelry do all the talking by stacking bracelets and cuffs for a head-turning look.”
Coupon Code: Use RZFall20 for 20% off sitewide (Valid through November 15, 2016).
Verdict: Love!
This bracelet is exclusive to this box, so I linked to a similar one from Rachel’s collection. I adore box exclusive items and this bracelet is lovely. One of my very first sub boxes, featured a Rachel Zoe ring that I wear at least once a week. Her jewelry is high quality and very classic. The tassel on this is well made and I’ve already worn it a few times. A 50 year old woman and a 15 year old girl could both wear this and look wonderful. Another thoughtful choice.

The Styling Tool: Holly wood Fashion Secrets Lint Removing Sheets (Retail: $6.00)
Description: “It’s so easy to find yourself covered in lint, especially when you’re wearing sweaters, scarves and fall coats. These are much more handy and compact than a bulky roll brush, so they’re east to carry with you everywhere.”
Rachel’s Living in Style Tips: “Stow them at your desk to keep you lint-free I the office. The slender packaging allows you to keep them in your evening clutch to touch-up your LBD during nights out. If your layering pieces easily shed, make sure to use them immediately after removing once you get indoors.”
Coupon Code: Use Zoe25 for 25% off sitewide (Valid through November 15, 2016).
Verdict: Like
A practical little item that I will add to the “survival kit” I keep in my commuter bag.

The Statement-Maker: It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil (Estimated Retail: $24.00)
Description: “The majority of the women in my life struggle with their brows—everything form shaping them to filling them in to finding the right shade to match. This pencil works on any brow color and makes filling in so easy.”

The Perfect Pout: It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush in Hydrating Gloss Stain in Mauve-A-Lous Darling (Estimated Retail: $24.00)
Description: “A bold lip doesn’t always mean bright and saturated in color. What I love about the many shades of lip stain is that is’ a great way to boost your natural beauty without completely overtaking your look.”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “For date night, pair your lip stain with a crisp cat-eye and a sleek ponytail for a pulled together, understatedly sexy look. If you’re ever in a pinch, add a swipe of the gloss on your cheeks and blend with your fingers to give your complexion a wash of health-looking color. For dark eyebrows use pressure to match the shade perfectly. Use less pressure for light and blonde brows.”
Verdict: Hit!
It Cosmetics is one of my go to brands, although both of these products were new for me. As a redhead, it can be problematic to match brow color but this one does blend in perfectly. It’s not quite as easy to apply as some of the brow gel products, but it still does an excellent job and one tube should last quite some time. For the lip color, Rachel Zoe offered the opportunity to pick from three shades. I struggled with the options which included red, berry and pink since my first impulse is to go for the fun red. Instead, I opted for the more practical mauve. The color is very pretty and the stain effect actually leaves your lips with a bit of color – not the same as the initial application, but more of a softer flush. It does feel infinitely better and more hydrating than any other stain I’ve tried.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!
Rachel Zoe never disappoints. I always get beautiful things at a great value. If I had to get rid of all my subs but one, this would be the keeper. So many boxes try to highlight fashion, but it’s difficult to accommodate different sizes, ages, and skin tones, so it’s quite an accomplishment that Rachel Zoe pulls it off every season. As for value, this box cost me $100 and came with an estimated retail value of $451.00. I will use everything in this box plus it included items that broadened my fashion horizons and an exclusive jewelry piece. We also had the opportunity to customize the box a bit with our lip color choice and I hope Rachel continues to add that feature. If your budget allows, definitely consider treating yourself to the Rachel Zoe Box of Style.

What did you think of Rachel’s Fall box?
Would you use all these items?

THE BACKSTORY
Box of Style has Fashion, beauty and lifestyle items you’ll be obsessed with! Over $300 worth of product in every box.

Box of Style ships 4 times per year—March, July, September & December

Membership renews each quarter

COSTS:
DISCOUNT!: Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!
Seasonal Membership: $100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership: Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

Save

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Summer 2016 & $10 Off

It’s that time again folks – my most favorite box to review: Rachel Zoe Box of Style. This quarterly sub is a bit of a splurge at $100, but it’s chock full of high end, quality items so it’s always a treat to review (If you want to sign up ,use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!)

Now let’s see what Rachel Zoe has picked out for our Summer of 2016.

HERO ITEM:

Luv AJ Pavé Tusk Laria & Open Crescent Ring Exclusive Set:(Estimated Retail: $190.00)
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “The dainty necklace and matching ring exude professional polish or the office when worn with a white button-down shirt and tailored pencil skirt. Layer your favorite pendants and chokers with the lariat for a bohemian fair. Pair the ring and sleep lariat with a plunging neckline and high waisted trousers for date night..”
Verdict: Hit!
I probably wouldn’t have chose this set for myself, but once I had at home, it I loved it. The set is somehow both edgy and dainty – a little bit femme fatale, a touch bohemian, and a lot kickass. The ring is adjustable so it will accommodate a lot of subscribers and it’s exclusive to the box which makes it even more unique. As usual, another great pick by Rachel.

YHF Los Angeles Cashton Brown Sunglasses: (Estimated Retail: $45.00)
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Play up the gold trim on these polished shades by wearing them with a ladylike dress and sandals for a daytime wedding. Swap out your go-to black sunnies, for these and pair with a summer wardrobe made up of white and neutral fabrics. Who says you can’t accessorize on the beach? Pair these stylish shades with dainty jewelry and an embellished beach bag.”
Verdict: Love!
These shades have a subtle cat eye type shape and the tortoiseshell and gold combination is lovely. The coloring on this looks great with my red hair and I adore the sophisticated bohemian vibe it has. Another winner!

OUAI Wave Spray: (Estimated Retail: $12.00)
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “Spray from roots to ends and evenly distribute using a scrunching motion to give hair effortless waves without a trip to the beach. To wake up with perfect beach waves, spray on damp hair and secure into multiple buns before bed. In the morning, let them down and shake out your hair.”
Verdict: Love!
I love summer hair products! I very rarely blowdry my hair, so summer is the time when we see the wave sprays and air drying products pop up. OUAI is a great brand and my hair is really long and wavy, so this is exactly the right product for me. What’s nice is that if you didn’t have a hair type that you thought would work with this spray, it’s such a small part of the box that it wouldn’t impact the overall value much.

DreamDry The Dream Turban (Retail: $30.00)
Rachel’s Haircare Tips: “On days when you need your hair to dry quickly but refuse to stand under a hot blow-dryer, this super-absorbent turban soaks up excess moisture without leaving hair frizzy. Substitute the Dream Turban for your post-shower towel to simplify your beauty routine. Tote it to the beach or pool parties and use it to squeeze water out of soaking wet hair.”
Verdict: How did I ever live without this?
So this is totally making it to my favorites of 2016 list. I know you’re saying’, “it’s just a towel, what’s so special?” but it is so so soft, like wrapping your hair in a teddy bear. It also it dries my super long hair quickly without frizzing it out. I swear I’m tempted to get a second one, so I can be sure to have an extra when this version is sitting in the laundry hamper. If you want to splurge on a beauty treat for yourself, I can’t recommend this enough.

Michael Stars Pastel Gardens Coverup (Estimated Retail: $58.00)
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Layer over a sleek one-piece swimsuit for a beachside lunch. The diaphanous coverup can easily be dressed up for dinner by wearing it over a slipdress, cinching with a belt and adding earrings. Team with oversize sunglasses, a wide-brim hat and red nail polish for a glamourous poolside look.”
Verdict: This may have singlehandedly improved my outlook on the whole fashion industry
I’m going to be honest here. When I saw a spoiler for a “one size” caftan/coverup, I was concerned. I’m a size 16 and there’s a bit of extra sand in my hourglass, so I was fairly convinced that this was going to be like all “one size” items and not fit me at all. The print was lovely and I prepared myself for what I believed to be inevitable disappointment and then…. THE DAMN THING FIT! Rachel Zoe has some kind of fashion voodoo, because this fit without being too clingy and I even tried it over my flare jeans. For myself, I’d probably style this with a simple black or white tank and my favorite boho style jeans. (Although if I can find a slip dress to layer it over, I’d go with that.) The Zoe Report did a post on different ways to style it. This item might not fit all subscribers, but I do think it will fit a majority of them and since it’s not the big ticket item in the box, I think it was still an appropriate choice to include. For some reason, I can’t find the picture I took of this, so I used the one from the spoiler. It’s rare to get fashion items in boxes and I think this was a great choice in that category.

Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Brightening Moisturizer (Estimated Retail: $38.00)
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “A daily moisturizer with SPF 15 keeps your skin hydrated and protected from the sun at all times, which prevents premature aging, sunspots and other damage. ON hot summer days, store your moisturizer in the fridge before applying to give your skin a refreshing pick-me-up.”
Verdict: Not for me
Juice Beauty is a great organic brand and I’ve enjoyed a lot of their other products. I love the idea of an SPF moisturizer, but 15 is just too low for me personally—particularly during the summer. I may end up just saving this to use as moisturizer in the winter when I’m not outside quite so much.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!
Whenever I get disillusioned with subscription boxes, Rachel Zoe manages to get me excited again. This box screamed out Summer and I thought it had a nice balance of things you expect (sunglasses and SPF products) with things you don’t (like the caftan and turban). The retail value on this box came out to $373 – the AJ LUV set alone was worth more than our $100 admission price, which is why it didn’t even matter that the moisturizer wasn’t quite for me. I feel like Rachel’s choices take me a touch out of my comfort zone and get me to try new things I might not have otherwise selected. I ended up loving the necklace set and the caftan, but probably would have passed them by in the store The turban is something I never knew I needed in my life, but now I use it nearly every day. If you can splurge on yourself, I highly recommend trying out this sub. You won’t be disappointed.

What did you think of Rachel’s Summer box?
Would you be disappointed in receiving a caftan or excited for a fashion item?

THE BACKSTORY

Box of Style has Fashion, beauty and lifestyle items you’ll be obsessed with! Over $300 worth of product in every box.

Box of Style ships 4 times per year—March, July, September & December

Membership renews each quarter

COSTS:
DISCOUNT!: Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!
Seasonal Membership: $100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership: Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Spring 2016 & $10 Off

The only thing better than the start of Spring is getting my Rachel Zoe Box of Style! It’s my absolute favorite sub (which is saying a lot). (If you want to sign up, use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!)

Now let’s get to the goods.

BONUS ITEM:

Deluxe Sample of La Mer The Concentrate
Verdict: Love!
This is an extra item in addition to all our regular box items. The price for an ounce of this is $340. The full size at 1.7 oz is $440. Let that sink in. La Mer is known as the ultimate in skincare and completely unattainable for most of the population (including yours truly). I’m so psyched to try this out and hopefully I won’t fall too much in love because I could probably afford unicorn tears easier than this stuff.

Now to the actual Box items:

HERO ITEM:
Shaffer LA Leather Bucket Bag:(Estimated Retail: $150.00)
Rachel’s Description: “This bag comes in a gorgeous custom caramel leather, which will pop with any outfit without overpowering it. Plus, there is no hardware so it’s super lightweight while holding all your essentials.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Wear it with tailored trousers and a crisp button-up oxford for a polished office ensemble. Throw it over a floaty bohemian top and cutoffs for the upcoming festival season. Treat the versatile shade of tan as a neutral and pair it with everything from high-contrast whites to vibrant separates.”
Verdict: Love!
I’m a sucker for leather bohemian-esque bags so this was right up my alley. It’s definitely high quality and it’s perfect for weekends when I just need to run out for the grocery story or to meet friends for lunch. This bag was custom for the Rachel Zoe box, but it looks like there is a similar one available in a variety of hues in case you want to grab one for yourself.

Jouer Créme Eyeshadow Crayon: (Estimated Retail: $24.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Why not add a little shimmer to your beauty routine. Use this crayon to create either a fine line or a smoky look without the makeup bag clutter.”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “Whether you’re running late or stuck in the back of a cab, toting an eyeshadow stick is the perfect makeup staple to get your look under control, stat. No need to carry around an arsenal of brushes—just apply to your lid and smudge with your finger. For a sultry smoky eye, apply on the entire lid. For a daytime look, apply only in the crease. And for an edgy evening look, apply along the upper and lower lash lines and smudge.”
Verdict: Love!
We could receive 1 of 8 different shades and I adore the one I received. It’s a bronzey color that is perfect for me (Sorry I forgot to check the name on the product.) I actually tried twice to order Jouer cream eyeshadows (the type in pots) from Birchbox and both arrived dried out so I gave up on them. This applied easily and should not have the same problem with drying out. Shadow sticks are a really great shortcut when you don’t want to fuss too much with your eye makeup.

Jules Smith Pavé Bar and Stone Cuff: (Estimated Retail: $45)
Rachel’s Description: “This cuff is a great, Delicate Piece that is chic enough to stand on it’s own or layer with your go-to jewelry”.
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “For date night, mix this delicate cuff with an armful of bedazzled bracelets, your favorite LBD and sky-high heels. Layer the bracelet on the same wrist as your watch for added sparkle at the office. Pair with other turquoise jewels, a gauzy T-shirt and vintage jeans shorts for a winning festival-ready ensemble.”
Verdict: Like
I love the turquoise on this and I feel like it’s a great choice for Spring. I do wish that maybe we’d received a different type of bracelet, since sub boxes tend to send out a lot of cuff styles. These were also available in silver and gold, and since I have a ton of gold cuff bracelets I really wish I’d gotten the silver instead. Still, it’s very pretty and is the style is suitable for a woman of any age.

LSTN Sound Co. Wembley Earbuds (Retail: $99.00)
Rachel’s Description: “I can’t think of a single stylish woman who doesn’t crave an equally chic pair of headphones. These earbuds offer great sound and are an elevated option for every day. For your commute, pair with a complementary phone case to show off your stylish sensibility. No need to conceal these when running errands—pair with oversize sunnies for glamourous on the go style. Proceeds from each pair sold help provide hearing aids to help someone hear for the first time through Starkey Hearing Foundation.”
Verdict: Love!
Do we get a lot of earbuds/headphones in sub boxes? Yes, we do. Do I still love these? Yes, yes I do. I go through earbuds at an alarmingly high rate because of my hardcore commute and I just broke another pair so the arrival of these are perfectly timed. I love the mix of wood and gold detail – it’s that luxe bohemian vibe that is everywhere this season. I also really appreciate that this company donates proceeds from each pair to provide hearing aids for people who need them.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (Estimated Retail: $20.00)
Rachel’s Description: “If you haven’t used a dry shampoo, this is the one to try. I first discovered this product in Paris during fashion week—it’s a great hair refresh when you’re on the go, and the scent is perfect..”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “Tired of limp strands and greasy roots? This dry shampoo freshens day-old hair when you don’t have time to wash. Bonus: It’s hypoallergenic and free of parabens, sodium chloride, colorants and sulfates. Give clean hair incredible texture and a no-slip grip for ponytails, braids or updos. To apply, shake first and spray roots from 10 inches away. Let sit for two minutes. To revive a salon blowout, massage into your scalp and then blast with your hair dryer.”
Verdict: Like
Klorane Dry Shampoo is an old friend of mine and if you remember I got a small version in a recent Birchbox. This is one of my favorite dry shampoos, so I’m always happen to get another bottle.

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Oil Blotting Tissues (Estimated Retail: $7.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Whether you spent the night out dancing or your skin is overly moisturized, blotting papers are a mattifying must for the pho-read look.”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “It happens to the best of us: That midday shine up and down our T-zone. Thaks to these Oil Blotting Tissues, your 3 Pm glow just got a lot more manageable. They’re slim ienough to keep in your clutch or your back pocket. Gently blot rather than swipe, and these sheets will eliminate shine without removing your makeup.”
Verdict: Like
I have combination skin so I’m sure this will come in handy as we move toward the warmer months.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Hit!
As usual, Rachel Zoe delivers high class items that are sophisticated enough for older women, trendy enough for the younger ladies and fashionable enough that we all want them. This wasn’t Rachel’s most exciting box but it had a lot of useful products for the upcoming warmer weather. Excluding the stratospherically expensive La Mer sample, this box value came out to $345. For the $100 I paid, that’s amazing. This box always feels like a present, which is exactly what a subscription is supposed to be. If you have the budget for this box I can’t recommend it enough.

What did you think of Rachel’s Spring box? Would you use most of the items?
And have you tried the infamous La Mer Concentrate? Is it as magical as we are led to believe?

THE BACKSTORY
Box of Style has Fashion, beauty and lifestyle items you’ll be obsessed with! Over $300 worth of product in every box.

Box of Style ships 4 times per year—March, July, September & December

Membership renews each quarter

COSTS:
DISCOUNT!: Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!
Seasonal Membership: $100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership: Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

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?

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Winter 2015 & $10 Off

It’s my happy time again where I get to review my fave subscription, the Rachel Zoe Box of Style! It launched this Spring and so far every box has been well worth the $100 price tag. Let’s see what Rachel chose to finish out 2015. If you want a subscription of your own (and who wouldn’t) use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10!

I opened the cardboard package and discovered an extra surprise beautifully wrapped sitting on top of my regular Rachel Zoe box. What could it be?

EXTRA FREEBIE:

“Get Gorgeous” Makeup Bag
Have I mentioned before how much I love this subscription? Rachel Zoe gave out an extra gift for “inaugural members”. Take note, Popsugar *this* is how you treat longtime customers, you know the people who throw money at you all year long (instead of constantly offering great discounts and offers only available to new members, but I digress). Rachel Zoe is a class act and this is an adorable little bag. I’d love to keep it for myself but I think it will be better served as part of someone’s Christmas gift. The note is so nice and Rachel looks forward to making 2016 my “most glamourous year yet.” Bring it on, baby.

Now to the actual Box:

As usual lots of gorgeous wrapping and boxes all of which will be recycled for Christmas gifts.

HERO ITEM:

Alexis Bittar Gold Tone Swarovski Crystal Adjustable Ring:(Estimated Retail: $198.00)
Rachel’s Description: “As a long time friend and fan of Alexis Bittar, I couldn’t be more excited that he created this ring exclusively for us. TI’s timeless & elegant and romantic but not too over-the-top.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “This piece is adjustable which means you have the freedom to wear it on whatever finger you like. Rock it alone or alongside a few of your favorite dainty rings. Tired of wearing your same old statement necklaces all the time? Swap it out for this bold ring that adds a similar dose of sparkle to your look. During the holidays, more is more so bring on this glamour ofr nighttime! Ears this ring with a standout cocktail dress, a fabulous coat thrown over your shoulder sand a bold lip—you’ll be the best dressed guest at every party.”
Verdict: Hit!
I love it when we get exclusive pieces and Alexis Bittar has some amazing jewelry items on his site. This isn’t a style I would normally gravitate toward but it’s super fun to wear and surprisingly comfortable for the size. I do love baguettes and I hope to see them show up in more jewelry pieces. Getting unique items I wouldn’t normally find on my own is the best part of subscription boxes and this item alone is already well over the value of the entire box.

Our Heiday Notecard Set: (Estimated Retail: $20.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Follow up a glamorous season of gift giving with an equally glamorous and thoughtful thank you card. I think these are a chic go-to all year round.”
Rachel’s Tips: “Every hostess needs a set of notecards on hand—use these to share your messages in style. Jot your post-holiday thank-you notes on these printed cards. A thoughtful sentiment is always best received on gorgeous stationery. In the spirit of the season, use these to send your loved ones thoughtful notes. A great gift doesn’t have to cost a lot!”
Verdict: Gift
I actually hoard stationery, (particularly thank you notes) but this print doesn’t quite speak to me. It does on the other hand, remind me of a good friend so I’m going to add it to her Christmas gift. I couldn’t find this exact print on the Our Heiday website so I’m guessing it was exclusive for this box.

Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes: (Estimated Retail: $10.00)
Honest Beauty Truly Kissable Lip Crayon in Mulberry Kiss (Estimated Retail: $18.00)
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “This crayon is made with ingredients that help nourish and hydrate lips for a gorgeous finish. Apply by first lining the outer edges of the lips, then fill in for beautiful, full-bodied color. Remove a face full of makeup with these soothing wipes, which leave skin feeling clean and soft.”
Verdict: Love!
Typically I use an oil cleanser to remove makeup, but I always like to have wipes on hand in case I’m exhausted and want the path of least resistance. (They are also great to fix makeup mistakes – aka the winged liner that turns into a giant black eye). Most wipes are really drying and tough on my skin so I’m excited to try out the Honest brand and see how it stacks up against the others. This lip crayon goes on so smoothly and the color is absolutely beautiful. It’s a gorgeous winter shade, perfect for Holiday parties and I think the burgundy hue will compliment many skin tones. Another great pick from Rachel.

Lelet NY Swarovski Crystal Hair Pin (Retail: $98.00)
Rachel’s Description: “I believe in accessorizing everything so why stop with your hair? This pin is simple enough that anybody can wear it and it will never over power the other jewelry you have on.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “This holiday season, you might be dripping in jewels form your ears to your fingers but don’t forget about your hair. Think of this piece as a bobby-pin substitute. For a simple but chic style, fasten into your hair just above one ear to keep locks in place and add a little bling to your do. For evening, take two sections form either side of the head and fasten them in the back with this sparkly accessory.”
Verdict: Love, Love, Love
Doesn’t this look like something you’d expect Natalie Portman to wear to an awards ceremony? It’s lovely and sweet with just enough sparkle to make it festive, but not so much that it takes away from you or anything else you are wearing. It works for short and long hair, and is perfect for holiday and New Year’s Eve parties. Rachel Zoe even included some great ways to style it on her site. I couldn’t find this exact one on the Lelet website, so like so many things in this box I’m assuming this was another exclusive. I love how classic this is and how anyone from a child to an elderly woman could wear it gracefully. It’s my favorite item in the box.

MarulaOil Rare Oil Intensive Masque & Complementary Rare Oil Treatment (Estimated Retail: $45.00)
Rachel’s Description: “You have to take care of your hair, especially as it gets colder. A moisturizing masque will help keep your hair shiny and healthy all winter long.”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “Kiss dry, limp locks goodbye—this replenishing hair masque revives winter-weathered hair with a cocktail of moisturizing ingredients. Use this product on your wet hair when it needs some extra love. Comb through tresses then leave on for 3 to 10 minutes depending on your needs. For even deeper conditioning, apply heat with a blow-dryer while the masque is in your hair.”
Verdict: Hit!
I’ve heard lots of good things about the magic of MarulaOil so I’m excited to try this hair masque. The size is really generous and I’m going to use the bonus oil treatment for an at home spa day.

Ciaté London Nail Polish in Celestial (Estimated Retail: $15.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Nails are just an extension of your mood and one more way to accessorize any ensemble. For this holiday season, start with your nails to add a little spark to your look.”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “A festive holiday ensemble isn’t complete without a gorgeous manicure to match. Use this Ciaté polish as the finishing touch to your party-ready look. Apply one coat for a slightly sheer color; try three coats for a bolder more opaque hue. To add a twist to a basic manicure, use this polish to paint an accent nail on both of your ring fingers. Pay around with color combos that match your cocktail attire. ”
Verdict: You had me at glitter
Yes, I have a ton of polish, but look at how sparkly it is! So sparkly! I actually don’t own any polish from Ciaté so it’s nice to have one for my collection. I think this is a perfect shade for the Holidays and a great way to add something fun to a basic outfit. I always say, “when in doubt, add glitter”. I couldn’t find this shade on the Ciate website so I think it may be sold out.

Foot Petals Custom Tip Toes (Estimated Retail: $8.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Whether you’re running from your desk to dinner or out dancing all night long, Foot Petals Tip Toes bring comfort to your high heels.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Perfect for keeping you comfortable on the holiday-party circuit, these foot petals are guaranteed to make your dancing shoes groove a little easier. These petals cushion the balls of your feet and keep toes from sliding forward in shoes. Froe extra comfort, make sure you’ve already broken in the heels you plan to wear, then slip in the Foot Petals for added cushion. ”
Verdict: Hit!
I’ve actually been using the Foot Petals brand for years and they are wonderful. They have all different kinds of products to help with various shoe fit issues including things like straps that dig in and lack of arch support. Their products are durable and really help make shoes that can be painful a lot easier to wear. It says these are custom which is why I’m guessing their retail value is just a little higher than the regular ones on the Foot Petals site. I do think they are definitely worth $8.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Let it Zoe, indeed!
I don’t know what to say besides this is exactly what a Style subscription should be. The value on this box came out to $412 (and that’s excluding my free gift). The cost on this box is $100 and I don’t feel like the retail value on any of the items was off the mark. Because I had received several referrals, I actually received this box for free. I would have gladly paid $100 because it’s full of lovely things that feel special and seasonally appropriate. I’ll use or gift everything in this box. It was really right on the mark with a cohesive holiday theme and just enough sparkle to make it fun, but not so much that most of it is useless the rest of the years. The exclusive items really make this box feel extra special. I can’t wait to see what Rachel comes up with for 2016.

In January, I’ll be doing my favorite items from all of my 2015 sub boxes which will include a heck of a lot from this amazing Box of Style subscription so be sure to come back and check it out!

THE BACKSTORY
Box of Style has Fashion, beauty and lifestyle items you’ll be obsessed with! Over $300 worth of product in every box.

Box of Style ships 4 times per year—March, July, September & December

Membership renews each quarter

COSTS:
DISCOUNT!: Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!
Seasonal Membership: $100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership: Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Fall 2015

It’s time to review my absolute favorite Subscription box: the Rachel Zoe Box of Style! It launched this Spring and so far has had wonderful products and a tight curation. Fall is all about fashion so I’m super psyched to see what’s in this box. Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!

The packaging on this sub makes it feel high end. You get a lovely reusable box, cute details (like that Fall sticker) and everything is individually wrapped. There is also a fabulous booklet with info on the products, styling ideas and special coupon codes for subscribers.

Okay, too much talk, not enough paper ripping.

HERO ITEM:

Cluse La Bohéme Rose Gold Watch with dual straps:(Estimated Retail: $132.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Like I always say, go big or go home, which is why I think every girl needs a statement watch. I love the oversized face and rose-gold finish on this one.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “this menswear-inspired timepiece comes with two leather-strap options: black and grey. To change the strap, slide the silver tab on the underside of the watchband. The grey band is the perfect complement to a light, monochromatic ensemble that you can wear even when fall comes to an end. The black band is a great work-appropriate option that pairs best with earth tones and darker colors.”
Verdict: Hit!
Rachel has a big ticket, “hero item” in every box and reveals it in a spoiler. The rose gold finish on this really classic piece gives it just a hint of something unexpected. You could wear this with a suit for work or paired with jeans on the weekend. It’s sophisticated but not pretentious. It comes with a lovely leather case and two different straps. Also included was a 15% off code for use on the Cluse site. I would have gladly used the code for another strap color, but sadly most of them are out of stock. Hopefully they’ll restock soon.

One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum: (Estimated Retail: $39.00)
Rachel’s Description: “I love fall but it can translate to dry skin This serum gives you a healthy glow, going deep below the surface of skin to hydrate it. I also love that it’s organic, I assure you this will become one of your go-tos.”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “This organic, gardenia-scented serum can be used on the body to prevent and cure weather-chapped skin. Mix it with your daily moisturizer or sunscreen. Use on clean damp skin for the best results.”
Verdict: Like!
I’ve actually received this item in April Popsugar box, but I used that one as a gift, so now I’ll hoard this one for myself. I like the idea of mixing it into sunscreen or other moisturizers and will definitely give that a shot.

Shashi Noa Rose Gold Ear Climber: (Estimated Retail: $55.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Ear climbers bring a new kind of drama to the way we wear earrings. Think of these as an easy way to add a little edge to any look.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Swap out your dainty earrings for these rose-gold ear climbers, a great alternative to classic studs. Even if you own mostly silver and gold jewelry, think of rose gold as a neutral—we’re all about mixing metals. Show them off with a sleek, pulled back bun or messy-braid hairstyle.”
Verdict: Love!
I love that we’re getting more rose gold in this box since it’s something most people don’t have a ton of in their jewelry collection. This ear climber is a great way to try off the trend without doing something too heavy or over the top. You can wear these to work or out to dinner on a weekend and not look like you’re trying too hard. A great pick by Rachel.

Topshop Classic Fedora (Retail: $48.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Rall is the ideal season to wear hats. I always think it amps up your look a notch, giving you an air of effortless cool.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “The neutral, olive hue of this hat pairs best with black, gray, chocolate brown and denim. For daytime, style it with an oversized sweater, skinny jeans and riding boots. For evening, wear it with a black long-sleeved maxi, tailored vest and ankle booties”
Verdict: She went there!
Did you expect another scarf? Not from Rachel! I’m sure that some folks will not be thrilled at this choice, with I’m in love with it. It’s perfect for the season, practical, and not something every other subscription is tossing into their Fall boxes. The olive color choice is inspired and will complement lots of hair colors and skin tones.

Sloane Stationery Custom Notebook Set (Estimated Retail: $40.00)
Rachel’s Description: “We may live in a digital world, but I still love to write everything down. Whether you’re jumping into an important meeting or simply jotting down your thoughts, a chic note book is an essential.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Use “It’s Everything” to write down inspiring quotes and good ideas, while using “Shut It Down” to keep track of your to-dos. When balancing a hectic schedule of social and professional engagements, it’s smart to keep a notebook in your purse to jot things down while on the go. Place these on your entry table and ask guests to leave a personal note..”
Verdict: Hit!
As a writer, blank notebooks are among the many things I hoard and these are lovely quality. I like that these are customized for the box and the sayings are cute. Maybe it makes me old fashioned but I really prefer hand-writing my To-Do lists and notes to myself. Entering them into my phone just doesn’t quite work the same way. I will definitely be using these.

The Laundress Fabric Fresh Classic (Estimated Retail: $8.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Whether you’re jet-setting the globe or just venturing from your desk to dinner the Laundress’ Fabric Fresh is a lifesaver. It smells incredible and instantly freshens up anything – your clothes, handbag, even your car.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Skip a pricey trip to the dry cleaners by spraying this nontoxic, allergen-free psray on your coats, jackets and denim. Carry it in your handbag to freshen up your clothe son the fly. Spray it on your home linens and upholstered furniture. ”
Verdict: A Practical hit!
The Laundress is a great brand for fabric care and this will be a perfect addition to my travel bag for an upcoming conference I’m attending in San Diego. Those of us in seasonal climates will be unpacking our bulky sweaters and winter coats from storage and this spray will be an easy way to freshen them up.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Hit!
Another great box from Rachel Zoe! As usual, we received high quality items with a seasonally appropriate curation. Rachel’s picks all felt versatile and fashion forward. The most remarkable thing I find about this sub is that Rachel Zoe’s choices work for a broad age range of women. A 23 year old and a 53 year old could wear and use all the items in this box and both would look chic. That’s an impressive styling ability and my hat’s off (pun intended) to Rachel. I paid $100 for this box and received an estimated retail value of $322. Everything included is lovely and I’ll use all the items. I’m already antsy to see what’s in the Winter box. What do you think Rachel Zoe might include?

SUBSCRIPTION THERAPY NEWS!

You’ve got until Friday to enter the fabulous giveaway from Terra Bella Box for a natural lip trio. Enter here!

THE BACKSTORY
Box of Style has Fashion, beauty and lifestyle items you’ll be obsessed with! Over $300 worth of product in every box.

Box of Style ships 4 times per year—March, July, September & December

Membership renews each quarter

COSTS:
DISCOUNT!: Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!
Seasonal Membership: $100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership: Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Summer 2015

I get a lot of Subscription boxes, but the Rachel Zoe Box of Style is the one I stalk UPS for. Boxes ship quarterly and her Spring box already topped my favorites of 2015. To save $10 on your own subscription, use code SUBTHERAPYSP10! I was anxious to see how she would follow up the gorgeous Minsai bracelet and TOMS sunglasses. So many new subs start out great, and then falter which subsequent boxes. I was praying Rachel wouldn’t let me down, like so many others had before, (cough…Nina Garcia…cough).

Rachel includes a fabulous brochure with lots of info on the products along with styling ideas. Each item also has a special coupon code that subscribers can use on the product websites for extra discounts.

The box is packed beautifully with great details and it truly feels special to unwrap.

Okay, enough talk. It’s time to rip stuff open.

HERO ITEM:

The Cambridge Satchel Company White Leather Pushlock Handbag:(Estimated Retail: $150.00)
Rachel’s Description: “This white leather cross-body is everything. With its English heritage this bag is totally timeless and impossibly chic—perfect for work and play! Welcome to your new favorite summer purse.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “This bag is so versatile you’ll literally carry it everywhere –from the beach to the office. For daytime, pair it with a T-shirt denim shorts and gladiator sandals. For evening, remove the cross-body strap to use it as a clutch. Dress it up with a printed skirt and high heels.”
Verdict: Oh Rachel, you’ve won already
Rachel has a big ticket, “hero item” in every box and reveals it in a spoiler. It’s a fabulous way for subscribers to know if the box will be a good value for them. I’ve lusted after bags from the Cambridge Satchel Company for a long time so I was thrilled to see this included. It’s an incredibly versatile bag that can be casual chic or workplace appropriate. The white makes it fresh for summer and a classic piece to put in your wardrobe and the not too large, not too small size makes it quite practical. A fabulous choice that already more than covers the cost of the entire box. I couldn’t find white available on the Cambridge site for this particular style, but they do offer it in a variety of other shades.

Too Faced Bronzer in Sunberry: (Estimated Retail: $30.00)
Rachel’s Description: “I always use a bronzer from summer and beyond. IT’s the perfect way to enhance your summer glow. And the thing and pretty packaging fits perfectly into a clutch so you can have it hand for day or night activities.”

Too Faced Lip Créme in Spice Spice Baby: (Estimated Retail: $22.00)
Rachel’s Description: “I always use a bronzer from summer and beyond. It’s the perfect way to enhance your summer glow. And the thing and pretty packaging fits perfectly into a clutch so you can have it hand for day or night activities.”

Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “For the perfect pout and extra staying power, apply a lip primer before putting on the crème. Create an effortless, sun-kissed beauty look by wearing both the lip and bronzer. Top it off with minimal mascara. For a natural glow, use a makeup brush to dust the bronzer from the top of the forehead to the cheekbones, across the jawline and down to the chin.”
Verdict: Hit!
Bronzer and a neutral hydrating lip stick are perfect makeup choices for summer. I have a Too-faced eyeshadow palette that I really love and I find their cosmetics to be excellent quality. The packaging on the bronzer is adorable so it gets bonus points. I didn’t swatch these since I currently have an overload of product, but I’ll be pulling these out in August for some pretty summer looks.

Mara Hoffman Sarong: (Estimated Retail: $98.00)
Made exclusively for Box of Style
Rachel’s Description: “Summer is all about print and color! Even if you’re not on an island or jet-setting this season, wear the sarong as a scarf, shawl turban—you can even use it as a beach blanket!”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Wrap it around your body then tie behind your neck to create an impromptu halter dress. Come fall, wear it as a scarf with a maxi dress and ankle booties. It makes a great head scarf when you need to hide a bad hair day..”
Verdict: Hit!
A wrap/sarong is a perfect item for summer and this one was made exclusively for this box, so subscribers are the only ones who will have it. I normally gravitate to prints that are vintage style, but this one is cheerful and fun and I like that it makes me step outside my comfort zone. It’s a substantial size and you can use it in a variety of ways. I think it would even make a nice throw for a couch or chair.

O.R.G. Skincare Mineral Face Peel (Retail: $44.00)
Rachel’s Description: “It’s so important to exfoliate regularly during summer and all year-round. Achieving that fresh-face, dewy glow starts with the prep. This peel exfoliates and smooths skin, making the the perfett foundation for self-tanners, moisturizer and makeup. I’m obsessed!”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “Use this peel before self-tanning to deepen an existing tan. Exfoliating regularly keeps your skin looking smooth and youthful. Complete your at-home facial by following the peel with your favorite face mask and hydrating eye gels.”
Verdict: Hit!
I have a lot of skincare products thanks to all my sub boxes, but I haven’t tried many peels and I’m looking forward to using this on a full home spa day with face masks, eye gels, pedicures and whatever other beauty products I’ve been hoarding.

Bristols 6 Nippies (Estimated Retail: $26.00)
Rachel’s Description: “Summer is the season for sheer, gauzy and lightweight fabrics. Nippies are the perfect styling accessory when a bra would be distracting. They mold to your body, work with your natural curves and go unnoticed in the best possible way.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Avoid exposed bra straps by wearing with off the shoulder racer-back or sleeveless separates. They’re reusable and easy to clean, so you can get plenty of use out of them. You can even place them in shoes as heel pads or insoles.”
Verdict: Oh Rachel, I wish I had the life you think I did
I promise Rachel, it will always be more distracting for me to not wear a bra. It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing. Trust me. My bras resemble the harness you use when you jump out of a plane so no way are these girls going out with just some little rubber pads for coverage. I do understand that there are women out there who are able to see their toes, and that they would like to have the option to go braless, especially in the summer. This is a great addition for them. It claims they have other uses so we’ll see if I can get creative with the “Nippies”. (And there is a sentence I never thought I’d type).

OVERALL:

Verdict: Like a Boss

And Rachel Zoe keeps up her impressive streak this year with thoughtfully curated boxes that are seasonally appropriate, arrive on time, and are beautifully packed with a value that high exceeds the cost. This is everything that a women’s lifestyle box should be. I said it before, but this sub has definitely raised the bar. This box cost me $100 and I received $370 worth of lovely, fashion forward finds. I’m already itching to see what’s in the Fall Box. And that being said, I do have a spoiler!

SPOILER FOR THE FALL BOX

Cluse Gold Watch with Dual Straps

What do you think of the Fall Box of Style spoiler? Does it make you want to subscribe?

THE BACKSTORY
Box of Style has Fashion, beauty and lifestyle items you’ll be obsessed with! Over $300 worth of product in every box.

Box of Style ships 4 times per year—March, July, September & December

Membership renews each quarter

COSTS:
DISCOUNT!: Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!
Seasonal Membership: $100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership: Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: