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)
Lisa Preziosi 