Product Reviews - Pocketful of Joules

Reviewing the Wantable Accessories Box: April 2014

I had such good luck with my March Wantable Accessories Box that I decided to go ahead and get another box for April. You know, the whole need-new-jewelry-for-spring thing.

Oh, wait… is that NOT a thing?
Oopsie.

Okay fine, I have a jewelry addiction. And you guys have helped feed my addiction by being so sweet to use my special Wantable referral code. So I’d like to say a HUGE thank you to Rosemarie, Jesica, Nance and Lizz. I truly appreciate that you used my referral link when you signed up to get your own Wantable boxes. Due to your collective awesomeness, I was able to get this month’s box for free.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

For those of you who are not familiar with the Wantable Accessories box, the cost is $36 if you subscribe (monthly boxes, you can cancel at any time) or $40 for a one time box. Each box includes 3 – 4 boutique accessories that are handpicked for you and your preferences.

Here’s what I received in this month’s box:

Isabella Necklace – This necklace is pretty fabulous. It has a bunch of multi-toned strands and even has a fun little bow tying everything together. I like that it’s a more toned down version of a statement necklace… so I can throw it on with anything and feel put together. I wore it to work earlier this week, but the bow wasn’t working for me so I schooched it around to the back (under my hair).

Jordan Sunglasses – I didn’t really need another pair of sunglasses, since I just received a pair in last month’s box. But, I forgot to update my Wantable survey for my preferences. These are pretty cute though and I feel kinda like a Rockstar when I throw them on. At this point I’m undecided on whether I’ll keep them or add them to the grab box I’m putting together for when my sister’s visit for Easter.

Ollie does look like a sexy little minx in them though… right?!

Vilda Bracelet & Unknown Bracelet – The Vilda bracelet is the small one with the rhinestone accents. I really like it and think that it looks pretty both on its own and as part of an eclectic bracelet stack. I usually don’t start wearing bracelets until the weather gets warmer (and you can actually see my wrists), but I think this will be a spring staple for me!

As for the larger bracelet, my description page that came with this month’s Wantable box was mislabeled. This is certainly not the Judy necklace… This little graphic cuff is okay. It’s too big for my wrist, which makes it kind of annoying to wear. Also, it’s not really my style at all. It’s pretty though, so I’m sure that I can re-gift it to someone who appreciates it!

As I mentioned in my last post, Wantable allows you to return items that you don’t like. However, since I received this box for free I obviously won’t be sending back the silver cuff bracelet. I have returned items to them before and the return/refund process was super easy.

What do you think, would you try the Wantable Accessories box or do you prefer to pick out your own accessories? Do you like to take pictures of your dog wearing accessories? What do you think about the silver cuff?

Disclaimer: If you choose to purchase a box using my special referral link, I will receive a small referral bonus toward future Wantable purchases. Thank you to anyone who uses my special link and supports my shopping addiction.

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March Stitch Fix: Fixin’ for Spring

I’m not really sure how Stitch Fix does it, but somehow as soon as I send back each month’s Fix, I’m already excited about my next one. I’ve been thinking about skipping a month, but I just simply cannot deprive you of my awkward modeling pictures, right?! And um… I’m kind of in love with having clothing delivered right to my door.

My March Fix is #7 if you’re keeping track (you can check them all out here). Each month I’ve only purchased one or two items, so it’s not really breaking the bank. Stitch Fix may actually be SAVING me money because I’ve pretty much stopped most of my impulse purchases from cheapo stores like Target or Old Navy. Instead of buying a bunch of inexpensive items that will inevitably pill up or shrink oddly after just one washing, I’m buying better quality pieces that I actually love.

Speaking of love, let’s talk about this month’s Fix!

When I sent in my request, I asked for the same stylist that put together my February Fix (Meagan) since I felt that she was on track with my personal style. I requested a blazer for work, an interesting cardigan and tried again for some casual tops. Unfortunately, there weren’t any interesting blazers available in my size for this Fix… but Meagan still knocked it out of the park!

Here’s what I got:

Item #1: Kayla Skinny Jean, $108
When I checked my account after the order was sent and saw that I was getting a pair of $108 skinny jeans, I laughed. Um… a pair of jeans for more than ONE HUNDRED dollars is not my typical purchase! Last night, I opened the box and saw a pair of Orange-Red skinny jeans and snickered a little. Then, I put them on…

First off, let me just say that my butt would NOT have fit in these jeans before I did the DietBet. They are obviously magical skinny jeans – they have just the right amount of stretch, the fit is PERFECT and I don’t even have a muffin-top! Is it possible that I like BRIGHT RED skinny jeans?! Actually, I kind of love them. I was worried that they wouldn’t go with anything in my wardrobe, so I styled them three different ways using clothes already in my closet. What do you think: keep or return?

Oh, and to ensure that you are making an informed decision, here is the back view:

Item #2: Healdsburg Loose Knit Open Cardigan, $68
At work, I pretty much live in cardigans. With crazy temperature fluctuations between outside, crazy office air and running around all day, I like to have the option to take off a layer. I also like a more casual-type cardigan for home to throw over a t-shirt and pretend that I look like a grownup.

I’m not sure about this cardigan though. It’s a nice, neutral color and has an interesting open weave… it’s just not wowing me. Since it doesn’t have any buttons in the front, I tried it two different ways – first a work look with a skirt, blouse and belt, and then a ‘heading out to Target’ look with jeans and a top. What do you think: Keep or return?

Item #3: Moni Stud Detailed ¾ Sleeve Blouse, $58
Holy guacamole – after MONTHS of requesting this shirt and basically drooling over it every time I would see someone post it on Instagram, the WHITE UNICORN of Stitch Fix arrived at my door!

Perhaps I should have said RED unicorn, because this blouse is a gorgeous shade of red. I love it SO MUCH – the fit is perfect, the color is great and the little studs are just enough interest that I don’t need to add a necklace. I’m definitely getting this blouse and wearing it at least once a week!

Item #4: Cherise Cotton Tab Sleeve Henley Shirt, $58
YAY, a cotton shirt! I was hoping for a simple, yet awesome, cotton shirt when I asked for some casual tops.

This top is super soft and a neutral color that can pretty much go with anything, including bright red pants. I’m not sure about the cut though. It’s kind of swoopy in the front and back, which makes it great for butt coverage. Hmm… I really need your feedback on this one. Keep or return?

Item #5: Downing Striped Knit Shirt, $44
Another cotton shirt, wheeheew! Now you may be thinking, “Joules” if you wanted a normal old cotton shirt you should just visit Old Navy or the Gap… and I totally agree. What I wanted was an INTERESTING and well-made cotton shirt that I wouldn’t see on every single girl I know.

This top is super cute in person with the orange stripes and ¾ sleeves. It also has a curved side to it, but a bit less extreme than the grey top. I think it would look really cute with a pair of cutoff jean shorts in the summer. But now that I look at the picture, I’m wondering if this isn’t that flattering either. What do you think: Keep or return?

When I tried everything on last night I thought I had finally gotten a box where I’d keep EVERYTHING, but now I’m not so sure. I LOVE a few things and like a few things. The kicker is that if I do decide to keep everything, I get 25% off of the total cost which is pretty much like getting the sweater and part of a shirt for FREE.

Now here’s the fun part… what do YOU think I should buy? My mind is totally made up on the red top, but everything else is up in the air. I have a couple days to make my decision, so please leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

3/21/14 Update: Thank you all SO MUCH for weighing in with your thoughts! After much, much, MUCH consideration I decided to just buy what I was in love with, since I have plenty of stuff already that I just kinda like. So, the red Moni Studded top and the orange-red skinny jeans will now live in my closet… and hopefully I’ll get lots of wear out of them!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix, I pay for the $20 styling fee and any clothing I purchase with my own hard-earned money. I do have a special referral link though and if you decide to click through and sign up I will receive a small referral reward. Here’s my link. So thank you for anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction.

Psssst…Do you love checking out what other people received in their Fixes? I added quick links to every single one of my reviews on my Stitch Fix Reviews page!

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The Wantable Accessories Box

Remember a couple months ago when I tried out the Wantable Intimates box? Well, when I was filling out the survey for that box, I noticed that they also had an Accessories box. Since I haven’t chosen to get any accessories in my Stitch Fix boxes, I thought it might be fun to see what someone else would pick out for me.

Once again, I filled out their survey which asked me all sorts of questions to determine my style. They also ask what types of accessories you’d like and you can choose from: earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, watches, sunglasses, scarves, and hair accessories. Since I always wear the same watch, rings and earrings (and have a crap-ton of scarves already), I decided to ask for bracelets, necklaces and sunglasses.

The cost of the Wantable Accessories box is $36 if you subscribe (monthly boxes, you can cancel at any time) or $40 for a one time box. Each box will include 3 – 4 boutique accessories that are handpicked to “perfectly match your preferences.”

I filled out the survey and within a few days a box arrived at my door. Here’s what I received:

Princess Madrid Sunglasses – I love these glasses. The teal is fun and the rhinestone details add a bit of sass without making them look cheap. Also, they look good on everyone, see!

I don’t think Jack is purposefully doing a pouty lip in that picture. I’m pretty sure his mouth was stuffed with pretzels…

Here’s the next item from my box:

Natalia Bracelet Set – It’s hard to get a good picture of these bangles, but they are multi-toned and really pretty. I wouldn’t be able to wear them to work because they would make typing annoying as all-heck, but they are perfect for throwing on with a pair of jeans and cute top on the weekend. I also like that they are simple and could totally go with a cocktail dress too. Not that I wear a cocktail dress often, but I do have a couple weddings coming up!

Lotus Bloom Necklace – Okay, I love my statement necklaces… but even I was like “HOLY STATEMENT NECKLACE, BATMAN!” when I opened this one up. But then I tried it on with a couple different tops and now I kind of love it. It’s different. It’s not something I would have picked out myself. It won’t be worn by 10,000 other girls. GREAT CHOICE, WANTABLE!

Look, I even wore it to work yesterday:

I feel a bit like a pretty, pretty princess… but who DOESN’T want to feel like a princess while working? I mixed it with my new striped dress from Target (a super STEAL at $28) and a black blazer. It totally works, right?!

Or are you thinking I should learn the Miss America wave and start walking slowly through the halls with a sash?

I have absolutely no complaints about this box and really liked everything I received. If I HAD disliked something, Wantable allows you to get your money back (and will even send you a shipping label). I don’t know of any other subscription box that lets you do that! Wantable boxes would be a really good choice for someone who wants to dip their toe into the world of subscription boxes without having to live with something – and pay for something – that they don’t actually like.

What do you think, would you try the Wantable Accessories box or do you prefer to pick out your own accessories? Do you like the crazy, over-the-top white necklace or do you think I need to step away from the statement necklaces for a while?

Disclaimer: I paid for my own Wantable Accessories box. If you choose to purchase a box using my special referral link, I will receive a small referral bonus toward future Wantable purchases. Thank you to anyone who uses my special link and supports my shopping addiction.

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