Today I want to discuss with you my thoughts on subscription box reviews. I am not a member of any monthly subscription boxes. There are a few reasons for this. First and foremost, I don’t like passive money mindlessly leaving every month. I used to be apart of Birchbox, until every month they kept on sending me another hair oil. I don’t need another hair oil and even specified that in my profile. Over time those subscription boxes add up and before you know it, you’re spending 200-300 hundred a year on mini samples that you never finish. Personally, if I want a sample, I go to Sephora and get the samples of things I actually want. That is just my personal opinion. Trust me, I love trying new things but after a while they are just money pits. However, I have been pleasantly surprised by my first Rachel Zoe Box of Style. Here is my Rachel Zoe Summer 2015 subscription box reviews.
Subscription Box Reviews
If you remember one of my favorite things I was digging a little while ago was this Miansai rose gold bracelet. The more I researched about this brand, I discovered they had a cult following because of the Rachel Zoe box of Style. These boxes come out every 4 months and aren’t cheap, $100 a pop. However that bracelet itself was $250, so right there you are already ahead.
I got on the wait list for the Summer box. Here is the only thing that bothered me about the process. They bill you when you sign up, not when the box ships. Something about that irks me. Like, let me give you a hundred bucks at this exact moment with nothing to show. It’s like putting a hundred in the bank and earning no interest. I feel that you should be charged when it is shipped but that is just a pet peeve of mine. Flash forward 2 months and this bad boy arrives.
I was pleasantly surprised.
My favorite product is the Mara Hoffman exclusive print (not exact but similar) . I am all about multi purpose pieces like this. Use as a scarf, wrap around your bathing suit for a sarong, make it a hair wrap piece, or wrap it around for an easy Summer top. I think $98 is kinda crazy for a piece like this but Mara Hoffman prints don’t come cheap. I love the vibrant colors in this.
The Cambridge Large Push Lock Satchel initially wasn’t my favorite but is really growing on me. I like that first off it is real leather. It is pretty stiff, however, it really has good structure. No inside pocket which is a minor aggravation but not a huge deal because you don’t need tons of organization in a quick throw on crossbody. It retails on SHOPBOP for $150, so right there you are already ahead of the game. It also comes with a dustcover which I am a big fan of for my leather bags. Make sure to use a leather protectant spray before sporting especially if you are accident prone with all things white like me.
A girl can never have enough bronzer am I right? I am pretty set in my ways about my ride or die NARS laguna but I was willing to give this a run. I was pleasantly surprised with this Too Faced Sun Bunny bronzer. I like two toned bronzers especially when the Summer fades and you can transition to the lighter color in the Fall. It is not overly glittery and gives a nice glow. For $30, it was not a cheap makeup add so the initial price tag of this box is looking better and better.
Immediately my BS radar comes up when a box subscription comes with two products from the same brand. C’mon Rachel Zoe are you just looooving this brand or did they give you a really good deal? However, it was short lived because this is my favorite piece out of the box. The La Creme Too Faced Lipstick in Spice Spice Baby is the most perfect flush, everyday pink. It goes on super creamy and hydrating plus has a little refreshing tingle. I wear this no lie, every day since I opened the box. So even if it is brand favoritism, this lipstick holds its own weight. Price tag $22.
Just like dress slips or Spanxx…..things that aren’t glamorous to talk about but man do these Nippies make a difference. When I unpacked these I was like…….ummmmmm…..however, they are awesome. I will say though, I am working with a size B in the itty bitties department. If I need to go sans bra I will not be called in for indecent exposure. However with all these open back, cutout dresses that are the rage this Summer sometimes you just need a little something in the front for coverage. These fit the bill perfectly. You won’t have to worry about if you walk into a restaurant and that air conditioning hits you the wrong way……if you catch my drift…..<– (see what I did right there?) Also, in FL there is something called humidity and therefore boob sweat can be an issue. These little houdinis held on tight. Big fan. Grab them here. They also come with a sweet travel case. Price point $25.
Last gem. This O.R.G Mineral Peel is pretty baller. You spray it on your face, let it sit and then rub it around for gentle exfoliation. *User note* spray onto your hands and then put on your face. Otherwise you will have half of it in your hair and mouth…..first time error. I have extremely sensitive skin so I try to stay away from any harsh peels. This product was anything but harsh. It left my skin even softer than when I use my Clarisonic. Don’t be creeped out because you will actually have dried skin that balls up and you wash away. If you have any dry patches on your skin, this is the product for you. I am so in love with this product, especially since I have dry skin patches that my makeup sometimes clings to. Nope, use this before and your makeup goes on flawless. I even used it on my feet for my at home pedicure and on my elbows and knees (aka your driest parts of the bod). Hello baby soft skin. When this runs out I will be buying again. Cannot give this product enough praise. Price point $44, Amazon carries it and it’s on sale holla.
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So the grand total for everything was $371 without tax. So let’s round up and just call it $400 worth of products for $100. I am extremely pleased with this Summer box and think it was worth the initial price point. I am tempted to get the Fall box which don’t ship until September and are selling out quickly. What are your thoughts? Would you be happy with this box of style? I hope you enjoyed my Rachel Zoe subscription box reviews. Should I buy the Fall one? I’m so interested to hear your thoughts! If you are digging this review I would love if you would pin or stumble it. I have lots of ways for you to do that down below or that sweet new floating plugin to the left <— Have a fab day! xoxoxo
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Wow! I have to admit, I had serious sticker shock at first but I love all the items in this box!! That scarf is stunning and I love the purse!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
I was super tempted to jump on the fall box bandwagon but when I saw the main piece was a watch I figure with as many watches as I have I can hold off and see what happens with the winter box. I love all the stuff you got though, definitely worth the $100! Although I agree, paying when you sign up is dumb.
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
Wow, thanks for breaking this all down, lady! At first the $100 price tag turned me off [plus I’m with you, why do they bill you before you get anything, not cool], but seeing that you get almost $400 worth of products makes me change my tune. That lip gloss looks like the perfect shade for summer and those nip covers are smart too.
I feel like with all the stuff you got it was definitely worth the $100 price tag! I’m such a fan of Sunny Bunny and have actually run out so I need to get more!! I’m with you – having to pay right up front is pretty annoying, but at least you finally got the box and it was worth it! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I was LOL’ing at the nip covers, and your comment about the ac, drift lol
I’m not sure I’d splurge on this–it would definitely be a splurge. Lots of great things, but it’s pricey.
i was curious if this was worth the plunge, and glad to see it was! i’ve never used nip covers, but it sounds genius for those backless dresses and such. i love TF bronzers–I have 2–like a crazy person.
Wow it’s a hefty price tag, but it looks like you get your money’s worth. Loving that bag!!!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Wow! $100 is a lot but for what you got, it was well worth it in my opinion! I’m dyingggg to try this box in September! I’ve been lusting after that bag on Shopbop for months – I’m so jealous it was in this box!
Loved your review!! I’m totally with you on subscription boxes, but I like that this is a one time deal. You seem to get some pretty cool stuff for just $100. I might have to try it for fall. Thanks for sharing!! I have been so curious if these boxes were worth the price tag!!
-Karen
http://LadyinViolet.com
you know i am a subscription box junkie and i’d never heard of this til now!
I love everything that came in the box! I’m very tempted…
First off, Rachel Zoe is my girl. I love her and I love her husband too, they are awesome. Anyways… I TOTALLY agree with you on the subscription box thing. I would never spend money on something like that. Because like you said, you can just get samples at Sephora. Or ask for some at a makeup counter. ;-) Those nipple things sound amazing. I’ll be checking those out for sure. :-) Thanks for sharing your review lady and I hope that you have a fab day!! :-)
$100 seemed pretty expensive for a subscription box at first, but after seeing everything you got it’s so worth it! Since it only comes out every four months it really isn’t that much more than getting a Birch Box every month. That scarf is awesome! I loved how you styled it in yesterday’s post. Pieces like that are awesome for Florida, especially during the “winter.” You never know how the weather will fluctuate, so it’s nice to have a versatile piece like that to wrap around you.
I’m going to go against the grain and say that I don’t think $100 is a high price tag for all that you’re getting, plus the name recognition of who’s “styling” you! I’m totally with you that spending several hundred for samples is a waste of money. I cancelled my Birchbox a year ago, and cancelled Ipsy a few months after I started getting it! I’m also with you on getting billed when the box ships. What is that, Rachel Zoe?! Not good customer service, that’s what. But seriously, I’m getting on this bandwagon pronto because $100 for all that is a dang STEAL
Oooo… This is SUPER interesting to me. Maybe I’ll cancel my fall Stitch Fix and get this instead. I love that it has a mix of quality products. Makeup, fashion—I’m there!
Girl I totally signed up for the fall one! I didn’t realize there was a Miansai bracelet in the spring one as I totally got a similar bracelet a few months ago just from finding the brand on my own. No surprise it’s all popular now! I love the summer box and after seeing what the big ticket item is for fall I had to snag it :)
xo
cheshirekatblog.com
I would definitely try it again!
I just signed up for the fall one, the watch is so cute and was worth the price tag for me! Wish I would have known about the summer one, what a great deal!!
Oh man…. Now I want this box lol! So much good stuff! The $100 seemed steep at 1st, but that is such a great deal! I love the variety of fashion, beauty, and practicality in this box! Loved your review!
Xoxox
http://www.ManicMakeupGirl.Blogspot.com
Wow this is an amazing review! I feel the same way about box subscriptions… but I do love my rocksbox. I was seriously admiring that Mara Hoffman print in your post yesterday and learning that you got it from this box is amazing. I might have to sign up for the fall one….
I feel you on the charge when you signup though, I wish they didn’t do that!
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
I feel like this box was totally worth it – I LOVE everything that you got, especially the cross body bag. So gorgeous.
I never thought I’d like subscription boxes until I tried out rocksbox. I think i’d actually really like this one!
Oh man this looks awesome! I’ve always been tempted to get the PopSugar box but now this one seems much more tempting!!
I’ve been tempted, her boxes seem so great! It’s just such a hefty price tag. :-/ Plus the last two boxes I tried that were “hefty” (aka $50ish a month) I HATED so I don’t wanna be bummed again lol I think I’m too picky for subscription boxes. I do ipsy – but that’s mainly because I’m lacking in the girly department so my ipsy bag helps expose me to new makeup!!! Lol! (I did birchbox for a few months and hated each box! So many oils and perfumes!)
I didn’t read through the comments, so not sure if someone else mentioned, but here is a spoiler for the next Rachel box! :) It might help you decide if you want to do it again. http://www.ramblingsofasuburbanmom.com/2015/07/rachel-zoe-fall-box-of-style-hero-item-revealed-spoiler/
Sounds like it was definitely worth it on the money front… as long as you can find use in all the products! It’s a gamble, but this looks like a great box!
Love this review. I’m NOT a fan of subscription boxes either, however I do subscribe to “try the world” which is a food box, and I really do like it so far. Seems like this box is worth it too. I’m really tempted to try and get the fall one now.
The price tag of this one stings a little up front, especially when they are billing you right away instead of when it ships, ouchie! But….it seems to be totally worth the price tag!! Which I can’t really say for many of the boxes out there. I love the items you got with the exception of the Nippies. I am a DD, I have to have support somewhere and therefore backless dresses or anything that doesn’t allow some kind of bra (at least a strapless) is a huge no for me. So that would have been a waste in the box for me. But I love Too Faced and all the other products you got. I would say for the fall one if you like that watch that they have featured.
Such a GREAT review! I’m hesitant to sign up for a subscription box that is that expensive, but you do get some great pieces! And $98 is a lot for a scarf but it is true that Mara Hoffman is always pricey. Thanks for the info, girl!
xo Southern Style
i’ve never heard of this one! i usually have a really specific list of things i want to buy so i dont do subscription boxes but im tempted to look more into this one. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
At first I thought $100…that is a lot. But when you think about it it really does make a lot of sense to try! Thanks for sharing!
I am ashamed to admit that I didn’t know Rachel Zoe had a box! Although that is a good think for my wallet. Sounds like you got some really great stuff!! May need to check it out now…
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
I’ve tried subscription boxes from the $10 up to the $100 price range and while I love getting things that are worth more than I’m paying, I really hate getting a box full of things I may not use or need. I had never heard of this box, and the fact that they charge you up front would frustrate me too!
This box sounds AWESOME! I love all you got and it was well worth the $100!! And you also just made me think twice about my Ipsy that comes every month lol!
I’m so ticked that I haven’t jumped on this bandwagon sooner! My friend swears by them but I was a little hesitant because of the price, but holy moly, there is some GOOD stuff in there! I’m signing up for the Fall box ASAP!
totally agree about the sample boxes, why would i want to pay for samples? especially if they send you things you don’t need. i’d actually be more inclined to get this one because of the value – $400 of things i actually would use? i like the satchel, but i personally don’t love real leather stuff.
So it’s definitely a really great bargain– and I’m like you and would rather spend $100 on things that you might actually use instead of a bunch of random samples & I guess if you got something you really didn’t like you could probably sell it???
Great review!! I’ve never heard of this box but would love to try it at some point… when I get a job and have some more cash flow haha :)
I LOVE Rachel Zoe! First, $100 is alot of money for a subscription box, but wow did you get some great things! I love the wrap/scarf and the clutch. Very cool review…thanks for sharing!
This RZ box of style sounds fabulous and I appreciate you introducing me to the products and this subscription box concept. I had not heard about it! I am going to sign up for the fall box and am pumped it is 4x per year instead of monthly!! XOXO
I love Rachel Zoe and it really comes across that she cares about her customers and fans. She represents Jet Set, Style and luxury living, of course her brand has to reflect that. The whole pay first and receive way later also bugged me at the beginning, however I guess that is how businesses work and I am cool with that. I get amazing quality products at a higher value than the price I pay and the company gets a little investments revenue…win-win! :)