Fabletics/Calaka Wear Review November 2015

Introduction

What is Fabletics?

Fabletics is an athletic wear subscription box that offers a variety of athletic outfits and items.  As a VIP member, you receive discounts on athletic wear items.  You can purchase items from the boutique or purchase entire outfits at a discounted price.  Prices for outfits start at $49.95.  However, for your first outfit you get 50% off.

To learn more click here.

What is Calaka Wear?

Calaka Wear is a new online clothing store recently established this year (2015).  Below is a quote taken directly from their website:

"Our Mission is to be a street wear brand representing the indigenous culture of North America that can help inspire the people & create meaningful designs that we connect with. Our aesthetic is modern but our inspiration goes back to our cultural symbols & teachings. We want to create, inspire, educate & give back - and to achieve this we will invest from our circles outward, take advantage of todays technology to share information, collaborate with other great Indigenous Brands + Organizations, and lastly, open a path for others to dream big & create."

Although it is not a subscription box, i decided to include it in my review since I loved the quality of their products so much.  Not to mention, I can personally relate to the culture that this clothing line represents. 

Fabletics/Calaka Review - November 2015

Fabletics

Hi everyone! I've been MIA and missed posting about a few new subscriptions.  However, I'm here today to talk about my latest Fabletics outfit, the Shawnee Peak! This outfit normally retails for $174.85, but with Fabletics VIP membership this outfit costs $89.95.  I took advantage of their Black Friday sales and got this outfit for an additional 30% off ($62.97).  This outfit includes the Salar Legging ($64.95/VIP $39.95). These leggings are super warm, solid colored (not see through), and perfect for cold weather.  As well, there was the Psyllos Sweater ($69.95/VIP $49.95) and the Snapdragon Reversible Bra ($39.95VIP $29.95).  I selected the sweater and leggings in black and the snapdragon bra in arctic print/black. 

As well, I took advantage of the Black Friday sales to get two Kemi Bras ($29.95/VIP $19.99) and the Miramar shorts in black ($29.95/VIP $19.99).  I had bought an outfit earlier in the year that had the Miramar shorts in emerald/cucumber and loved it so much.  They are super soft and perfect for working out indoors or during the summer time.  I got the Kemi bra in cobalt/white stripe and purple iris/white stripe.  With Black Friday sales, I saved an additional $31.91.

Calaka Wear

I also took advantage of Black Friday and got myself a new pair of joggers to wear over my new Miramar shorts. The Xomulzen Jogger ($38) from Calaka Wear fit my needs perfectly! These pants are fleece lined and very high quality.  I would expect a jogger of this quality to cost anywhere from $50-$70 from other places like Victoria's Secret or Gap.  While I was at it, I got the Calaka Snapback in Gray/Black - it just was calling my name.

Xomulzen Jogger

Calaka Snapback in Gray/Black 

How it Looked on Me

The Shawnee Peak outfit

The Kemi bra in cobalt/white stripes

The Miramar shorts in black

The Kemi bra and Miramar shorts paired with Calaka sweats and cap

Verdict

Once again, sizing with Fabletics was spot on. I'm an M (size 8-10) and size 8 was a perfect fit. The price on this outfit was a steal (thank you Black Friday sales!). The entire Shawnee Peak outfit ended up costing as much as the sweater would have.  Not to mention the leggings really are high quality, dark black, and not see through.  Like all other sports bras I've gotten from Fabletics in the past, these sport bras are not supportive and would likely be best for yoga or walking.  However, they are super cute and may be better suited for smaller chested women.  I've recently taken an interest in doing yoga, so they fit my needs.  In total, I only spent $98.86 with Black Friday sales for about $150 worth of merchandise.

With the gear from Calaka Wear, I was very pleased with the jogger and cap.  As I mentioned before, these joggers are a steal at $38.  They are extremely high quality and would easily cost $70 at Victoria's Secret.  The clothes at this shop is unisex and I have already bought some other gear to gift to others.  I also have my eye on the very cute beanie with Calaka logo. 

My Referral code

If you liked this blog post and are thinking about taking a look at Fabletics, please use my referral code.  As well, you can get your first outfit for $25!

Fabletics: http://www.fabletics.com/invite/50126074/

Calaka Wear: http://calakawear.com/

Be sure to follow Calaka Wear on Facebook for updates, like this limited time code for 30% off.  At checkout type the code "calaka30".

Golden Tote Review - April 2015

Introduction - What is Golden Tote?

Golden Tote is a fashion subscription box founded by designers Sarah Becker and Sarah Sweeney.  Both Sarahs are also the owners of the Puella clothing line, and their items can be found at Anthropologie.  Golden Tote offers a variety of different designer/boutique clothing items.

To learn more click here.

Golden Tote Review - February 2015 

This month my mom and I were able to order a two $149.  My tote was a slam dunk. Mom's was both hit and miss with some sizing issues.

Regarding the tote purchasing experience, the new website had some unexpected issues that resulted in tote day being changed.  When tote day was relaunched the processing speed of the server resulted in duplicates being put in our tote and check-out issues. Luckily, the new car feature allowed us to save our items and remove duplicates.  For the first time, I was able to purchase both of our totes in one order (AMAZING!).  However, it did take me a half hour to get that purchase in -- at least we got our first picks for items. This was due to the new timer feature which lets you know how much time the items in your cart are saved. Each time you add something to your cart, the timer resets. 

Picked items

$149 Tote: My picks

Easy Sundress
Paired with Embroidered Jean Jacket from April Golden Tote 2014

Floral Crochet Blouse
Paired with Just Black Distressed Boyfriend Jeans

Both of these beautiful items are perfectly dainty and girly.  I get lots of compliments on both of these items. The Easy Sundress was also perfect to wear for mother's day. It's a very comfy shift dress. The floral crochet blouse is very pretty, but also requires a tank since it's see through. I've also just worn a bralette underneath. 

$149 Tote: Mom's pick

Springsteen Shirt
Paired with Distressed Boyfriend Jeans in White

Chevron Print Maxi Dress

Mom loves the Springteen Shirt. It's very soft and the medium fits us both. Length wise - I think its perfect, but some people have mentioned that it runs short if you have a longer torso. Now, the Maxi dress, its so pretty, but also heavy.  My mom is too short to wear this dress, but she was hopeful that it would fit. I will also say that the top is roomy - even on me and I'm a curvy size Medium.

Add ons:

Distressed Boyfriend Jeans in white

We both have these Distressed Jeans in dark wash, light wash, and now white. We sized down two sizes so they fit us fitted. We obviously hate these jeans :P

Surprise Items

My Tote: I genuinely loved all four picked items. I especially liked the two blouses I received - very springy and office appropriate.  I only had sizing issues with the Hem & Thread dress. Although it is size medium, it runs small.  I can squeeze in and out of it, but I am curvy and prefer things slightly oversized.  I'll be FSOT this item. 

Embroidered green blouse
Paired with Distressed Boyfriend Jeans in White

Blue blouse with Lace embellishment
Paired with Distressed Boyfriend Jeans in White

Puella Maxi dress

Hem and Thread crochet dress

Mom's Tote:  Mom loves the black tunic and maxi skirt. The blue tunic/top and white top however weren't her style. In particular the blue tunic was too large for her. Those two will be put FSOT.

Black tunic with embroidery
Paired with geometric patterned leggings

Blue tunic
Paired with Distressed Boyfriend Jeans in White

White Lacey blouse
Coral and grey stripped Maxi Skirt

Verdict

Our stylist for this session was AR.

My tote: Was a perfect Match and my style. And 3/4 items fit perfectly.

Mom's tote: Mom liked 2/4 items. Being petite it is difficult for her to find maxi dresses that fit. We were surprised that the tunic/top choices were so oversized. We hope that in the future GT includes a style profile option for petites.

April Tote Design

If you want to see pictures of Golden Tote items, be sure to follow my instagram account: alexmariahboxes

My Referral Code

If you liked this blog post and are thinking about taking a look at Golden Tote, please use my referral code. There's no obligation to purchase and sign up is free! [Note: I receive $10 in referral credit if you sign up and make a purchase using my referral code in the same browsing session.]

Golden Tote: http://www.goldentote.com/index.php?route=common/referral&referral=e2bc5413cfd9f65f

New & Upcoming Subscription Box - Prospurly

Introducing Prospurly

What is Prospurly?

Prospurly is a new subscription box that provides organic and artisan-crafted goods.  They provide a variety of good food, relaxing essentials, and games/gifts to share with friends.  This subscription box is all about getting back ot the simple things in life, bringing people together, and providing high quality, eco-friendly, goods.  This box would also make a great gift for someone who loves a personalized touch.

"Prospurly started as a simple idea: a positive reminder every month can really change the way you think and the quality of your life.  Spiritual, personal, and communal success can sometimes be just an positive attitude away from reality."

How does it work?

1. Choose your subscription (currently there is only a monthly subscription or gift option)
2. Prospurly hand selects each and every product for each month's box
3. Boxes are shipped on the 25th of every month and arrive in 2-3 days.

How much does it cost?

Prospurly is a monthly (re-occurring) subscription box costing $49.95.  If you sign up and don't wish to receive a box every month, be sure to use the "Skip next month" feature each month you wish to skip.

Please note, if you do order, I've noticed an issue with their website where it doesn't properly notify you that you've ordered. It takes you to a "Blue Host" site and says it has a 404 issue. If you get to this page, know that your order has gone through and you will receive a confirmation email. I didn't do this and unfortunately ordered 2 subscriptions.  However, I've emailed their customer service and hope to hear back soon and fix this issue :) it'll be a good test of their customer service and responsiveness.

Update: Heard back from their customer service contatct (Holly) and had a wonderful experience. They cancalled one of the duplicate boxes and refunded :) awesome customer service -- I'm already liking this box!

Discount

Right now you can sign up for the first Prospurly subscription box and get 10% off using the code: FOUNDER

**Note: According to their website, founders get 10% off for life***

My experience

Since this box just came out yesterday, I've ordered one of their first boxes.  As mentioned above, I did notice one glitch with their checkout system, but did receive confirmation that my orders were placed (I accidentally placed 2 thinking the first one didn't go through.  Once I hear back from their email address and once I receive my first box, I'll be uploading a review of it :)

Referral System

Prospurly offers a referral system where you earn a free box once you refer 3 friends. Since this subscription box is new I'm not quite sure how this system works, but will update once I've received referrals.

If you'd like to learn more about Prospurly or wish to subscribe, please use my referral code: https://prospurlybox.cratejoy.com/refer/Alex-XNJCHYGI