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Golden Tote $149 Tote Review – January 2016

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeJan 23, 2016 | 16 comments

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - BOX

Golden Tote
4 overall rating
72 Ratings | 8 Reviews

If you aren’t familiar with Golden Tote, here’s a really quick intro: Every month you get to pick out 1-2 pieces, and they surprise you with the rest. (The surprise items are completely different from the pieces you pick from). For the $149 tote, you pick 2 items, and get 3-4 more surprise items based on your style profile.

FYI – This is not a typical subscription, each month they release a new collection and you can decide whether or not you want to buy it. For returns, they recently updated their return policy. Here’s their card describing it:

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - info 1

In summary, you can return your entire tote for a full refund. However, you can return individual items, any items you keep revert to their boutique price and you get charged the new total.

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - packaging

My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

The Subscription Box: Golden Tote

The Cost: $49 or $149 (This review is of the $149 tote)

The Products: Clothing items you pick plus surprises from Golden Tote!

Ships to: Everywhere! Flat rate ground shipping within the US is $9.95. International is $30. Free shipping on US orders of $149 or more and International orders of $149 or more are charged $25.

Delivered via: UPS

Check out all of our Golden Tote reviews and the Women’s Clothing Subscription Box Directory!

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - info 2

Golden Tote also includes some styling suggestion cards for the items you pick.

(Not sure why, but I only received a styling card for the first item I chose this month.)

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - items 1

Renee C The Brando Jacket – value: $68

(65% cotton, 35% polyester; hand wash cold, hang dry)

This was my first pick this month. I’m really happy with it! I sized up and got a large because I wasn’t sure how the fit would be, and I prefer my outerwear to err on the large side so I can wear layers. I could have actually gone with a medium, but I can make it work!

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - items 2

Puella Striped Swing Dress in Navy – value: $78

(68% polyester, 29% rayon, 3% spandex; water wash and lay flat to dry)

This is my first swing dress from Puella but I am in love with it! It was my second picked item this month. I can’t wait to pair it with leggings, boots, and a top knot and live in it. It’s so comfortable and easy to wear!

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - items 3

Gilli Floral Dress – value: $60?

(95% rayon, 5% spandex; hand wash cold, lay flat to dry)

This dress is another hit. I like the pattern and the fabric is really soft and has good stretch.

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - items 4

Skies are Blue Split Back Top – value: $40

(100% polyester; hand wash cold and lay flat to dry)

I really like this top – the color and back detail are great. However it’s a little ill-fitting. The front is too short and the sleeves aren’t quite long and not quite three-quarter.

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - items 5

Reorder Knit Sweater – Value: $50?

(20% wool, 80% acrylic; hand wash cold, lay flat to dry)

I don’t love this sweater but I like it more than I thought I would. I don’t wear brown often at all. I like the detailing in the knit, though.

GOLDEN TOTE JANUARY 2016 $149 TOTE - items 6

Ellison Apparel Sweater – value: $45?

(100% acrylic; hand wash cold)

I didn’t think I liked this sweater much, but after seeing it on I think I dig it!

Verdict: I honestly think this is my best tote so far! I don’t hate anything, and I really want to just live in the Puella dress (and order more!). I’m happy!

What do you think of Golden Tote? Did you get a tote this month?

Starting at $59.00
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Golden tote is a surprise shopping spree bundled up in a cute, canvas tote bag and delivered to your door without doing any of the work. It's a great assortment of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories curated just for you. Select one or two items, and the Golden Tote stylists surprise you with the... read more.
Haley Faye
Haley Faye
Haley Faye first discovered the wonderful world of subscription boxes in 2012 and began writing for MSA in 2014. Over the years, she has found many subscriptions to love. Now a mom of three, her favorite boxes are ones that dress her kids, help her get organized, feed her family, send her snacks, and offer educational fun for her children.

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16 comments

Emma

Haley, you really did look great in everything but you looked especially lovely in that Gilli dress! I also think the Ellison sweater is very cute.

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Sarah

Haley,
You look great in everything, especially the Gili Dress!

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nelliebelle1197

I want that cardigan.

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Alicia

You look great in everything (I want that varsity sweater something fierce), and I LOVE your lipstick – what shade are you wearing, please?

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Haley Faye

Thanks so much, Alicia! I’ve been looking for the perfect brown for this winter. It’s “coffee run” by Smashbox!

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Rachel

Haley, that Gilli dress is so flattering on you! I love how it is form-fitting and modest at the same time. Do you think it would layer well with leggings? That’s just the sort of dress I’ve been looking for!

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Ally

Even the things you don’t really love look great on you! That color blue of the top is lovely on you, and the floral dress makes your waist look so tiny that I almost thought you were wearing a corset of some sort. Very good tote!

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Cassandra

I get boots and leggings with the swing dress. What is a top knot?

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Alli A

It’s a messy bun on the top of your head instead of at the nape of your neck. So glad to see the January surprises! This is my first time ordering Golden Tote, and I’ve been stalking blogs for reveal posts. Am kind of hoping for the sweater tunic dress you got in the $49 tote.

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Katherine

Haley, that Gilli floral dress makes your waist look so tiny! Its super flattering! I also love the brown sweater on you, the color really compliments your new darker hair color. It is so helpful seeing you actually wear the clothes you review, hint hint to Liz and the other reviewers 😉

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JellyBean

You took all the thoughts I had reading this post! That floral dress looks amazing on her. ?

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Erin

Oh man…I am so tempted right now! I love every piece you received.

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Cloud

Haley you make me miss ordering Golden Tote. I love reading and seeing all of your clothing subscriptions. 🙂

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LB

Thanks for modeling the clothes when you post reviews–it is really very helpful to see how the clothing fits on a person and not just on a headless dress form.

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BONNY

I love everything that you received! You rocked them all!

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Sue

Haley everything looks great! That Gilli dress is amazing and yes yes yes Puella swing dresses for life I have so many and I live in them all.

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