Golden Tote Review – April 2014 Round 2!

I received my very first Golden Tote bag and I love everything in it! I picked the denim jacket, and the Woo Kaftan Dress in watermelon (that has not come yet because they had to send it back for a lining, but I am getting a belt with it gratis because they thought it looked good with the belt!), the bonus items included the lace raglan shirt and the tank for underneath – both awesome and comfy, the same striped Puella dress (thanks for the tip on the washing), a white sleeveless dotted Esley shirt (perfect for work under a jacket), and the same patterned tunic above that fits me perfectly and is super soft. This was a definite win for me. I was worried about the sizing, the white Esley shirt was a little tight across the bust, but everything else fit fine (I ordered the large). The clothes do have a musty/chemical smell, not sure if its because I am used to clothes being aired out or what, but letting them air out – seems to help it. The denim jacket is actually embroidered – I wasn’t sure if it was a print, so I am really happy with it. I will end up with 7 to 8 items if you count the belt for the Kaftan dress and the extra tank which is cute and definitely can be worn with other things. Thank you for introducing me to Golden Tote (I like the bag too with the Golden California state printed on it). I was really excited to receive it and look forward to next month’s pick!

I just got mine yesterday (1st) and it was nice but I didn’t receive either Puella or Woo in my tote, so I was a little disappointed. I really wanted the striped layered dress, pink tunic or white blouse you received. I ordered late so knew I wouldn’t get the raglan tee. I chose the open back dress-too big, & the crocheted coverlet-love. Surprise items were a cute navy embroidered tank dress-too small and 3 cream blouses-all with sheer backs. They all fit, but I really wish there were more variety in what I received.

I received the floral and white tops in my bag. Love the floral. Seems like a lot of people don’t think that they’ll be able to pull it off, but it’s spring!! Not too big of a fan of the white top though. Too delicate for me.

I received the striped dress and the white top as extras in my $149 tote too and love them both. Thanks for the heads up about washing the dress. I haven’t had any issues with my other Puella items shrinking in the past but I’ll keep my eye on this one!

Every month I see the wonderful offerings on Golden Tote, but I continue to hesitate. Why? I am a 38D chest and 5 feet 6 inches tall and I actually ordered the anorak they offered several months ago in a Large. I emailed customer service back and forth and they said it would fit me fine. When it came I couldn’t even get it close enough to zip! So I had to return it. I have no problem wearing most clothing with junior sizing. For example I can wear a Large or sometimes an XL in American Apparel and Hollister. I just felt it was REALLY junior sizing, something my daughter would fit into and she’s petite. My fear is that because they use several different designers each month that maybe one thing or two would fit and the rest wouldn’t and I would have to return the tote or gift to people (which could be hard). Any thoughts on this?

Liz, I’m so glad you mentioned the fact that the layered Priddy by Puella dress was a little wonky in the washing machine. I would have just tossed it in the washer, so now I’m thinking that hand-washing is the way to go, because I don’t want to lose that little peek of red at the bottom.

I LOVE that abstract maxi dress…such a pretty color. And while I liked the floral blouse (I know a lot of people weren’t too enthused about it), I don’t know what GT was thinking with the patterned tunic. Apologies to anyone who likes it, but I’m just not at all digging the combination of the two prints together, nor the style. All in all, though, I think GT did GREAT with its picks this month. Can’t wait for May!

I just received mine this evening! I chose the embroidered print dress and the black floral dress for one and pink macro print dress for the other. The only item I’m not sure about is that In Clover white top… It’s so delicate and soft; I’m just not sure it looks good on me. I saw a lot of reviews with that pink and black patterned tunic, but I got the same one in gray and navy and it’s very pretty!

So, you ordered 2 totes and got no doubles? When you ordered your 2 totes did you clue them in that you had ordered more than one, or were they paying that much attention to orders that they knew not to send duplicate items to you? I was considering getting more than one, but was afraid of double items!

Liz – who is the designer for the rust colored maxi? I’m really regretting not getting it in my tote and hope to find it elsewhere. Thanks!

Thanks so much about the note regarding washing the dress…that’s exactly how I would have washed/dried it and I don’t want it to lose the layers! Did you wash it on the delicate cycle as well or perm press?

You know, this time, despite absolutely awesome items, I had to get rid of 8 out of 10 items due to sizing issues. I got a mix of Ms and Ls by specifying my chest size, and while they guessed the chest measurements right, other things were off. I got the same beautiful InClover blouse in M, but it was just a little too tight for my liking, so I ended up gifting it to my Mom who is generally an XS to S (she is a tiny lady), and she loved it!! I also got the same Trendology top with long sleeves, but I felt that the sleeves were a bit too tight (my arms are buff), so I am trading that. I also got the Priddy striped dress with red, which would be great if it was just a tad longer. My other two surprise items were Paper Crane tunic in white (not my style at all) and a vest with mesh-type fabric in the front which was absolutely adorable, but the sleeve opening again was too tight for my liking — it was right under the armpit, and I like a slightly larger opening… I ended up selling it. And I got a Woo tank top which is just not my style. My other chosen items were Renee C flower dress (just did not sit well), Woo maxi which was too long, and a jeans jacket. That jeans jacket… I ordered it in M, and it is slightly tight in sleeves. I am seriously considering losing some arm weight just to fit into it because no one had an L for trade. From now on I am ordering all L. And frankly I was not so “woo’ed” by Woo items. Just not that great, IMO. The dress is OK, but I prefer more delicate dresses…