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Brown Sugar Box by Izzy & Liv Review + Coupon – November 2018

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Box Review Front

Brown Sugar Box by Izzy & Liv
4.7 overall rating
3 Ratings | 3 Reviews

Brown Sugar Box is a monthly women of color lifestyle subscription box offering tees, accessories and lifestyle products designed by and made for Women of Color. Each Brown Sugar Box includes a graphic tank or tee and 4-5 additional full-size products ranging from drinkware, accessories, bags, jewelry, makeup, housewares, and stationery. All items are from black-owned businesses.

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

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - All Items Unboxed Front

About Brown Sugar Box

The Subscription Box: Brown Sugar Box

The Cost: $39.95 a month + shipping

ACTIVE DEAL: Save 20% off your first box!
CODE: FIRSTTIME20

The Products: 1 graphic tee or tank plus 4-5 additional full-size lifestyle products

Ships to: the US for $4.95 and International for $12.95

Good to Know: Boxes are shipped around the 15th of each month. When purchasing a subscription, you have the opportunity to select your t-shirt size and fit preference.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 “Soul Food” Review

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Cover Front

Each Brown Sugar Box includes a mini magazine that highlights the theme of the box, list the products included and offers interesting and inspiring articles.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Open Top 1

The inspiration for this month’s “Soul Food” theme is explained alongside details of all the fabulous items included in this month’s box.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Open Top 2

Highlighted in this article are four celebrities we’re thankful for. We’re thankful for Taraji P. Henson’s inspirational story and recent work helping to address the challenge of mental illness in our community. We're grateful for Roland Martin for representing, defending and giving a voice to black people in the media. We appreciate all the work Colin Kaepernick has done to bring attention to the issue of police brutality. And, last but not least, is my favorite Yara Shahidi! She is beautiful, talented, woke and inspirational. Love her!

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Open Top 3

The next article provides holiday travel tips like making realistic plans so you don’t overschedule yourself, checking to make sure your car is road-trip ready, bringing along all the tech accessories needed to keep your devices charged and using apps to find good deals. This is all common-sense advice but, is it me, or does this look like an ad for a travel rewards Visa? The formatting is wonky.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Open Top 4

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Open Top 5

Looking for gifts for the amazing men and women in your life? These holiday gift guides have a few suggestions for finding the perfect gift. There’s nothing really unique or different here for the women but there are a few cool gift ideas I might steal for my hubby.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Open Top 6

What better way to celebrate this month's "Soul Food" theme than with the staffer's favorite recipes? I'd love to try Denaya’s honey garlic salmon and Brittney’s rice and beans but it’s going to be a strong “No” to Nicole’s congealed salad!

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Open Top 7

The next page features 5 brown sugar cocktails. I have a really good spiced wine recipe that my friends love. I might try this version to add a new twist. Also, where are the vodka-based drinks? I'm not a big fan of dark liquor. On the next page, there's also a soul food crossword puzzle. I'm horrible at crosswords!

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Open Top 8

Brown Sugar Babes are invited to share pictures of themselves on social media for a chance to win a free box. Highlighted are pictures from last month’s “Shero” themed box.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Open Top 9

This “Stay Inspired” playlist will help you stay focused and encouraged throughout the holidays and as we begin to wrap-up the year.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Magazine Back Top

The back cover of the magazine has a picture of a very beautiful woman with the cutest box braids.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Soul Food T- Shirt Closer View Front Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Soul Food T- Shirt Wearing Front

Soul Food” Tee – Listed Retail Value $28

This might be my favorite Brown Sugar Box exclusive t-shirt! I chuckled at the saying “In a world full of snacks, be soul food!”. The blue and yellow colors are cute and complementary. I like the font choice for the wording. The slang phrase “looking like a snack” has been so popular lately but I encourage us to not just be eye candy, but to be soul food!

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Decorative Dessert Plate 1 Top Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Decorative Dessert Plate 2 Top

Decorative Dessert Plates, set of 2 – Listed Retail Value $10

These dessert plates are so chic and perfect for the holiday season. One plate says "Bless this bread. Bless this meat. Bless this belly, cause I'm gonna eat!" which is similar to a quote from Reverend Williams in the 1997 movie Soul Food. The other plate says “Loving you is like food to my soul.” from Boyz II Men's hit song "A Song for Mama". Love it!

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Kitchen Utensil Set Top 1 Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Kitchen Utensil Set Top 2

Kitchen Utensil Set – Listed Retail Value $18

This six-piece wooden kitchen utensil set is adorable! Each utensil has a saying such as "stir it up" and "just beat it". So fun and creative. These utensils might just be too pretty to cook with but they'll make for a cute counter accessory.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Oven Mitts Top Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Oven Mitts Front

Oven Mitts, set of 2 – Listed Retail Value $15

I received the green oven mitts which I think are a great match for the dessert plates. The pattern is a subtle floral print with a bit of shimmer. The mitts are 100% cotton, constructed well, and fit comfortably.

Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Carla Hall’s Soul Food Book Front Top Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Carla Hall’s Soul Food Book Back Top Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Carla Hall’s Soul Food Open Top 1 Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Carla Hall’s Soul Food Open Top 3 Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Carla Hall’s Soul Food Book Front Top 2 Brown Sugar Box November 2018 - Carla Hall’s Soul Food Open Top 4

“Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration” by Carla Hall – Retail Value $29.99 (found here for $13.74)

The fabulous Carla Hall is a former model, TV personality and acclaimed chef. Dubbed "The Queen of Thanksgiving Side Dishes", Carla makes amazing soul food rooted in African American culinary tradition. I plan to try so many recipes in this book! Carla’s cookbook is organized in chapters for appetizers, vegetables, beans, cornmeal, breads, poultry, meat, seafood, seasoning and condiments, desserts, drinks, and even celebration menus! Her New Year's menu sounds delicious!

Verdict: I’ve been a Brown Sugar Box subscriber from the very beginning – it is one of my favorite boxes. Izzy & Liv is a brand with a mission that I love to support. I haven’t been wowed with some of the recent boxes but this box knocks it out of the park! When I lifted this heavy box off of my front porch, I just knew there would be awesomeness inside. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I like every single item in this box. The t-shirt is my favorite and Carla Hall's cookbook will be used heavily, especially this holiday season. Unlike last month's box, I have no complaints regarding the quality of the items or the stated retail value. Great Job Izzy & Liv! I'm already looking forward to next month's box.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but sign up today to receive next month's box or join the waitlist.

ACTIVE DEAL: Save 20% off your first box!
CODE: FIRSTTIME20

Value Breakdown: The listed retail value of this box is $101. At $44.90 a box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item: 

  • “Soul Food” Tee – $12.45
  • Decorative Dessert Plates – $4.45
  • Kitchen Utensil Set - $8
  • Oven Mitts – $6.67
  • Carla Hall’s Soul Food Cookbook – $13.33

Check out all of our Brown Sugar Box reviews and more women of color subscription boxes in the Women Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of this month’s Brown Sugar Box?

Starting at $39.95
Active Deal
Save 20% off your first box!
Use Coupon Code FIRSTTIME20
Subscribe Now

"As a Brown Sugar Box Subscriber, you’ll get a box filled with the BEST of Izzy & Liv including best sellers, new releases and limited edition (subscriber-only) products. Your box will include 5-6 products every month. You will always get at least one Izzy & Liv tee, tank or sweatshirt al... read more.

Shatae Hutchinson
Shatae Hutchinson
Hi, I’m Shatae; pronounced shhh-tay! I work in IT Healthcare, I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we have 2 cool kids. I am obsessed with black culture, lifestyle, travel and art made by and featuring women of color. I also love trendy plus-size fashion and accessories, eclectic and bohemian home décor and all things self-care, mental health and fitness. My favorite box is Izzy & Liv’s Brown Sugar Box; a monthly box offering tees, accessories and lifestyle products designed for black women. I also subscribe to TheSelfCareBox, FabFitFun, CauseBox and Merkaela. Being a wife and full-time working mom, subscription boxes are one of the few things that are just for me! They are fun, convenient, reasonably priced and full of surprises.

Join the Conversation

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36 comments

Erin

I love the artwork on the box!

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Shatae

Yes, the Brown Sugar Babes on the boxes are super cute.

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This was by far one of the best boxes I received from them in a long time. Thanks for the great review.

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Shatae

I agree. It’s the best of the recent boxes!

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LisaFalana

As much as it pains me, I’m gifting this box to my cousin who loves to cook. I put the box away and out of sight so I can stick to the plan. Great review, it’s an awesome box!

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Shatae

I’m looking for new cousins like you! ‘-) That’s awesome. They’re going to love it.

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Dahlia

Great review. Thank you!

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Shatae

Thank you Dahlia!

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Vanessa

A.) You look cute in that shirt, Shatae! B.) We could be kin! I’m pretty sure I could send you to one of my family reunions in my place and no one would batt an eye. Granted, I’ve never been to any of the reunions, but the statement still stands.

Thank you for the review. I might sign up after Christmas just for the t-shirts.

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Shatae

Ahhhhh, thank you! You must have a fine family then!

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Artemis

This box is amazing! I wish I’d signed up in time to get it.

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Artemis

Replying to my own comment to say that the Izzy and Liv site says you can still get the November box if you sign up now. They also have the November box listed in their shop as overstock, so it seems you don’t need a subscription to get it. Hope that helps someone 🙂

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Pam

Thanks for posting that you can go buy a one time box. I just went and ordered it because this is an amazing box. I had just ordered this cookbook. But I will either return it or gift it.

Ash_Kay

Awesome! Thanks so much for looking into this.

Artemis

Update: I signed up for a subscription and my confirmation email said something else :/ It said my first box would be December but that if I want the November box I should send an email to customer service requesting it. I double checked the website and it definitely says the first box will be November. Maybe they just haven’t updated it for this month yet. That’s a bit frustrating, but I sent an email so hopefully they’ll honor my request. Crossing my fingers!

Shatae

Thank you Artemis! They don’t usually sell thier boxes outside of a subscription so this is new! Definitely going to look into it!

Kristie

Wow~ I had a sub to this box and dropped it a while back ~ Sure hate that I did 😔
This box rocks❣❣ And this months items is me in every way❣❣
I think I will resub to this box❣❣

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Shatae

Yay! Everytime I’ve thought about cancelling they do another amazing box and I’m back hooked!

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Lesly

Great box and review!

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Shatae

Thanks Lesly!

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Shel

Great review! That t-shirt is awesome.

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Shatae

I love the shirt the best!

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Michelle

Great review and what a great box of goodies. I so wish this box was still available!

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Shatae

Another person commented that it might still be available. They haven’t traditionally sold thier boxes outside of a subscription. I’ll look into this though and update future reviews.

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Tawanda

I think this month’s box makes me want to give this subscription a try. The cookbook would be worth it for me.

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Shatae

I’ve scoped out so many recipes I want to try!

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Tawanda

This was a great box. Thanks for the review.

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Shatae

Wasn’t it! The rocked this one!

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Toni Marie

This is an adorable vox… I think this may be a new fix that I want to add to my January change up.

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Shatae

Oh, yay! This is my favorite box. I was concerned with a few of the previous boxes but this one reminded me why I love this box so much and what they are capable of curating.

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Leslie

Love everything!

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Shatae

Like… no compliants at all!

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Liz

What an awesome box!!!!! LOVE everything

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Shatae

Me too! They knocked this one out of the park!

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