Little Lace Box October 2015

Little Lace Box is a subscription box for women. It's curated for women by three sisters and isn't really described as a "lifestyle" box, but curates their boxes around particular themes. They used to be a monthly box and that is changing after the April box. I think because of their popularity, they grew really fast. They put so much thought into the curations, it has been challenging keeping up. After April ... the subscriptions are going to every other month ... six times a year. I had an annual subscription ... so it extends it out 18 months for the remaining 9 boxes. No complaints. This is my 6th box. I have 6 more coming.

You can purchase a bi-monthly subscription for $59.99. 3 boxes over 6 months for $149.97. 6 boxes over 12 months for $269.99. If you have a recurring subscription, you can email them to suspend subscription for any reason and then resume when  you are ready.  I purchased mine when the annual (12-box) subscription was $383.90 ($31.99/box). Shipping is between the 20th-23rd each month and they bill monthly just before shipping.  If you like items you receive and want more, they have an on-line boutique where you can purchase more. For every dollar you spend in the boutique or on the purchase of the box, you get a loyalty point.  50 loyalty points is one dollar to spend in the boutique.

In the process of searching for items for their curated boxes, they come across items that just don't fit the theme, but that they love and want to share. So ... the luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things ...found itself as theSerendipity pouch. The Serendipity pouch will be sent on the months that the Little Lace Box is not. I have received a few Serendipity pouches from Little Lace Box. I should share that they went "live" in September for $9.99 per month, so subscribers of the regular LLB no longer receive it as a free bonus in the off months.

 
I was really looking forward to my box when it arrived. I always am, because I have loved their curation. I appreciate the text message about shipping. In August, they had a few hints for the items in the box and I thought it was going to be an ongoing theme, but I haven't seen hints since.

I opened the box with enthusiasm. Of course, there was a fold-out detailing the items in the box. This month's theme was Authentic Autumn and the box was developed to transition into the next season and compliment a personal style.

First was a Fall Pashmina. The color options included Amethyst Orchid, Stark White, Cashmere Rose, and Soft Cream. The Orchid and Rose are apparently shades of pink and lavender. I received Stark White. The description says the fabric is 100% Pashmina Cashmere, but I am not sure I've ever seen 100% Pashmina. I am not an expert, so I can't really comment too much. I received Stark White and was pleased with it because the Rose and Orchid don't seem to scream Fall to me.  But, the white is a color I will use to brighten up my wardrobe. It is lightweight, but doesn't feel thin like summer scarves. Retail $32, but I can admit that I've seen similar for much less in New York on the streets. A few years ago, these were hard to find, but now they seem a dime a dozen.

The next three items in the box were from OFRA cosmetics. OFRA is Leaping Bunny certified, so no animal testing. Included were Absolute Face Primer, Eye Gel Primer, and Liquid Lipstick in either Rio or Santa Ana. OFRA has been in the last few boxes and Serendipity boxes, so I didn't feel like I was getting something new and original. Not being exposed to a brand that is new to me. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but when I do, I like a good primer, so I'm happy for another to try. I've never used an eye primer, but I'm excited to see if it can minimize creases and wear spots. I received the Santa Ana color and it did NOT work on me. Just a strange red that I can't explain. My blond friend received Rio and said it was very orange. Retail value $35 for Face Primer, $19.50 for Eye Primer, and $19.90 for Lipstick.

Travalo Skyline Portable Fragrance Decanter: Interesting concept and new to me. This is a way to take your favorite fragrance with you on carry-on and fit the 3.5 ounce per item limit. It's interesting. But, for me, I am not committed to a single fragrance and I love the tiny rollers I have received in other boxes and those are not a problem for carry-on. But, it will make an interesting Christmas gift at an exchange or for a few friends I know who are particular about fragrance. Retail $24

MintTeas: Tiny tin of mints made with organic tea, fruit and herbs. OK ... I carry mints with me. I'm cool with this. It doesn't feel luxurious, though and I really want luxury. Retail $2.99

Bonus Tea Forte Sample: I drink tea. The packaging was super cute for this teabag. It will make it into my rotation.

So, what do I think? Retail value was $133.99. Not bad for $31.99 that I paid. Still OK for $59.99 for new subscriptions. But, not as high as previous boxes. I am also not so sure that some of the items are things I would consider as having the listed value. So ... I'm kind of underwhelmed. Also, past boxes have seemed so well thought-out and this one seems a little rushed. The original creativity seems a little lost. I'm not sure that it fits the theme very well. My authentic self doesn't wear a lot of make-up. I loved that previous boxes had something that could be totally customized to make it really unique. Lip color, for example, is a tough one for many people. I would have liked a certificate to select a color that would be great on me instead of being sent something that just doesn't work for me. I'm actually a little underwhelmed. I know that no company can hit it out of the park every time. I'm really hoping that December will be more like past boxes ... unique and creative and spectacular.

December's theme is pulled from a great childhood story, The Little Prince. It's only with the Heart that one sees clearly what is invisible to the eye.

Serendipity July 2015 and Little Lace Box August 2015

Little Lace Box is a subscription box for women. It's curated for women by three sisters and isn't really described as a "lifestyle" box, but curates their boxes around particular themes. They used to be a monthly box and that is changing after the April box. I think because of their popularity, they grew really fast. They put so much thought into the curations, it has been challenging keeping up. After April ... the subscriptions are going to every other month ... six times a year. I had an annual subscription ... so it extends it out 18 months for the remaining 9 boxes. No complaints.

You can purchase a bi-monthly subscription for $59.99. 3 boxes over 6 months for $149.97. 6 boxes over 12 months for $269.99. If you have a recurring subscription, you can email them to suspend subscription for any reason and then resume when  you are ready.  I purchased mine when the annual (12-box) subscription was $383.90 ($31.99/box). Shipping is between the 20th-23rd each month and they bill monthly just before shipping.  If you like items you receive and want more, they have an on-line boutique where you can purchase more. For every dollar you spend in the boutique or on the purchase of the box, you get a loyalty point.  50 loyalty points is one dollar to spend in the boutique.

In the process of searching for items for their curated boxes, they come across items that just don't fit the theme, but that they love and want to share. So ... the luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things ...found itself as theSerendipity pouch. The Serendipity pouch will be sent on the months that the Little Lace Box is not. The cost of the subscription is $9.99 per month. While they are working out the kinks, the sisters are sending this to current subscribers for free. It's these things that really show the personal touch, and that they really care, that make all the difference. And, all the products and related items are available on the website.

As Serendipity is new, also some growing pains, or kinks. The sisters really care and want things to be right, so this message was put on Facebook. I knew it would be worth the wait. It has been so far. 

A little more excitement on Facebook was this post that showed up in early August also. The English Breakfast box was amazing, so have all their boxes been. I knew they were working to hit it out of the park. 

First look at the box

Finally, I received an email to expect my box. And I waited anxiously until it arrived. Serendipity and Elizabeth & Mr Darcy were combined into a single box. Since Serendipity was supposed to come first, We'll look at those first. I really do like that they write a story with the insert that explains why they chose certain items for their boxes. 

Get Dirty Mud Bar by Mindful Minerals: There is a trend for natural beauty products to be pricey. These are made of all natural ingredients without some of the bad stuff, like Parabens and Petrochemicals. And although exclusive and hard to find (spas and Little Lace Box website), they are not overpriced. I really like the smell of this. Very fresh. Can't wait to try it. Retail $4.00

Steep &Go by the Tea Spot: this is super cool idea. It's a small cold-brew infuser. It works with regular water bottles (which I hate to buy, but sometimes have to). Just add a pinch of loose-leaf tea and let it sit for 10-minutes. Voila ... Iced Tea on the go. Retail $5.95

And they were kind enough to complete the idea with Chill Out, Organic Loose Leaf Tea. What a great pairing. This is actually specially formulated for cold-brew so works great with the Steep & Go. It's naturally sweet with licorice root, hibiscus, and peppermint. No need to add sugar. Retail $1.29

I love receiving something that is vegan on purpose and not by accident. Malibu C Miracle Repair Hair Constructor. Just a sample, but my hair hasn't been cut in many months and the ends are getting well ... frizzy ... after a summer of sun and chlorine. I am looking forward to trying this, but haven't gotten around to it yet. It sounds amazing, adding shine and moisture. I could use that. Retail $3

 

And, final item ... the perfect ending. Evite.com thank you notes. Because I really do want to say "Thank you" for the curation. The cards have a nice heavy feel and texture. Perfect to say "thanks" with meaning. And, an invitation to check out Evite.com to create your own custom stationary. Retail $5

Retail for Serendipity: $19.24. Good value for the $9.99 price point. Better since right now, it's free to previous subscribers. Well worth the wait. Now ... On to Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy

The big ticket item in the box was the Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy Flower Vase. This is a small vase that is really suited for a few flowers, but it's very high quality. It is hand-made by Mary Rose Young and it's a one-of-a kind design just for Little Lace Box. This makes it even more special. I love that in support of small companies and artists, they included not just their thoughts for including this vase with the theme, but also why the artist created the design. I love the blue vase with etched flowers and the rose design on top. It feels feminine, and delicate, and strong all at once. Retail $124. 

 What vase would be complete without a bouquet? And Little Lace Box, with their own personal touch, also gives the subscribers the chance to personalize every single box. Shortly after the box arrived, an email followed with a code for $40 towards a bouquet from The Bouqs.com. I've already checked out the website and know exactly which bouquet from their sustainably grown flowers from a Volcano on the equator. I'm assuming that means Ecuador. Last year I learned that one of the largest exports from Ecuador is flowers, because they really are so amazing. Retail $40.

For feminine and unique and trendsetting women, Defineme fragrance. I received Clara. Very floral, but fresh scent. Some florals are heavy and matronly. This feels fresh and light. I love that it has a rollerball application, but in a square traditional old-school shape perfume bottle. Retail $36

Another great feature that sets Little Lace Box apart from the rest. Not just the support of small, local businesses and artisans. Not just that they curate by themes of things that the sisters love. (By the way, you feel like you are part of the family.) But, the search for things that they love and sometime have things made just for them to send just to us. The My Shea-Rona Shea Butter is created just for Little Lace Box. 30% Shea butter has the potential to be heavy, but it's just creamy and heavenly. Because of the density, a little goes a long way. There were several scents, and I received You Leave Me Peachless. I really want to taste it. It smells just like a perfectly ripe and juicy sweet peach. Retail $19.99. I actually think that the retail could be higher based on similar products I've seen.

All contents

 So, what do I think? I love that the box is, as usual, filled with thought. It's unique and you never know what to expect. The number of items varies as the items are based on themes and the value of the items varies based on the theme. I love the way it feels personal like I'm getting a glimpse into the lives of some really amazing women. I love the way it feels personal because I get the chance to create something unique in every box. Something that speaks to me and isn't someone's idea of what will be most appealing to the masses. Retail value $219.99

 October's Theme is Authentic Autumn-Be your authentic self. It talks about fashion and expressing yourself, so I'm very curious to see what they will find for us. I can't wait.

Little Lace Box June 2015

Little Lace Box is a subscription box for women. It's curated for women by three sisters and isn't really described as a "lifestyle" box, but curates their boxes around particular themes. They used to be a monthly box and that is changing after the April box. I think because of their popularity, they grew really fast. They put so much thought into the curations, it has been challenging keeping up. After April ... the subscriptions are going to every other month ... six times a year. I had an annual subscription ... so it extends it out 18 months for the remaining 9 boxes. No complaints.

You can purchase a bi-monthly subscription for $59.99. 3 boxes over 6 months for $149.97. 6 boxes over 12 months for $269.99. If you have a recurring subscription, you can email them to suspend subscription for any reason and then resume when  you are ready.  I purchased mine when the annual (12-box) subscription was $383.90 ($31.99/box). Shipping is between the 20th-23rd each month and they bill monthly just before shipping.  If you like items you receive and want more, they have an on-line boutique where you can purchase more. For every dollar you spend in the boutique or on the purchase of the box, you get a loyalty point.  50 loyalty points is one dollar to spend in the boutique.

I really love that you receive a text when your box ships. And I really love that each theme has a story behind it. This month was Classy and Fabulous and inspired. The April box was inspired by their grandmother and this one was too. I'm kind of jealous of the family the sisters grew up in. It seems full of love and laughter and joy. I sure would have loved their grandmother.  

The first item in the box was Watercolor Print Silk Scarf: This is really one of the prettiest and most timeless scarves I've received in a subscription box. I love scarves. They provided great hints and style suggestions that really do bring out Audrey  Hepburn or Coco Chanel. I do have a bit of angst because it is really pretty and really soft and really versatile. But, it is silk. To some people that's a great thing and a little luxury. But, I've recently learned how silk is obtained from silkworms and it seems the silkworms fight back. My belief is that if it fights back, it probably feels something, so silk is one more thing I'm slowly removing from my life as I move towards being fully plant-based. I may have to gift it. Retail $45.99.

 The Kitsch Ring is super cool and original and classic all at once. I love the personal story and the focus on the founder and designer. These rings were made specifically for Little Lace Box. 14 Karat gold and I received the Amethyst stone (the other option was Turquise). I would have loved either, but I am a fan of purple, so Amethyst is perfect. I don't wear rings often (other than my wedding ring), but I might have to make an exception. Retail $24.99 





Depending on the color of stone, the box matched a LucyB's Apothecary Nail Lacquer: I received starlet, with is a very pail pink. I love that they paired the ring with the polish to really tie it together. I've seen pictures of the other color (Premier) and it is gorgeous also. Retail $12.99

And TaDa!!!! Little Lace Box now has their own natural line of sugar scrub. I love sugar scrubs. Pour Some Sugar Scrub on Me. I love the name. The line os organic, 99% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. That makes me happy. There were four options in the box. I received Oatmeal Milk & Honey, which is probably the least exciting scent, I would guess. The others had much more fun names like You Leave me Peachless, Lollambambooza, and Coconut Mango Mimosa. I may have to buy more. And at the price point, I can't complain. Retail $19.99

The final item in the box is by far my favorite. The Packable Summer Hat by San Diego Hat Co. Last summer I searched for a wide-brimmed hat that I could pack and wouldn't get bent in the suitcase. I didn't have a lot of luck. The packable hat I did find didn't hold up as well as I had hoped and didn't fit my head quite right to stay on. This one is adjustable and can be wrapped snugg. I can also jazz it up with the scarf. There were several color options and I can't complain about mine. I love the belted touch of the brown one I have seen. I have already worn this to the beach, but didn't take any glamorous pictures. I sure felt glamorous though. My only complaint is that in my previous search, I have been really hoping to find a hat that was not made in China. Seems they are all made in China these days and I would really like to find something made in the USA. But, I love the hat and will wear it all summer. Retail $27.99 

 So, what do I think? I absolutely LOVE it. The theme was fun and the curation was spot on. Everything will be used and loved, if not by me, by a lucky friend. Retail $131.95 so definitely great value. I can hardly wait so see what August brings. The theme is Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I know the sisters are having fun with this one. They have hinted on how many different directions the theme could take them. They are also going to send out clues on Facebook to help us guess what's coming or to intentionally send us down the wrong track. How fun this is going to be.