Rocks Box Set #9

Rocks Box doesn't have a set box they send out to everyone each month (plus you can get more than one box a month for the same monthly fee anyway!), so this review isn't technically a May specific one, but I did get it this month, so here it is!

Rocks Box is a jewelry rental subscription - it's kind of like Netflix. For $19 (or less if you go with a longer subscription), you get a box of 3 pieces of jewelry, wear them as long as you'd like, then pack it back up in the included paid envelope, and they send you another when they get it back (as many times as you'd like per month - I've managed to squeeze 3 into one month once, but usually it's more like 1-2, depending on how long I want to wear the jewelry they send). A twist to this box is that if your really love something you get, you can buy it from them at 20% off retail (you just keep the piece and they charge you for it). When you sign up, you take a quiz to determine your style and the kinds of pieces you want (earrings/necklaces/bracelets/rings) so that the pieces they send you are tailored to that style. When you send a box back, you also fill out some feedback on the pieces you got, which they take into account for your next box.

I'm still requesting only bracelets from Rocks Box, since that's really all I want right now. When I sent my last box in (I even bought something from that box!), I had made a few requests for this month and they absolutely listened!

Opening the box

Info sheet

First up, I've gotten a few Nakamol wrap bracelets in my boxes (the first was in Set #2 and the second was the box just before this, which I didn't review because I was only finally starting to feel better in my second trimester - though I wish I had - that box was PERFECT) and I really love the style, but I'm just waiting for the perfect color to appear in my box before I buy one. So, in my last return, I had requested a different color Nakamol Beaded Leather Wrap Bracelet (retails $55, Rocks Box price $44). The color I got this month was Bronze and Silver. Definitely cute, like they all are, but perhaps blends into my skin a bit much. I do like it because it's neutral enough to go with anything though. I just don't think this is the one I'll buy.

Nakamol wrap bracelet

Wearing it! (I really love that top section of beads - shiny!)

 Next up, back in Set #3, I got an amazing House of Harlow Sunburst Bangle (retail $68, Rocks Box price $54.40) that I really regretted sending back, so I asked if they still had it, expecting them to say no. They didn't have that exact one (the navy and silver), but they did send me a black and gold one! I'm not as big a fan of gold, but I love the style of this bracelet so much, I think I may love it anyway. I've worn it a few times and I think having a gold piece or 2 maybe isn't a terrible idea! Lets me mix it up a bit. Also, I can't find the silver and navy one ANYWHERE, full retail price or not, even on eBay, so I think I may be out of luck on that one anyway.

House of Harlow Sunburst Bangle

And on.

Those were my only 2 requests, so my third item was a surprise. It was an Urban Gem Pave Link Chain Bracelet (retail $60, Rocks Box price $48). This is the second Urban Gem item I've gotten and like the first, I'm still not sure if they have a website because I can't find it. But, anyway, it's not bad. It's a silver link bracelet with little rhinestones on each link. Not bad, but not something I'm terribly drawn to, so no temptation to buy this one.

Urban Gem Pave Link Chain Bracelet

And on.

All 3 pieces from my set #9

Overall, I'm again really impressed with Rocks Box. They definitely look at feedback and I was so happy to see both of my requests fulfilled! This box is such a fun way to experiment with jewelry and wear new pieces. I love opening the box and seeing if there's something that makes me go "oooooh!" I've had this set about 2 weeks now, so I think I'll be packing it up (except for maybe the House of Harlow bracelet, which I'm pretty sure I'm buying) so I can get another set!

If you'd like to try this awesome box, you can sign up with my link and get $10 off your first month! If you already get Rocks Box, what kinds of pieces do you get? Anything you've loved and bought?

(And just a disclaimer: I bought this box myself and was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own. I have included referral links.)

December 2013 Summary Part 2

Oddly, I think I might be feeling a tad better today. Still coughing some, but it's not quite as bad sounding or frequent. Hopefully, this is a sign that it's on its way out. <crosses fingers> Anyway, onto part 2 of my December sub summary. And again, I'm only doing it this way for December because I've been sick for a while and I just want to catch up. January subs will go back to normal reviews. :)

PopSugar Must Have

December's box included a Lulu Frost bracelet ($110), a set Mixt Studio wrapping paper ($9), a full size Modelco Fiber Lashxtend mascara ($24), a set of 4 Govino Go Anywhere flutes ($12.95), a package of CC Made Caramel Corn ($4), a pack of NCLA Nail Wraps ($16), and 2 packages of Ghirardelli Squares - caramel and a holiday mix (I can't find the holiday mix, so I'll guess about $10 for the 2 packages). I wasn't overly thrilled with this box. I like the nail wraps and we ate the Ghriardelli Squares, but pretty much everything else ended up in my trade list. Also, I'm baffled by the super expensive bracelet. It's ok (just not my style), but not really worth $110 to me.

Rocks Box Set 3

I was really happy with this set of bracelets. The small Gorjana Chaplin bracelet ($50) was cute, but a bit too dainty for me, so it was rated a "like". The Ashlar Drusy Wrap ($60 according to Rocks Box, $65 on the Ashlar website) put me through a range of reactions, haha. When I first saw it balled up in the organza bag, I was like, "What the? Is this a hair tie?", but then I took it out and saw the cute stone on it (I'm really liking drusy stones since discovering them through Rocks Box!), so I liked it a lot more. Really, the 2 problems I had with it were 1. The length was such that I either had to wrap it an extra time around and make it quite snug or wrap it less and have quite a bit of fabric dangling that I'd have to tuck in (and tuck back in as it fell out throughout the day), and 2. The stone kept getting turned around on my hand so that the pretty side was hiding. Too much hassle for a $60 bracelet, no matter how cute it is, so it also got a "like". The last one, the House of Harlow Sunburst Bangle ($68, link is for a different color). Oh, I loved this as soon as I saw it. The sparkly stones and the navy leather together were just so pretty. I kept my box a bit longer than usual because of this bracelet. Oh, I was so tempted to buy it. But, budgets. I do kind of wonder what kind of turn around in brands Rocks Box has. Maybe after I rack up some more credits, I could ask them to send this to me again and then I could buy it. If they still have it around by then.

Rocks Box Set 4

This was another fun set of bracelets. I'm definitely enjoying getting just bracelets from them much better than having them send me a mix. Anyway, from the top. The top wrap is a leather CC Skye Double Wrap Portico Bracelet in Silver and Black ($155 - I think this is the priciest thing they've sent me yet!). I like it because it's edgier, but the clasp popped open 2 or 3 times, which is 2 or 3 times too many for a $155 bracelet. The second bracelet is a Edge of Amber Tamri Bangle in Silver (Rocks Box prices it at $85, the Edge of Amber site prices the gunmetal color (they don't seem to have silver) at $90 on sale for $45). I really liked this bangle too. I love the shape. I'd be a little annoyed to pay even the discounted $68 from Rocks Box though when you can get a similar color (that I like just as well) on the Edge of Amber site for $45 on sale. The last set of bracelets is an interlocked pair of Anuja Tolia Polk a Dot Bangles in Silver (Rocks Box say $56, the Anuja Tolia site says $65). I just wasn't wild on this one. Very noisy jingling and so big that it pretty easily fell off my wrist unless I was wearing something else in front of it, like in the picture.

Starlooks Starbox

Well, I tried to guess which palette it was going to be based on their look book, but they surprised me and sent out an unreleased palette! I like it though! There are some really pretty colors in this - plenty for a neutral look and some to add some pop! I'm very happy with it! And a funny thing - last month, I noticed I didn't get my little monthly crystal shard (I'm not sure if it was just me or everyone, but it was not a big deal at all - it's just a tiny free touch Starlooks has always popped in the box for fun). This month, there were 2 in there! Ha! Also, an added bonus - there was a card in the box saying that starting now, Starlooks is starting a loyalty program where continuous subscribers get a free $35 gift every 3 months! Awesome!

Brazen Friends With Benefits

This month was a matte month. Meh. We got a matte very light beige/almost white and dark brown, a very light pink blush, and a dark red sparkly lip gloss. I'm not wild at all on the eye colors, but I may be able to use them mixed into other looks. The dark brown one isn't too bad now that I see it again. The blush seems very light, even for me. I do like the lip gloss, but I have to use it super sparingly to keep from looking ridiculous because it's so dark. The bonus this month was a little lip palette, but oddly, the colors are very, very similar to each other. There's seriously, like, half a shade of difference between each one, if that. I'm not a huge fan of it. For me, this month was a little bit of a let down, but that's mostly because I don't like matte colors. I appreciate getting to try a blush, but it really doesn't work for me. Hopefully next month will be back to at least a mix of sparkly and matte.

Glamour Doll Eyes Of The Month

Busted sample, Fire Breather sample, My First Time blush as eyeshadow, My First Time blush as blush, Mistletoe Makeout, and Christmas Calories Don't Count

 Well, I didn't think I'd get to pick this up this month because we were actually at the airport leaving for Disney World when the store opened up for December's OTM. My phone was going super slow, but I got it. And I'm glad I did! Apparently, December is a special month for Glamour Doll Eyes. It's considered a bonus month that is sold separately, so I couldn't get a 3 month sub starting this month (I'll have to try for that next week). It also cost a little bit more (I think it was like $9 or 10 instead of the normal $7) because she sends out more in December! Normally, its one color of the month and a bonus item, maybe 2. This month we got 2 eye shadows, a blush, 2 baggie samples, a Black Luna Lacquer nail polish, a Suds N Sass soap, a Sedona Lace blender brush, and a little bag of candy. I LOVED everything I got. My blush was purple and I even ended up really liking that!

So, that's it for December!

Rocks Box November 2013 Set 2 Review

I've already reviewed my first set of jewelry from Rocks Box, so this will be for the second set! Just as a reminder, when I signed up, there was a deal to get the first month free, so I decided to give it a try. Rocks Box is a jewelry rental subscription - it's kind of like Netflix. For $19 (or less if you go with a longer subscription), you get a box of 3 pieces of jewelry, wear them as long as you'd like, then pack it back up in the included paid envelope, and they send you another when they get it back (as many times as you'd like per month). A twist to this box is that if your really love something you get, you can buy it from them at 20% off retail (you just keep the piece and they charge you for it). When you sign up, you take a quiz to determine your style and the kinds of pieces you want (earrings/necklaces/bracelets/rings) so that the pieces they send you are tailored to that style. When you send a box back, you also fill out some feedback on the pieces you got, which I believe they take into account for your next box.

I'd say it was probably a little more than a week from dropping off the first set at the post office and getting my next set. That bums me out just a little bit. Obviously, I don't expect them to pay for 2 day shipping or anything - that would be ridiculously expensive for them - but that really limits the number of times you get can a new set each month. As it stands, my 3rd set is set to arrive just a couple days before my first free month runs out. And that's only because I haven't been keeping the jewelry very long. Normally, I'd probably want to keep the jewelry a bit longer to really get good use out of it, especially if it's a set I really like. I did appreciate that they sent an email when they received the box back and then another email with tracking information for the next set. I like to keep track of that stuff.

Opening the box

Right there on the top, I actually "oooh"ed. That necklace is so my style!

In organza bags

Based on this first look, I was pretty sure I'd like the necklace definitely the best, followed by the earrings. I really wasn't sure about the bracelet. It's not really a color I go for typically.

Info sheet

So, first up, the necklace - it's a Viento Stilla Polished Pendant in Ruthenium ($85 - not on the site currently, I'll just have to take Rocks Box's word for it). Alas, the necklace was just a tad too long. Without any way of adjusting it due to the skinny links in the regular part of the necklace. I put it on and it pretty much immediately got eaten up in my cleavage. Bah. I tried pulling the back backwards a bit, down my back, but I knew it wouldn't stay for more than a minute or 2 without moving. It would've been great a few inches shorter! I believe I rated it a like just due to the length. Obviously, it went back, sadly.

Viento Stilla

The earrings were Urban Gem Pyramid Scheme Earrings in Antique Silver ($38, not sure if they have a site...I couldn't find one.). These weren't too bad, but were a bit heavy. I'm not a fan of earrings that stretch your lobe. I don't want saggy earlobes by the time I'm 50! Plus, I just wasn't a fan of the finish. I found it hard to tell if it was indeed just the "antique" part of the name of these and they looked that way on purpose or if they were just heavily used. I'm giving Rocks Box the benefit of the doubt, of course, because everything else has been in great condition. I just don't like the antique look.

Urban Gem Pyramid Scheme Earrings in Antique Silver

Wearing the earrings

So, last up was the Nakamol Mixed Crystals Five Times Blue Leather Wrap Bracelet ($55). I didn't really think much of this at first since I'm not usually drawn to this light greenish color, but once I put it on, I loved it! This ended up being the most worn piece by far. I wore it every day I had it! I definitely considered buying it and searched Etsy for similar less expensive pieces (I didn't find anything cheaper that had a variety of stones like this has). I sent it back simply because my budget is tight right now and $55 seems like a lot to pay for a wrap bracelet. Well, $44.60 with the discount. Still a bit pricey. I definitely rated it a "love", though, and enjoyed it while I had it. (I shouldn't have looked at their site! So many cute wrap bracelets! Including a purple one! I love purple!)

Nakamol Mixed Crystals Five TImes Blue Leather Wrapped Bracelet

Wearing the bracelet

Rocks Box set 2

Wearing all 3 pieces (I have the necklace hiked up here)

So, again, kind of a mix of things that worked out and things that didn't. I really enjoyed the bracelet. In fact, I noticed that of the 2 sets I've tried, the bracelet has been the piece I liked most, so I changed my quiz and added a note to request only bracelets for my third set. Which is set to come tomorrow! I can't wait!

Unfortunately, the deal I used to get my first month free is expired now, but if you sign up with my link, you'll get $10 off your first month, which at least is about half off! If you get Rocks Box, what kinds of pieces do you get? Anything you've loved and bought?

(And just a disclaimer: I bought this box myself (well, this month was free due to a deal open to everyone - it was NOT provided to me in exchange for a review) and was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own. I included referral links.)

Rocks Box November 2013 Set 1 Review

Hoo boy, the holidays are getting a little hectic. I'm a bit behind! So, lets start off with a new box - Rocks Box! When I signed up, there was a deal to get the first month free, so I decided to give it a try. Rocks Box is a jewelry rental subscription - it's kind of like Netflix. For $19 (or less if you go with a longer subscription), you get a box of 3 pieces of jewelry, wear them as long as you'd like, then pack it back up in the included paid envelope, and they send you another when they get it back (as many times as you'd like per month). A twist to this box is that if your really love something you get, you can buy it from them at 20% off retail (you just keep the piece and they charge you for it). When you sign up, you take a quiz to determine your style and the kinds of pieces you want (earrings/necklaces/bracelets/rings) so that the pieces they send you are tailored to that style. When you send a box back, you also fill out some feedback on the pieces you got, which I believe they take into account for your next box.

For my free month, my goal is mostly to get a good idea of the service and what kinds of pieces they offer, so I've only been keeping my pieces for a few days and then sending them all back to get another box quickly. I think I'll probably end up having seen 3 sets total (I was a bit slow on the first box). This review is for the first set I got.

The box

Info sheet (includes prices and a feedback form)

Opening the box

First good peek

Everything inside was individually wrapped in an organza bag to keep things from tangling. My first piece was an Anuja Tolia Sticks Necklace in Silver (you can tell them whether you like silver or gold). This retails for $76 (well, that's what Rocks Box says, the site says $90) and the sale price is $60.80. This was suuuuper heavy when I put it on! I was really torn on whether I liked it or not. Even though I don't typically go for big statement necklaces, I did want to branch out a bit with this sub and I do actually like the idea of it and I think it looks great laid out. On me, I'm not so sure. I have a big chest. I'm just not sure if this big necklace plus my big chest isn't too much together. I rated this a "like" for the general style of it, but I knew I'd definitely be sending it back. I just don't love it $60 worth.

Anuja Tolia Sticks Necklace in Silver

Next up was a Robyn Rhodes Marie Bracelet in Silver (retail $78, sale $62.40). I LOVED this bracelet. Had it not been quite so expensive and had it not been the holidays (budget), I definitely would've picked this up. I love the raw stone in it. So much that I've actually been hunting Etsy for more bracelets like this to possibly pick up after the holidays! The cuff was a tad hard to get on my wrist because it's not terribly flexible, but once on, it fit perfectly. It didn't roll around so that they stone was hidden under my wrist at all. It just sat perfectly on display. Definitely rated "love". I wore this each day I had it. I actually almost regret sending it back, but budgets and all.

Robyn Rhodes Marie Bracelet

My last piece was a set of Sandy Hyun Colorful Dagger Earrings (retail $85, sale $68, retail site not working at time of review to link). This was the only piece I didn't really like. They look cute off me, and I think maybe they're so expensive because they're leather? Maybe? The info on the designer says she uses leather in her designs. Unfortunately, they felt a bit cheap, like something you'd find at Claire's and they hung really weird. They didn't hang down, they hung at an angle pointing a bit behind me. Plus, my hair is very dark, so unless I wore my hair up, you couldn't see these at all on me. I just wasn't really a fan of them, so they were rated "Dislike".

Sandy Hyun Colorful Dagger Earrings

Wearing them. This shot isn't actually so bad because I got them to kind of lay right for the picture and my hair is off to the side.

Wearing all 3 pieces (excuse my unmakeuped face)

So, overall, I think Rocks Box did a pretty great job getting my style. When I first saw them, I definitely thought each piece was really pretty. Not necessarily all things I'd immediately pick for myself, since I made my profile a bit more branched out in terms of boldness, but pieces upon seeing them, do make me think they match my style. Apart from the earrings just not working out on me, I was really happy with the other 2 pieces, especially the bracelet. Given the prices of the pieces sent (and I do understand they're expensive because they're quality pieces), I'm not sure I'll be buying things terribly often with this subscription, but I think I'll definitely have a lot of fun renting them! Another thing I like about Rocks Box is that if you tweet or Instagram a picture of you wearing their pieces, you can earn a $5 credit per set. That will definitely come in handy if I ever really want to buy something!

Unfortunately, the deal I used to get my first month free is expired now, but if you sign up with my link, you'll get $10 off your first month, which at least is about half off! If you get Rocks Box, what kinds of pieces do you get? Anything you've loved and bought?

(And just a disclaimer: I bought this box myself (well, this month was free due to a deal open to everyone - it was NOT provided to me in exchange for a review) and was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own. I included referral links.)