Guess What Came in My Golden Tote?

This is a sponsored post written in collaboration with Golden Tote.

If there’s one thing you and I have in common, it’s probably that we just don’t have a whole lot of time to shop.

I mean, I want to look stylish, but heading out to the local shopping center to look for new clothes is a task that takes hours– and more often than not, I return home empty handed.

That’s why I was excited to try out Golden Tote, a team of designers, buyers, and stylists dedicated to keeping its clients on trend and under budget. After registering on the website, I answered a detailed questionnaire about my body type and style preferences, then opted for the large tote for $149, which is filled with 5-6 items of clothing. (A small tote with 2-3 pieces is just $49.) I was able to choose my two favorite items from a selection of clothing and accessories, and a stylist surprised me with 3-4 more things, based on my questionnaire.

And that was it– All I had to do after that was go one with my life and wait for my tote to arrive. The whole process took about 20 minutes.

A few days later, a box arrived in the mail with my name on it.

 

Inside was a cute canvas tote filled with clothes, and styled by the inimitable ‘KB.’

And now, the real moment you’ve been waiting for…. WHAT WAS IN THE BAG?

Well, I’ll show you.

I had selected a ‘bohemian’ theme in my style questionnaire since summer is approaching, and on that front, Golden Tote did not disappoint. This top is going to be perfect for the many (many) hot days to come. The top originally had a much higher neckline, but I clipped the stitches and opened it up so that I could add a little interest with a cami underneath. Otherwise, it would have left me looking a little too shapeless.

 

I chose this cardigan on the website, and when I put it on, I liked it even more. It’s lightweight, drapey and perfect for those early spring days. I actually wore it today and got several compliments!

 

This top was another surprise– I would never have chosen it off the rack, but I actually liked it once I tried it on. It has the look and feel of vintage handkerchief material and I love how lightweight and soft the fabric is– perfect with shorts on a hot day!

 

This dress was my third surprise– and I LOVE it. I would get it in five colors if I could. The fit is amazing, in part because it ties in back and gathers under the bust. I wore this dress the day it arrived!

 

This top was another surprise selection– and it’s another I wouldn’t have looked twice at on the rack. Now that it’s in my closet, though, I’m glad I have it– I shy away from color too often and I have to admit, this emerald green is flattering, and far more interesting than my boring black and gray tops.

 

The other item I chose was this cowl neck top. Once again, it was as advertised. I like it with black leggings and my over-the-knee boots, but I’m even more excited to wear it with a fitted black skirt and boots.

I should also add that my 11-year-old daughter took all of the pictures in this post that aren’t selfies– We giggled the whole time as I tried to imitate ‘fashion blogger’ poses. I don’t know how those women do it. Truly.

Would I buy another Golden Tote? Totally. It’s a great value (It comes out to about $26 per item) and the clothes do not have a ‘cheap’ feel to them. And, since designers make these clothes especially for Golden Tote, chances are good that you won’t show up and see someone else wearing your outfit. The only downside to Golden Tote that I can see is that it’s a bit of a gamble- You have to keep everything you buy. Since you’re getting everything at an incredible discount, it’s a risk I’m guessing plenty of you would be willing to take.

One note if you’re planning to try it out– Golden Tote sales start on the first Monday of each month at 9am PST, so shop as close to that date as possible for the best selection.