*Spoilers* October 2013 Popsugar Must Have Box

[stasi7]

Uhm...what is this Nina Garcia box you are talking about???? /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

It's a new box through Quarterly Co. Her box will ship next month. There are a lot of contributors to choose from. I'm excited for hers!!

 

[tinkerbll695]

I literally :: Chris Traeger voice :: just bought that hair brush. It hasn't arrived yet so once it does I'll be sending it back to Amazon - which thankfully has an amazing return policy.

I like Jessica Seinfeld's other cookbook - Deceptively Delicious. I don't have kids but I love that the recipes hide vegetables - I have me one picky mister.

Gorjana jewelry - it's cute and I'll wear it,although it would have been better in a spring/summer box if we're all getting a hot pink one. I don't think I'll ever buy an item from Gorjana if I keep getting things in boxes.

Julep - I stopped my sub with them because I didn't need $20 of polish every month. But I don't mind seeing it in the box. I've wanted to try that Freedom Top Coat and see how it compares to my beloved Seche Vite.

The NYX stuff will probably be gifted. 

The crispy cake will be eaten by the fiance probably as I'm going through the box. I most likely will only see the wrapper.

Jane Tran bobby pins...meh. I'll take them if I have too. I like my $3 Goody ones just fine.

Stitch Fix looks fun and I might just try it with the gift card.

All in all, I think I got my $37 worth with this box. If this is the type of box that we'll be getting with the price increase, I don't know if I'll stay around for too long. This is a lot of stuff and most will get used, but I guess I'm just not too excited by it. 

 

[meaganola]

Quote: Originally Posted by AshJs3 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I'm glad they mix up the books. We've gotten 2 novels, young adult, DIY, and now a cookbook that is a brand new release. 
I'm also glad they don't send strictly novels.  They will never, ever send the sort of novel I'm interested in because they will focus on chick-oriented books, and I'm more likely to be found in the horror/science fiction and graphic novel rooms (conveniently located right next to each other) at Powell's than wherever they shelve Nicholas Sparks and _The Devil Wears Prada_, which seem to be the genre they're going to pick from if they're sending novels. If they're going to send me something with a storyline, the only way it will be read is if it's from Dark Horse/Image/Boom/Vertigo/ONI/[insert independent graphic novel house here] or one of your more terrifying nightmares.  Something from Chelsea Cain would be awesome.  Female and currently writing, so it seems like she should be on PopSugar's radar, but she writes what are apparently really awesome thrillers/murder mysteries.  Hmm.  Maybe she's *too* popular.  She's landed five books on the _New York Times_ bestseller list.  I keep meaning to get one of her books but keep forgetting.  They seem to pick books from known entities that could use a boost in visibility, and I'm not sure Cain's books need the publicity that these boxes would give them.  Anyway...

I'm also glad the cookbook is (apparently) a compilation of easy, stripped-down recipes.  I can cook (and fairly well at that), but I'm really lazy and would rather spend as little time in the kitchen as possible.

 

[AshJs3]

I literally :: Chris Traeger voice :: just bought that hair brush. 

Parks and Rec is my fave! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[LindseyJ]

I see some people complaining about getting NYX because its drugstore makeup or whatever, but its not sold at any stores in my town. (I only have a walmart and walgreens, lol.) I'm actually always happy when I get to try this brand in a subscription because I like makeup thats affordable and still nice quality and, since I cant get it locally, getting it in subscriptions is a good way for me to see if i like it before having to order online to find out that I dont. 

 

[tinkerbll695]

Quote: Originally Posted by AshJs3 /img/forum/go_quote.gif


Parks and Rec is my fave!

Yes! I'm going through the seasons on Netflix again. 

 

[caseybean025]

I see some people complaining about getting NYX because its drugstore makeup or whatever, but its not sold at any stores in my town. (I only have a walmart and walgreens, lol.) I'm actually always happy when I get to try this brand in a subscription because I like makeup thats affordable and still nice quality and, since I cant get it locally, getting it in subscriptions is a good way for me to see if i like it before having to order online to find out that I dont. 

I feel the same way! And I only have Walmart and Walgreens nearby too. I've heard very good things about the NYX eyeliner and am excited to try it!

 

[tinkerbll695]

I like NYX and I would get it more often if they sealed more of their items. Even though I have stores near me that sell it I can't ever buy any in stores because every item has been opened and tested :-( I just won't use these two items because I dislike liquid liner and I have similar eyeshadow colors in other palettes that I already don't use They'll make great gifts through!

 

[sunnycherry]

I actually really like this box! Love stitch fix and always a huge fan of nail polish. I'm not entirely sure I will stay for the next month though. The price increase is crazy

 

[yjk98]

I thought this box seemed a bit cheap too.  I thought they would send an awesome box this month in order to encourage people to upgrade subscriptions before they increase the price.   I will have to reconsider upgrading my subscriptions to a 3,6, 12 month one......

Is Stitch a subscription service?  Do I have to subscribe to their service in order to use the gift card?

 

[Gchatt]

I'm totally bummed about this box...cheap makeup..cheap looking bracelet, ugly hair clips.  Everyone has an opinion....and....well....that is mine.  Happy Monday!

 

[AshJs3]

I thought this box seemed a bit cheap too.  I thought they would send an awesome box this month in order to encourage people to upgrade subscriptions before they increase the price.   I will have to reconsider upgrading my subscriptions to a 3,6, 12 month one...... Is Stitch a subscription service?  Do I have to subscribe to their service in order to use the gift card?

It's not a subscription service, but you can make it one. You can order a fix whenever you want it or you can set it up monthly. There's no subscribing and canceling though.

 

[Momsgotmail]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mommy Subs /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  The Can't Cook Book by Jessica Seinfeld
NYX Cosmetics Liquid liner and Smokey Shadow Palette
Gloriana Charity Bali Bead Bracelet in Pink
Julep Nail Polish and Freedom Top Coat
Jane Tran Bobby Pins
The Wet Brush hair detangling brush
The Crispery Halloween CrispyCake
Stitch Fix $20.00 Gift Card
I have been wanting the wet brush for a while...and I can always use Bobby Pins.  I am no excited about the other stuff though.  I liked last month much better.  I think last month was geared more to older women and this one to younger.  I don't like the bracelet, I don't like the Julep topcoat, and there are much better brands out there.   I CAN cook, and I just got the Jessie's Girl's liner in IPSY last monh, and NYX is a really low-end brand.  I like some of their products, but I expect something a little more posh from PopSugar.    I think PopSugar missed this month.  But I am obviously in the minority. 

 

[Eleda]

This box looks ok to me. I am pleased about the cookbook, and I will try all the other items. However, I don't like the repeat theme - last October they sent a book, and two nailpolishes. They don't bother to change it a little bit /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Since they started this sub, I missed only last august box. I never paid more than $30 per box with all the coupons and discounts. I had a 6 month with $27 per box, and now a 3 month for the same price with last box in November. I will unsubscribe now for sure. The $40 price is almost a 50% increase from my usual price, and I don't like it at all. To me it is not worth it. I will be on the lookout for the $100 boxes and I am curious what everyone who stayed subscribed will get given the new preferences and customization. I am washing my hands out of this. I wonder if the value will be more now, or they charge more simply because it is more work to customize the boxes?

I also will be getting a Nina Garcia box, and will stay with Fabfitfun. I will probably not use the stitchfix code, though.

 

[MoiSurtout]

Quote: Originally Posted by Momsgotmail /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  Quote: Originally Posted by Mommy Subs /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  The Can't Cook Book by Jessica Seinfeld
NYX Cosmetics Liquid liner and Smokey Shadow Palette
Gloriana Charity Bali Bead Bracelet in Pink
Julep Nail Polish and Freedom Top Coat
Jane Tran Bobby Pins
The Wet Brush hair detangling brush
The Crispery Halloween CrispyCake
Stitch Fix $20.00 Gift Card
I have been wanting the wet brush for a while...and I can always use Bobby Pins.  I am no excited about the other stuff though.  I liked last month much better.  I think last month was geared more to older women and this one to younger.  I don't like the bracelet, I don't like the Julep topcoat, and there are much better brands out there.   I CAN cook, and I just got the Jessie's Girl's liner in IPSY last monh, and NYX is a really low-end brand.  I like some of their products, but I expect something a little more posh from PopSugar.    I think PopSugar missed this month.  But I am obviously in the minority. 


Oh, your saying that totally made me realize what this box reminds me of:

http://www.birchbox.com/shop/featured/birchbox-exclusives/head-of-the-class

Similar bracelet, hairpins, polish duo... and meant for tweens!

 

[Momsgotmail]

Quote: Originally Posted by tinkerbll695 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  I literally :: Chris Traeger voice :: just bought that hair brush. It hasn't arrived yet so once it does I'll be sending it back to Amazon - which thankfully has an amazing return policy.

I like Jessica Seinfeld's other cookbook - Deceptively Delicious. I don't have kids but I love that the recipes hide vegetables - I have me one picky mister.

Gorjana jewelry - it's cute and I'll wear it,although it would have been better in a spring/summer box if we're all getting a hot pink one. I don't think I'll ever buy an item from Gorjana if I keep getting things in boxes.

Julep - I stopped my sub with them because I didn't need $20 of polish every month. But I don't mind seeing it in the box. I've wanted to try that Freedom Top Coat and see how it compares to my beloved Seche Vite.

The NYX stuff will probably be gifted. 

The crispy cake will be eaten by the fiance probably as I'm going through the box. I most likely will only see the wrapper.

Jane Tran bobby pins...meh. I'll take them if I have too. I like my $3 Goody ones just fine.

Stitch Fix looks fun and I might just try it with the gift card.

All in all, I think I got my $37 worth with this box. If this is the type of box that we'll be getting with the price increase, I don't know if I'll stay around for too long. This is a lot of stuff and most will get used, but I guess I'm just not too excited by it. 

The Julep top coat isn't as good as the Butter London one.  IMO, Obviously!  It tends to act like a thinner and give my nails bare streaks.  IDK, maybe I am doing something wrong.  Whatever, I don't want to have to work that hard.  I threw mine away.  Seriously.  I will give this julep set away.  I will eat the crispy treat, and I may try stitch fix out...but I am pretty picky.  Mainly because I have a large butt (from eating crispy treats).

 

[Momsgotmail]

Quote: Originally Posted by MoiSurtout /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
Oh, your saying that totally made me realize what this box reminds me of:

http://www.birchbox.com/shop/featured/birchbox-exclusives/head-of-the-class

Similar bracelet, hairpins, polish duo... and meant for tweens!
Yep!  That is why head of the class is still available when all the other limited edition boxes sell out in a few days.

 

[OiiO]

Thank you so much for the spoilers, Mommy Subs! I'm not terribly excited about this month's box, considering I'm getting TWO of them! I guess this was a bad month to get an extra box in hopes of scoring some nice Christmas presents for my family =/

 

[meaganola]

I'm putting some stuff in bold because that's specifically what I'm responding to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eleda /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  <snip>  I will be on the lookout for the $100 boxes and I am curious what everyone who stayed subscribed will get given the new preferences and customization. I am washing my hands out of this. I wonder if the value will be more now, or they charge more simply because it is more work to customize the boxes?

<snip>

Well, but...  No.  They're not *customizing* the boxes.  Per katie danielle's email, it's about *curating* the boxes.  

Quote: Originally Posted by katie danielle /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  I asked them via email why there was a price increase. I just joined and won't get my first box until November. Here's their vague response:

Hi Katie,

We will be increasing our prices so that we can continue to curate fun, on-trend, and exciting boxes filled with our editors' favorite finds. We're always striving to make our boxes better each month. Throughout the past few months, we have been rolling out new features including our new preferences tool located on your account page [will be a link] to improve our customer's experience and ensure that we are sending products we know they'll love. We hope you continue to enjoy your POPSUGAR Must Have subscription!

Cheers,

POPSUGAR Support

<snip>
Curating means picking the things to go in the boxes overall.  It is *not* the same as customizing.  I think that the preferences are so they can figure out how many people want to see what kinds of things so they know that gold jewelry will be a bigger winner for their subscribers than silver or that they need to send out more fruity scents than floral.  They're not stating that we will be getting items that actually reflect our preferences.  In fact, this is specifically what they state right on the preference page, and in this case, the bolding is theirs:

Quote:  Don't be shy — fill out your preferences below to tell us what you like! While we're not sending out personalized boxes, we will be taking your preferences into consideration when curating our monthly boxes.

Personalized = customized, so that's not happening.

 

[nicepenguins]

I will happily take any stitch fix codes! I have the $25 gorjana code to trade for that or I would trade it for the shoptiques code. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />