Rocksbox - Box Four

This week, my box arrived within six days, arriving three days earlier than the UPS Tracking claimed it would arrive. I think that they must give a higher tracking estimation, so that we get all excited when it arrives "early". UPS is playing psychological games with me, only made worse by my Rocksbox obsession.

When I saw the pictures of this week's box, I was very excited. Box four contained two of my wishlist items. I was certain that I'd buy something from this box.

Take a really good look at the picture above of the Perry Street Morgan Necklace. I was anticipating it to be small and delicate, more like a ball of clustered jewels. This is what I got.

I paired it with a teal Trouve sweater from 2014 to try to show it off. I really disliked it, probably the most of any Rocksbox piece that I've received. It was clunky, with a heavy, unadjustable chain that hit at a funny spot on my chest. It looked like something that I would have wanted when I was thirteen. Not that I think you need to necessarily "dress your age", but this piece was definitely not for me. Here are some close-up shots.

The Sophie Harper Pave Circle Drop Earrings were my favorite piece in this box. They were simple and pretty, a great look if you work in an office. They could easily go from day to night. I ultimately declined them, because they were too safe and boring. I work at home in my jeans and when I go out, I like to dress-up and have fun with it. These earrings are too conservative and safe.

The Kendra Scott Calvin Ring in Iridescent Drusy was a fun pick. It wasn't on my wishlist, but I think it was included, because I mentioned how much I loved the stone in the earrings that I had received in my third box. It's the same iridescent drusy stone. The stone is still pretty, it absolutely glitters. The problem with the ring, is the stone is too small to make a statement. I also didn't care for the geometric shape. I have a few Kendra Scott pieces and I find them to be very hit or miss. I often like the colors, but dislike the shape or size.

The pretty red nail polish is OPI's Amore at the Grand Canal. This week, a pro manicure!

Rocksbox - Box Three

A watched package never delivers....or so it seems. My anxious wait for my third Rocksbox set, included checking the UPS delivery status several times a day. I mailed back my second set on a Wednesday, and my third set arrived the following week, on Thursday. Tuesday was Veteran's Day, so no mail, bringing the turn-around time to exactly a week. The package actually arrived before the UPS Estimate, making me question the reliability of the tracking.

I had high hopes for this third set. Based on the photographs on the Rocksbox Website, I liked all of the pieces.

Here is what I received.

And my stylist note. I really like this personalized touch.

First up, the Loren Hope Blythe Necklace in Merlot. I had added this statement necklace to my wishlist.

I didn't like the chain, it's clunky and an odd rusty/silver color. Not pretty. I did like the stones. Here is a closer look at them.

How to pair this? I have very little in my wardrobe that works with the wine colored stones. I ended up pairing it with a navy and cream colored TopShop sweater. It's been so warm in Los Angeles, that I haven't yet broken in this new sweater! C'mon autumn, I'm ready for sweater weather!

I was most excited about the Sophie Harper ZigZag Ring Set. It's a set of three interlocking rings.

Unfortunately, it was not as delicate as it appears in the website picture. The ring was huge and clunky. I didn't like it at all. Here is a picture of me wearing it.

I gave myself a quick, at home manicure for the picture ( clearly something that I should leave to the pros). The nail polish was also something new, a gold glitter with light pink flecks: Butter London's West End Wonderland. I bought it last winter and forgot about it, but I love it for the holidays.

The last item was a pair of Kendra Scott Tessa Stud Earrings in Iridescent Drusy.

Love, love, love the sparkle of these earrings. It doesn't show up in the pictures, but they absolutely glittered and are a pure white, like fresh snow. Beautiful color. The shape was nice too. If the price-point had been lower, I probably would have splurged, but at fifty-two dollars ( the discounted price), I just didn't love them enough.

Here's a shot of the necklace and earrings.

I can't wait to see the goodies in box four!

Rocksbox - First Box

In September, Dan and I were invited to an amazing Timothy Oulton dinner in the Blue Room at the Historic Los Angeles Athletic Club. It was formal and I needed a clutch. After much searching and stress, I still couldn't find that perfect accessory. I did, however, discover a company called Rent The Runway.

Rent the Runway is brilliant. I was able to rent this gorgeous Kate Spade clutch for just a fraction of the retail price. Shipping and insurance were included in the rental. The process couldn't have been easier and the clutch was in excellent condition.

After test-driving it for the evening, I fell in love. Returning the clutch was depressing. The happy ending, is Dan has just bought it for me ( a brand new one) for our Anniversary present! I plan to take that thing everywhere. It's just so darn sparkly and pretty.

My great experience with Rent the Runway got me wondering if there were other similar services. I searched the internet and came across Rocksbox.

Rocksbox is a costume jewelry rental company. Unlike Rent the Runway, you do not choose specific pieces. For nineteen dollars a month, you get a box with three pieces of jewelry to try. When you are finished, you have the opportunity to purchase any of the pieces for a slight discount. You can also mail back all three and have a new box sent. The monthly fee covers shipping ( both ways), insurance, and allows you to get as many boxes as you like. It's similar to Netflix, you mail it back, and as soon as they receive it, your next box is on its way.

I've only recently started to accessorize. For years, I didn't wear earrings and my piercings closed up. In general, in my daily wear, I couldn't be bothered with any more jewelry than my wedding ring. However, I started to pay attention to various friends who fantastic at accessorizing and I admired the way that they pulled their outfits together. I also had a short stint at Nordstrom, where accessories were mandatory. Two years ago, I began working with a personal shopper, which expanded my jewelry collection. I'm starting to see how dressing up on a regular basis is fun, rather than a chore. Compliments help!

I like the idea of Rocksbox, as a way to check out jewelry before purchasing. When I'm out shopping, it's difficult to know if something will really work with my wardrobe. Now, I can borrow the pieces and play dress-up with what I already own.

How does Rocksbox know what to send? When I registered, I took a style survey and explained what I tend to like. I also was able to look through their current offerings and mark certain pieces as favorites. From there, a jewelry stylist curated a box. Rocksbox encourages frequent updates of wish lists, as they are constantly adding new items. In the two weeks that I've been a member, I've been surprised by turn over.

My first box arrived within a week. It came in a padded envelope, which is reusable for the return. A prepaid postage sticker is inside. When you're done, you just reseal everything and drop in a mailbox slot. Super easy.

Here is what it looked like inside. Ignore the sloppy bow, it looked much nicer when they tied it. This picture was taken just before I returned the box. When it arrived, I couldn't wait to open it, so I tore in without documenting the box.

Snazzy tissue paper and a custom sticker.

Each piece came tucked inside a protective bag.

I had a personalized note from the stylist that created the box, including information on each piece.

How did they do?

The Gorjana Bali Tube Drop Earrings were not my taste. However, in the name of keeping an open mind, I tried them on. I think that they would be cute on someone with a short hairstyle, that would really show off the earrings. In my long, light brown hair, they got lost.

The Olivia & Grace Avery Necklace in Aqua Quartz was very pretty. I love the light aqua stones and it was flattering. Ultimately, it wasn't a keeper, because I already own a very similar Kate Spade necklace.

When I tried to take the picture ( on my own, in my bathroom), I couldn't get the angle right to show the full necklace. I tried taking the shot using the mirror, but it didn't turn out right. This was the first time that I EVER thought that a selfie stick might be a good investment. A selfie stick or longer arms.

The Perry Street Stella Earrings were an item that I had favorited. Indeed, they were my favorite item in the box. The stones really popped and they were a great compliment for many things in my wardrobe. When I tried wearing them, they were very heavy and a touch too long, so they had to be sent back.

After returning the box, I rated all of the items and left a note for my stylist. The idea is that they should get better at curating for your style over time. I plan to keep this experiment going for a few months to test it out, hopefully picking up a few great pieces along the way. Another bonus, Rocksbox credits every account with ten dollars a month in spend cash. They aren't at all pushy with selling, but I'm guessing that's their ultimate goal. I'm game.

I mailed my box on Tuesday afternoon, and by Thursday afternoon, a new box was on its way. I have a tracking number to follow its progress. Fingers crossed, I will have the new box of jewelry to take on our Vegas weekend and another blog post next week.