One of the things on my 35 at 35 list was to try Trunk Club, which is Nordrom’s answer to a style subscription box. I’d heard of it before, but it was seeing the review on Whitney’s blog that made me take the plunge and give it a try.
Despite Nordstrom’s prices typically being above my budget, what sold me was the sheer number of things they send. My trunk had 12 items in it. 12! That is more than double what you get from a similar service like Stitch Fix. You pay a $25 non-refundable deposit, which goes toward anything you decide to keep. I don’t have to tell you that I’m typically a bargain-hunting budget-conscious shopper, but I treated this shopping experience as a little birthday treat. Plus, I knew from the outset that I would only buy one or two items. Keep reading for a full review and to see what I kept.
Bardot Lace Sheath Dress – $129
I requested a dress to wear to a summer wedding, and I thought this one looked gorgeous in the preview. However, it doesn’t fit me right. As is the case with a lot of dresses I try on, the bottom half fit, but the top was too loose. I admit I’m relieved that this dress didn’t work out; it was pretty pricy! I’m wearing a size large. Returned.
Everleigh Surplice Neck Top – $44
I LOVE the color of this top, and that alone made me want to buy it. However, I didn’t love the way it fit on me. While I like the idea of a wrap-style top they rarely work on me. This one seemed too loose in the front and I didn’t like how long it was in the back. Also, I already have two tops that have tie-sleeves, and while I like them, having to tie them again drives me crazy. Other than the pretty color (and moderate price!) I just didn’t love this one. I’m wearing a small. Returned.
J. Crew Toothpick High Rise Jeans – $110
Guys, I LOVE these jeans. The fit is perfect, and that high waist works some magic on my post-two-kids mid-section. However, I just bought a pair of high waist jeans that I love from American Eagle, and I just can’t justify spending that much on a pair of jeans I don’t really need. I’ve been looking for a more relaxed style to add to my denim wardrobe. I’m wearing a 28. Sadly, returned.
Kendra Scott Alex Drop Earrings – $65
I thought these were really pretty, and you know I have a thing for all things blush pink. I’m pretty devoted to my Nickel and Suede earrings though, and I just ordered a blush pair from them. These had to go back.
Ugg Maybell Wedge Sandal – $99.95
I requested neutral wedge sandals in my trunk, and was happy to receive two pairs to try. This black pair is very comfortable and would go with a lot in my wardrobe. What made me send them back, aside from the high price, is the color. I think I’d get more use out of a tan or cognac pair. Wearing size 9. Returned.
Gibson Tie Front Crepe Top – $59
With Trunk Club, your stylist sends you a preview of what she’s chosen for your trunk, and you can review it and take out items you don’t like. When I saw this top in the preview, I had a hunch that it was the item I’d love the most. I adore the color and print, and the front tie is such a pretty, unique detail. Thankfully I love it even more in person; this one is a keeper. I’m wearing a small. Kept.
Marc Fisher LTD Sunny Half d’Orsay Flat – $129.94
Hi there, beautiful blue flats! My stylist, Katy, gave an outfit suggestion of pairing the Gibson top with the jeans and these shoes, and I love everything about that outfit. Well, everything except one thing: $129.94. I just can’t. It was with a heavy heart that I had to send these pretties back. Wearing size 9. Returned.
Halogen Cinched Sleeve Blouse – $69
This was the only item that I didn’t like at all. I didn’t love it in the preview, but decided to give it a try anyway. I liked it even less on me than I did on the screen. I don’t like the diagonal stripes, or the colors, and I especially don’t like all the ties. The sleeves are cinched and have ties at the bottom, and the sides of the top are like that as well. That’s a lot of ties. Overall this just has too much going on for my taste. I’m wearing a small. Returned.
J. Crew Pintuck Sleeve Cotton Blouse – $59.50
Doesn’t this top look like summer? I love the dramatic sleeves with the pintuck detail, and the tee-shirt material is really comfy. The drawback for me was the deep v neck. It’s a little hard to tell from the photos, but unless I planned to do NO leaning or bending throughout the day (you know, that never happens with little kids…), I’d have to wear a camisole underneath to stay decent. And I don’t want to have to wear a camisole under a tee shirt. This is a size small. Returned.
Caslon Rolled Denim Boyfriend Shorts – $58
I requested shorts in my trunk, because I have very few pairs and I hate shopping for shorts. I don’t like when they’re too short, but too long and they’re just as unflattering. I prefer skirts and dresses in the summer, but there are sometimes when I just want the casualness of shorts. I liked these in the preview, and the price is decent, but they are too loose all over. They’re supposed to be a relaxed style, but they felt big and boxy. Not cute. I’m wearing a 28. Returned.
Ugg Elena II Platform Wedge Sandal – $129.94
My only complaint with this trunk was that ALL the shoes were so expensive! I like these; the color and style is what I’m looking for, but I cannot justify spending that much on a pair of sandals. It is just not in my budget right now. This pair was really comfortable, as I’d expect from Ugg sandals, but I didn’t love the way they looked. I’m wearing a 9. Returned.
Rebecca Minkoff Anden Slide Sandal – $124.95
Shoes are my style weakness and I like the idea of a statement pair. Yet these make too big of a statement for me; I don’t love the print. Also, not surprisingly, I’m not paying $125 for a pair of super trendy slides. These are a size 9. Returned.
{my thoughts on Trunk Club}
Overall, I really enjoyed my experience with Trunk Club. For those of you considering trying it, I thought I’d break down my experience in a pro / con list. (Because lists = life.)
Trunk Club Pros:
– High number of items sent means high likelihood of finding something you like (and therefore not wasting your $25 styling fee).
– Interaction with your stylist ahead of time so they really get a feel for your style. Katy and I chatted online and I sent her a link to my blog. You can also send Pins you like and make requests.
– You can preview your trunk ahead of time and remove items that you know won’t work.
– Because it’s a Nordstrom company you receive clothing from a variety of brands.
– Logistics-wise, trunk club makes it really easy to chat with your stylist, make requests, review your trunk, and return items. (You can schedule a pick-up and someone will come to YOUR HOUSE and pick it up. Easy!)
Trunk Club Cons:
– It is pricy. You can choose a price range for how much you typically spend on different items of clothing, although most of what I got was still over my budget.
– You may be able to find some of the items on sale elsewhere. (e.g. J. Crew often has really good sales, so I hesitate to pay full price for those items.)
A subscription box for clothes isn’t for everyone, but for me it’s a fun indulgence to try occasionally. I think the pros outweigh the cons, although the price factor is a significant one for me. This is something I will likely try again, but only when I can fit it in my budget. I will also plan to emphasize my budget constraints in the hope that I will get more items that are in the $50 price range and fewer in the $100+ range.
Is Trunk Club a service you’ve tried before or have considered trying? If you are thinking about signing up, I’d love for you to use my link and sign up here.
Do you think I kept the right item? What would you have chosen?
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.
Linking with On the Daily Style and Thursday Fashion Files.
