Popbasic: A Review

I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon with most things. The beauty boxes didn't really interest me. I bought a one month subscription months after everyone else. I wasn't impressed. I'm not on Vine, I was for two minutes to see what it was about but didn't see the point.

So when Popbasic came around I was intrigued (the video below was part of the reason!) but not convinced.

Popbasic is a three piece collection of fashion items and accessories which are either 'basic' or 'trendy' (pop) items. You can subscribe to get them every month or you can buy individual pieces from the collection. For the beta micro collection you didn't have the option of buying individual pieces and had to get the whole collection, priced at $65 and included shipping. For those who registered before hand you got the collection, including shipping for $55. In addition to the three items, there is also a surprise beauty item. 

You get to see the collection (below) beforehand, obviously, and I guess that's why I was happy to give it a go. I loved the blouse and the midsummer night necklace. Another reason why I decided to subscribe was because Madeline (the co-founder of Popbasic) was very active and engaging (especially on twitter - see, exactly what I said about the power of twitter!). It was this interaction that made me want to support Popbasic, or at least give it shot. It also meant that I found out Madeline, was from Australia! And that the gorgeous model Kellie is a Brisbane (Australia) based model. AND that Popbasic will be launching a premium collection later this year and a men's collection early next year! 

image via Popbasic website

My order arrived yesterday, about two weeks after most of the US based subscribers got their package. Now, even though I knew what I was getting the whole surprise beauty product was ruined for me because all the US based subscribers were already blogging and talking about it. I'm not sure how you could work around this - it's not like the beauty boxes where there are great variations in the products you get - perhaps international orders could be shipped a week earlier? 

Something I was skeptical about was the fit. The blouse only came in three sizes (S, M, L). They have detailed measurements but I was still worried. I'm an XS, often an XXS. The blouse was the first thing I tried when I got the package and it fit beautifully! That fit for $45 was a steal. I've always maintained that it's not about how much a piece costs but how nicely it fits. I'm very happy with the fit and the fabric. I see how this could be problematic for people who are bigger but let me tell you as someone who finds it incredibly difficult to find things that fit, I'm over the moon! Madeline did mention that they would look into offering more sizes. 

image via Popbasic website

Now to the necklaces. I knew I'd like the midsummer night's necklace but I didn't like the yellow and gold twist necklace in the pictures and I certainly didn't like it in the package. My issue is really about two necklaces. If we're going to be building a wardrobe do we need two necklaces right away? Which is the basic and which is the pop? That didn't make sense to me. I've noticed that there is yet another necklace is a future micro collection. I'm not too sure. I think more variety would have been better, a scarf perhaps? Socks maybe? But definitely not two necklaces. 

The price. I'm not sure if I'd be willing to pay $65 every month. For me, it depends on the pieces in the collection. I love that you'll be able to buy individual pieces. I definitely think it's worth keeping an eye out. $65 for a collection of three things that you love is worth it (it amounts to about $21 per item). That you have the freedom to select the pieces you want to buy gives you greater control over your budget and more flexibility. I think they've gone about that nicely. 

The beauty surprise. It wasn't a surprise but it was still nice to get a little something extra. This month the beauty product was Japanese beauty papers by TATCHA. I don't use blotting/beauty papers but I'm happy to give this a try. This didn't really jump at me but mostly because of my whole no make-up thing...

image via Popbasic facebook

The other goodies. A generic thank you card. A style card with ways to style the three pieces. A $15 off coupon to use at Dear Kate. A lovely handwritten note. Seriously? I'm impressed. 

I'm very impressed. Yes I would have liked something other than another necklace but this is just the first collection, and I'm sure the Popbasic team are eager for feedback. I think they've set a good standard and I look forward to seeing what else they come up with. 

Would I recommend this? I definitely would. Especially if the sizing woks out for you. I love the top and cannot wait to wear it and show it to you! 

This is not a sponsored post, you can find more information on the Popbasic website