When my photographer and friend Erika Christine stopped by the house a few weeks ago to shoot photos for this month’s Trendsend personal styling review, no one would have guessed that we would all be living in a state of self-quarantine when the post went live. Three days after we took the photos, Rob and I made the decision to stay home and avoid any unnecessary contact with our friends, family and neighbors. And now we are living in a government-mandated quarantine. These are strange and uncertain times, but dozens of readers have given their encouragement and feedback that they need to feel any sense of normalcy right now.
So if the timing of this post feels a little strange to you, I can assure you it feels even stranger to me. It’s not an accurate picture of our normal life at home, but the clothes are fantastic and it’s a throwback to life a few weeks ago when life was a little more routine and predictable. I sincerely hope you enjoy this month’s Trendsend review and that it provides a welcome distraction from our current situation.
This post contains affiliate links, including my Trendsend referral link. We earn a small commission/discount each time someone makes a purchase through one of our links or signs up for their first Trendsend.
Why I Love Trendsend by Evereve
You may recall that I tried and blogged about Trendsend by Evereve once before and loved it. It has been over a year since I received a Trendsend, and I was curious to give it another try. Just like Stitch Fix, Trendsend offers hand-picked personal styling that’s tailored to your personal preferences. Shipping and returns are free and you automatically save 10% if you purchase 3 or more items from your Trendsend box.
But there are a few characteristics of Trendsend by Evereve that set the service apart and make it even more unique. The most distinct feature is that Evereve employees style Trendsend boxes styled in-store. The boxes only feature clothing and styles available at Evereve and Evereve.com.
Better yet, every box from Trendsend by Evereve includes six items intended to create 2-3 complete outfits. I love this feature because the items are specifically chosen to coordinate and instantly elevate your wardrobe.
At this moment, all Evereve stores are closed because of COVID-19, but they are still styling Trendsend boxes. In light of current circumstances, the Trendsend styling fee has been temporarily reduced from $20 to only $1 (That’s right … you can try Trendsend by Evereve for the bargain price of $1 right now) and they are extending return deadlines to any customers who need more time. Find out more about Trendsend by Evereve’s response to COVID-19 here.
My favorite distinguishing feature of Trendsend by Evereve is that they honor all discount prices in-store and online at Evereve.com and that customers can request a Trendsend box that specifically features discounted and clearance items. My Trendsend box had fabulous items at amazing prices this month (and they styled it several days before any of this COVID-19 craziness). Scroll down to see an exact price breakdown of my Trendsend box, but the total value of my box was discounted by 28% since every item I received was on sale.
The graphic below highlights the main comparisons between Stitch Fix and Trendsend by Evereve. You can find a more thorough side-by-side comparison my first Trendsend box review.
Now that you’re all caught up on how Trendsend works and what to expect, it’s finally time to show you the clothes that came in my shipment.
Billie Stripe Tunic Tee
When I tried Trendsend at the end of 2018, my stylist sent a Billie Stripe Tunic Tee from Peyton Jensen my way as a layering piece. Back then, I tried on the top and fell in love with it, but I had a limited budget. My solution was to send the top back to Trendsend and put it on my Christmas wishlist. I mentioned my hope to receive it as a Christmas gift when I checked out so that my stylist knew I loved the top even though I decided to return it. I received the Billie Stripe Tunic Tee as a gift that year and have worn it more times than I can possibly count. It’s a great versatile layer for anyone, but the Billie Stripe Tunic Tee was one of my favorite tops to wear for much of my pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Here are a few photos of the tunic the first time I received and styled it.
I’m glad I left that note because my stylist saw that the Billie Stripe Tunic Tee was on sale for an amazing price of only $15.99 (regular $48) and she included it in my box just in case I hadn’t received it for Christmas. I happily and eagerly styled the top in anticipation of warmer spring days. This time I traded the leggings and booties for olive trousers and my Rothy’s loafers.
Although the stripe pattern on this new Billie Stripe Tunic Tee was slightly different than my original top, it was definitely the same shirt. The familiar, flowy style and lightweight comfort were still there. The top was a definite keeper because it is perfect for my lifestyle with two small children and the incredible sale price was perfect for our budget. The Billie Stripe Tunic Tee is also available in black, just in case you want to stock up on great layering pieces.
RECREATE THE LOOK
Aiden Trouser with Exposed Buttons
My stylist also included a pair of dark olive Aiden Trouser pants with Exposed Buttons from Level 99 that were on sale for $79.99 (regular $128). I discovered Level 99 pants and jeans several years ago via Stitch Fix and have come to own several pairs over the years, so I was curious and excited to try on this pair with the Billie Stripe Tunic Tee.
The Aiden Trouser with Exposed Buttons was very comfortable and had great stretch. After practically living in leggings for several months, it was nice to finally wear an actual pair of pants – especially a pair of pants that wasn’t a skinny style and was easy to move around in. The funny thing about this particular pair of Aiden Trouser with Exposed Buttons was that they did not photograph well. I don’t think they were the cutest pair of pants in the world, but they looked nice enough and were plenty comfortable, so I actually considered keeping them.
I’ve learned over time that the best way to determine how well a pair of pants will fit for an extended period of time is to wear them around the house for a few hours while I debate keeping them. I suspect that this particular size was a little too big on me. If I had more money in my budget this month, I would have been tempted to request an exchange for a smaller size. Here’s a closer look at the pants. They looked much better in person and simply did not look flattering in photos. One thing I did really appreciate about the style of the pants was that the laid-back style didn’t cause any muffin top effect. They simply provided coverage without squeezing anything. (You’ll see a distinct lack of muffin top if you keep scrolling down to the gray puff sleeve top.)
The green pair of exposed button pants from Level 99 that I tried on are no longer available online, but Evereve.com currently has similar pants in black and khaki available if you are interested.
Lara Animal Kimono
One thing that I especially love about Trendsend by Evereve is that they specifically send pieces that mix and match to create complete outfits and my stylist included the Lara Animal Kimono from Lovestitch (on sale for $54.40 – regular $68) as a fun layer to wear with the Billie Stripe Tunic Tee and Aiden Trouser with Exposed Buttons.
I’m really not a kimono person. It’s the kind of item that looks cute on other people, but not something I would see myself wearing at all – especially not a kimono as long as the Lara Animal Kimono. But I have to admit, this outfit was perfect. It was comfortable, stylish and had such an easy look to it. Never in a million years would I have paired these three items together, but my stylist knew exactly what she was doing when she sent them my way. The fact that all three items were neutral colors was just the icing on the cake. All I had to do was throw on a pair of light-colored t-strap sandals and a simple gold disk necklace, and I was good to go.
Even though the Lara Animal Kimono was gorgeous and as close as I could ever get to falling in love with a kimono as an extra layer, I decided to send it back. I might eventually add a kimono to my closet, but I wasn’t quite ready to take the leap yet.
RECREATE THE LOOK
Puff Sleeve Tee
The Aiden Trouser with Exposed Buttons were still going strong when I paired them with one last top from my Trendsend box: a gray Puff Sleeve Tee from Chaser. Just like every other item in my Trendsend box this month, the Puff Sleeve Tee was also on sale for $46.40 (regular $58).
The Puff Sleeve Tee had a perfect (and surprisingly flattering) fit and I loved the scooped hemline. I decided to elevate the look a bit and styled the outfit with nude pointy toe heels and my gold disc necklace. (Can I just interject with how amazed I am with the versatility of these pants?!?!)
I really loved the puffed sleeve details on the top. They certainly helped to elevate a traditionally casual style of top and take it to a new fashionable level.
And remember how I said these pants didn’t give me a muffin top? It’s because they weren’t intended to be super tight. The relaxed fit was the only reason I could tuck in my shirt without cringing at my reflection in the mirror.
But back to the top … the Puff Sleeve Tee surprised me with how gorgeous and chic it was, but at the end of the day it was just a little too special for my current lifestyle. Maybe I’ll be more inclined to take my wardrobe up a notch when the kids are older, but this is not the time. (Especially not in this time when we are self-isolating and I wear the same five clothing items all week long.) The top and the pants went back to Trendsend.
RECREATE THE LOOK
Brynn Taped Pullover
After mixing and matching so many tops to a very versatile pair of green pants, it was finally time to change gears and try on an entirely different look. For my second outfit, my stylist sent a black Brynn Taped Pullover from Peyton Jensen and a great pair of jeans.
After a long winter of dark, drab colors, this is the time of year that I get ready to shove all of my black clothes into the very back of my closet and trade them for lig. Needless to say, I was less-than-thrilled to see a black sweatshirt come my way this month.
Despite the color, I quickly fell in love with the Brynn Taped Pullover. Even though it was lightweight, it was incredibly soft and cozy. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the taped stripe sleeve details, but I quickly grew to love those as well. Best of all, the pullover was also on sale for $54.40 (down from $68). I styled the Brynn Taped Pullover with my dainty Kendra Scott necklace, the lightly distressed jeans that came in my Trendsend (more on those in a minute) and my black Rothy’s sneakers. There was a lot to love about this outfit.
RECREATE THE LOOK
Toni Straight Ankle
I may have saved the best for last when I tried on the sixth and final item from my Trendsend by Evereve box: a perfectly distressed pair of Tony Straight Ankle jeans from Agolde. I loved the slightly faded wash and touch of distressing around the pockets and hemline. I especially loved the sale price of $126.40 (regular $158).
The Tony Straight Ankle jeans were gorgeous, just my style, and perfect for the spring transition. They were just too small. I was barely able to button them closed. I didn’t have $120 to spare in by budget for the month, otherwise I would have exchanged the jeans for a larger size. If you order these jeans for yourself from Evereve, be sure to size up.
Love saving money? Try Trendsend!
There are so many things to love about Trendsend by Evereve, but the value and savings just might be my favorite feature. I have tried a lot of online styling services and this is the only service that lets customers specifically request discounted and clearance items. You’re not getting styled cheap, low-quality clothes. Rather, the stylists can send great pieces from higher-priced brands that are currently discounted in the store. Better yet, Trendsend customers automatically save 10% if they purchase 3 or more items from their shipment.
I was very curious about the savings in the pricing of the box that I received this month from Trendsend by Evereve so I calculated the total original prices and the total savings of my shipment. The original price of all six items in my Trendsend box added up to $528. Everything I received this month was on sale for a total price of $377.58 – an automatic savings of 28% ($150.42) off the original prices. If I had bought everything, the 10% discount would have lowered my total to $339.82 for a total savings of 36%.
Every styling service has a unique spin and special features. Here’s how the competitors handle clothing discounts:
- The only way to save with Stitch Fix is if you purchase everything to save 25%.
- Wantable customers save 20% if they purchase 5 items or more.
- Trunk Club honors sale prices at Nordstrom.com if something in your Trunk is on sale, but they don’t specifically style a Trunk with discounted items.
- Fashom prides itself on lower-priced clothes, but the brands are obscure and the clothes seem be lower quality.
What I Kept and Returned from my Trendsend Box
My Trendsend box was so good and I’m so glad it arrived before we started social distancing! Here’s a quick recap of what I kept and returned from this month’s shipment from Trendsend by Evereve:
Billie Stripe Tunic Tee from Peyton Jensen ($15.99 –regular $48) – KEEP
Aiden Trouser pants with Exposed Buttons from Level 99 ($79.99 – regular $128) – return
Lara Animal Kimono from Lovestitch ($54.40 – regular $68) – return
Puff Sleeve Tee was also on sale for ($46.40 – regular $58) – return
Brynn Taped Pullover from Peyton Jensen ($54.40 – regular $68) – return
Tony Straight Ankle jeans from Agolde ($126.40 – $158) – return
This month’s style box review was bittersweet to write. It provided a great distraction from the craziness of the world around us, but I anticipate that it will be the last style review that I share for a while. Rob and I have been planning lots of other content to share with you in the coming weeks. Just cross your fingers that our kids get enough sleep and cooperate because we are without childcare and are trying to blog around Rob’s work schedule.
We hope that you and your family are healthy and we’re praying for the safety of all the healthcare workers.
See you again very soon. -Maria
Lindsay Wiskirchen says
Trendsend is one of my favorite boxes to get. But sometimes the prices make me cringe :). Requested the tunic and love those green pants!
Maria Gavin says
Completely agree! Trendsend is a great service with adorable clothes, but it isn’t necessarily the best for living on a budget. The tunic and pants are both great pieces!
Monica says
Sorry, I just don’t get how these clothing services can really be frugal! I shop exclusively at Marshall and TJ Maxx and only add minimally to my wardrobe, spending a total of $200-300 a year. I am one of those who is naturally frugal, have never had credit card debt (use credit cards for everything so I can get the cash back, but pay in full each and every month for the 40 years I have been using credit cards!). Having these things sent to your all the time must increase the amount you spend on clothing, no? I realize you send most back, but you seem to keep at least one item each time – Am guessing that it works out for your family becasue you are paid to review and/or get a fair amount of referral credits? Would love to hear your thoughts on this? Thanks!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Monica, that’s a great question!
I wouldn’t recommend any styling service for someone that is truly frugal and serious about bargain shopping. Rob and I are in a position where we earn more than we spend and are working to save our money, but we also enjoy living at a certain comfort level. Clothing is one thing that I enjoy purchasing, but I have limits and we don’t have room in our budget to keep everything. I do earn credits or commission through the blog, but in a given month it isn’t that much money. I write these posts because I enjoy the try-on experience and our readers either use the service and enjoy seeing what other people receive or enjoy living vicariously through reading the blog. It will always be a better bargain to shop at Marshalls, but this type of content is enjoyable for us and our readers. I just have to strike a balance with our budget so we don’t over-spend.
Kara says
I loved the kimono on you! Also, you look amazing after having a baby not too long ago. Loved all the looks you received in this shipment. Say safe!
Maria Gavin says
Hi Kara and thank you for the sweet compliment! Let me assure you that the photos were taken from flattering angles and I was sucking it in for the photos of the gray top. I feel fortunate to be in the shape that I’m in, but I still have a ways to go :)
Susannah says
The puff sleeve top is super cute and flattering. My favorite piece for sure!
Maria Gavin says
It was an adorable top!
Megan says
I haven’t tried trendsend yet, but will definitely consider giving it a try! Glad you mentioned the “sale item only” idea, what a great way to get a frugal fix!
I’m glad you did a “normal” post but I do get that it may not be practical or relatable for a little while. Maybe a round up of online finds? Amazon faves, other stores you shop that are doing online specials? I’m sure personal finance posts would be helpful too. Also I’ve heard of a lot of ppl using this time at home to redecorate or do those home improvement projects we’ve been putting off! (Especially DIY ones!). I’ve been doing a major closet clean out, thinking of totally re-organizing my layout. A closet organization post might be fun too! Can’t wait to see what all y’all come up with!
Maria Gavin says
Those are all great ideas! Since we are at home ALL the time, there are a few elements of our living room that I’ve been wanting to fine-tune so we can hopefully share a living room update soon! I also am making a few changes in Dessa’s playroom.
I just need to find the time. Wish me luck and stay well!
Dawn says
Maria, you look great! Looks like you have already dropped your baby weight. 😊. I do appreciate the side by side comparison you did with another styling service. Plus learning you could request sale items wound make this a very affordable option I think. Thank you for the heads up! Stay well and God bless.
Maria Gavin says
Thank you so much for the compliment! The gestational diabetes certainly helped to keep my pregnancy weight gain under control. Now I just need to drop the “stress-eating from juggling a baby, a blog and a classroom” weight from Dessa’s first year! I hope you and your family are staying healthy too.