Review Time! Owl Crate Unboxing (July 2017)
Hey lovelies! Your girl Elle here with another unboxing! Okay, I mighhhhhhtttt have a slighhhhtt obsession with subscription boxes but it's so fun!!
(Also I can't tell if this is a happy face I'm making or horror. I was going for happy lol)
A little bit about OwlCrate if you're not familiar with the company, they are a monthly YA subscription box, where each month they will send you a new YA novel (with an exclusive cover and signed book plate) along with 3-5 other "bookish" goodies based on a theme that changes each month. July's theme was: Wanderlust and it actually had 6 items instead of the regular 3-5.) Subscription prices start at $29.99 per month plus shipping but there's usually a coupon code somewhere in the world for you to use to get a little discount.
This is my second OwlCrate, my first being back in March 2016 "Writer's Block" box (click here to read that review.) I like OwlCrate and I follow them on Instagram to see if there's a box I would like.
The reason why I picked this box is that I'm a sucker for anything Wanderlust. I love traveling and visiting new places even though I don't get to do it as often as I would like. So I love any kind of "road trip" or traveling book. I also really the description Owl Crate gave of the featured book which was described as: "A hilarious road trip novel with a lovable diverse cast of characters." All my favorite things! Also, they advertise 6 "useful" items this month instead of their usual 3-5 which is cool because my main complaint about any subscription box is that there's too many paper product that are kinda useless so I like useful things.
Okay onto the unboxing!
Each box comes with a little postcard and button about what is going to be in your box. This card tells you not only what's in your box but where each item is from. Owl Crate uses a lot of small business when making their boxes so when you buy an owl crate you are promoting a small online business.
1) First up is a Lord of the Ring inspired backpack designed by Owl Crate themselves. Value: $8? based on how much I think drawstring backpacks go for these days)
So when OwlCrate announced that the Lord of The Rings would be a wearable I was super excited because I was hoping it would be like a traveling scarf or maybe a necklace/compass. Did not a expect a backpack, but I guess it makes sense. I don't use drawstring backpacks anymore, not since college when I used them as my gym bag so I'm slightly disappointed. The design is really cool, I love the quote "Home is behind, the world ahead and there are many paths to tread through shadows to the edge of night until the stars are all alight." I'm glad they didn't go for the overused "Not all who wander are lost." The material is really nice. Maybe I can make it into a little tote bag? Or a laptop case? Laptop sack? Working on ideas on how to use this, leave ideas in the comments.
2) Owl Bag Tag from Mudpuppy (value from website as $9.99)
Okay, this is my least favorite item because I'm not the biggest fan of owls (don't hate me, it's just almost all my ex-boyfriend's favorite animals were owls. They ruined owls for me.) also the eyes are super creepy. Like it's staring into my soul. What the hell does it want from me? It's made from very rough felt so if you travel by airplane it's totally going to lose some feathers. I will probably end up using it because I don't actually have luggage tags at the moment so it does fill a need, I just wish it was less creepy looking.
3) Newt Scamander Keychain from Funko (value $7.90 based on Hot Topic prices)
Another reason I purchased this box was that the teaser was a licensed item from "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them" which I was really excited about because I'm a sucker for anything Potter. After I ordered it I learned they would have a Funko key chain and I was like "it's going to be a Newt Keychain" again I was hoping for jewelry because I'm always hoping for jewelry. Still, it's a super cute item and everyone can use a keychain. I adore Newt in the movie (second only to Queenie but I gotta show my puff pride) This guy is currently attached to my house keys which is now attached to my purse so he can follow me on all my adventures. Fun fact: it actually clips off the key ring so it could be used as a mini standing Pop or you clip it to other things, like a purse or backpack zipper. OwlCrate will now have one item in each book that's based on Harry Potter. Are they pandering to a Harry Potter crowd to sell boxes? Yes? Will I probably buy more OwlCrates because of a Harry Potter item? Also yes.
4) A Darker Shade of Magic inspired Pocket Mirror designed by Miss Phi. Value: (this is an exclusive design for an exclusive item she doesn't usually sell so let's say I wouldn't pay more than $5 for a pocket mirror)
Okay, so I have yet to read the Shades of Mirror series by V.E Schwab yet!(the first book A Dark Shade of Magic is currently on its way to my front door because I loved the sample I read on my Kindle) but this is a super cute mirror, and the design is really nice that you really need to read the story in order to get it (it just means "to travel"). My only complaint is that I wish it could close because I'm worried about dropping it and breaking or getting dirty. The little velvet bag comes with it, which I think is a nice touch. It's currently in my work purse for my lipstick touch-up throughout the day. Super handy.
5) Pocket Pal Journal-Urban City from Ooly (Value: Comes in a pack of 8 online so let's say $1.25 for one)
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for notebooks. I have a whole drawer full of them and I have no plans of stopping. I'm a writer! I need them! According to the postcard, it said that they sent out 8 different ones so this is the one I got. This is so cute and so deco I love it and will totes be using this little guy in the near future. I also notice a trend with this book is that they been getting some of their stuff from young children websites. Maybe because they're also doing OwlCrate Jr that they just buy from the same suppliers. I wonder....
6) Looking for Alaska inspired Art Print from Shailey Ann Design (Value: exclusive item but all her other posters this size are $8)
I mentioned that I hate paper products in boxes but I legit gasped in delight when I saw this poster. I LOVE Looking for Alaska it's one of my favorite books and this is my favorite quote from the book (originally a quote by Francis Rabelais which is used often in the book) I also love that this poster is laminated so I don't have to worry about it getting ripped or bent which is always a plus. And it adds to my John Green wall I've accidentally started.
7) The Book: A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee with an exclusive cover. Plus signed bookplate, author letter, and poster. (Value: $18.99 according to the book jacket but I'll go up to $28 since it's exclusive cover with bookplate)
Not going to lie to you guys, this book is probably the main reason to get this book and the main reason this crate is going to get a really high review. I didn't know what book I was going to get and bought the book based on the description that OwlCrate had on their Instagram so I never heard of A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue until I opened my box. I thought this was going to be a light-hearted fun romp but boy was I wrong. This book was exactly what I needed to read right now. It's Jane Austen meets LGBTQ but it's so much more than that guys. About book deals with race, sexism, living with an illness, loving someone with an illness, loving a person you can't have, and trying to find a life you can be happy with. Monty is bisexual and a deeply flawed character. This book is a gem. I've laughed, I cried, I connected to this book so deeply that it's now on my favorite book list. This book helped me when I was in a super dark place and made me realize that there is life after suvival. If you read one book this summer, read this one. The exclusive cover and signed bookplate is cool. I love that the author letter is a cool drawing and I love that the poster matches the map in the book.
Honestly, Owl Cate is still selling July boxes, I would recommend buying one just to have this book.
8) August Box preview
Every box comes with a sneak peek at next month theme. So August theme will be "Something Wicked this way comes" which will come with a "dark urban fantasy" book, six items inspired by Harry Potter, Six of Crows, Edgar Allan Poe, Sleepy Hallow, and This Savage Song. One of these items is going to be coffee. Another one of six items with be a book from Rock Paper Books (it's probably Sleepy Hallow) so you get two books. I'm not really into the description of the August book (I do love Urban fantasy) and I'm not interested in owning Sleepy Hallow if that is the second book. So I skipped this month but didn't cancel my overall subscription(a cool thing about this box is you can skip months)
Overall:
I paid about $34 dollars for this box and based on my guessing the book content is worth $68.14, plus exclusive content like the cover, backpack, and mirror and signed bookplate. So I doubled my money and I've already pretty much found a use for everything in the box which is always a plus. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the backpack, but I'm using the keychain and mirror right now in my handbag. Honestly, the best thing about this box is the book. So when you buy a box from OwlCrate make sure you love the description of the book before buying because everything else is just "extra". Overall I give it 4.5/5 stars. Though if I didn't love the book so much, I would have given it 3/5 stars.
If you would like to purchase leftover July boxes, or subscribe to Owl Crate, follow this link https://owlcrate.com.
So what did you think of this box? Love it? Hate it? What's your favorite subscription box, or one you think I should try? Let me know in the comment section. Or tweet me at @Deathbydiamond I loved to talk to you guys (it would also reassure me that someone does read this thing) A follow me on Instagram at sarcasm_in_heels to see all my latest #ootd and other things I do with my life.
Stay Stylin'
Elle
(Also I can't tell if this is a happy face I'm making or horror. I was going for happy lol)A little bit about OwlCrate if you're not familiar with the company, they are a monthly YA subscription box, where each month they will send you a new YA novel (with an exclusive cover and signed book plate) along with 3-5 other "bookish" goodies based on a theme that changes each month. July's theme was: Wanderlust and it actually had 6 items instead of the regular 3-5.) Subscription prices start at $29.99 per month plus shipping but there's usually a coupon code somewhere in the world for you to use to get a little discount.
This is my second OwlCrate, my first being back in March 2016 "Writer's Block" box (click here to read that review.) I like OwlCrate and I follow them on Instagram to see if there's a box I would like.
Okay onto the unboxing!
Each box comes with a little postcard and button about what is going to be in your box. This card tells you not only what's in your box but where each item is from. Owl Crate uses a lot of small business when making their boxes so when you buy an owl crate you are promoting a small online business.
1) First up is a Lord of the Ring inspired backpack designed by Owl Crate themselves. Value: $8? based on how much I think drawstring backpacks go for these days)
So when OwlCrate announced that the Lord of The Rings would be a wearable I was super excited because I was hoping it would be like a traveling scarf or maybe a necklace/compass. Did not a expect a backpack, but I guess it makes sense. I don't use drawstring backpacks anymore, not since college when I used them as my gym bag so I'm slightly disappointed. The design is really cool, I love the quote "Home is behind, the world ahead and there are many paths to tread through shadows to the edge of night until the stars are all alight." I'm glad they didn't go for the overused "Not all who wander are lost." The material is really nice. Maybe I can make it into a little tote bag? Or a laptop case? Laptop sack? Working on ideas on how to use this, leave ideas in the comments.2) Owl Bag Tag from Mudpuppy (value from website as $9.99)
Okay, this is my least favorite item because I'm not the biggest fan of owls (don't hate me, it's just almost all my ex-boyfriend's favorite animals were owls. They ruined owls for me.) also the eyes are super creepy. Like it's staring into my soul. What the hell does it want from me? It's made from very rough felt so if you travel by airplane it's totally going to lose some feathers. I will probably end up using it because I don't actually have luggage tags at the moment so it does fill a need, I just wish it was less creepy looking.3) Newt Scamander Keychain from Funko (value $7.90 based on Hot Topic prices)
Another reason I purchased this box was that the teaser was a licensed item from "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them" which I was really excited about because I'm a sucker for anything Potter. After I ordered it I learned they would have a Funko key chain and I was like "it's going to be a Newt Keychain" again I was hoping for jewelry because I'm always hoping for jewelry. Still, it's a super cute item and everyone can use a keychain. I adore Newt in the movie (second only to Queenie but I gotta show my puff pride) This guy is currently attached to my house keys which is now attached to my purse so he can follow me on all my adventures. Fun fact: it actually clips off the key ring so it could be used as a mini standing Pop or you clip it to other things, like a purse or backpack zipper. OwlCrate will now have one item in each book that's based on Harry Potter. Are they pandering to a Harry Potter crowd to sell boxes? Yes? Will I probably buy more OwlCrates because of a Harry Potter item? Also yes.
4) A Darker Shade of Magic inspired Pocket Mirror designed by Miss Phi. Value: (this is an exclusive design for an exclusive item she doesn't usually sell so let's say I wouldn't pay more than $5 for a pocket mirror)
Okay, so I have yet to read the Shades of Mirror series by V.E Schwab yet!(the first book A Dark Shade of Magic is currently on its way to my front door because I loved the sample I read on my Kindle) but this is a super cute mirror, and the design is really nice that you really need to read the story in order to get it (it just means "to travel"). My only complaint is that I wish it could close because I'm worried about dropping it and breaking or getting dirty. The little velvet bag comes with it, which I think is a nice touch. It's currently in my work purse for my lipstick touch-up throughout the day. Super handy.5) Pocket Pal Journal-Urban City from Ooly (Value: Comes in a pack of 8 online so let's say $1.25 for one)
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for notebooks. I have a whole drawer full of them and I have no plans of stopping. I'm a writer! I need them! According to the postcard, it said that they sent out 8 different ones so this is the one I got. This is so cute and so deco I love it and will totes be using this little guy in the near future. I also notice a trend with this book is that they been getting some of their stuff from young children websites. Maybe because they're also doing OwlCrate Jr that they just buy from the same suppliers. I wonder....
6) Looking for Alaska inspired Art Print from Shailey Ann Design (Value: exclusive item but all her other posters this size are $8)
I mentioned that I hate paper products in boxes but I legit gasped in delight when I saw this poster. I LOVE Looking for Alaska it's one of my favorite books and this is my favorite quote from the book (originally a quote by Francis Rabelais which is used often in the book) I also love that this poster is laminated so I don't have to worry about it getting ripped or bent which is always a plus. And it adds to my John Green wall I've accidentally started.
7) The Book: A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee with an exclusive cover. Plus signed bookplate, author letter, and poster. (Value: $18.99 according to the book jacket but I'll go up to $28 since it's exclusive cover with bookplate)
Honestly, Owl Cate is still selling July boxes, I would recommend buying one just to have this book.
8) August Box preview
Every box comes with a sneak peek at next month theme. So August theme will be "Something Wicked this way comes" which will come with a "dark urban fantasy" book, six items inspired by Harry Potter, Six of Crows, Edgar Allan Poe, Sleepy Hallow, and This Savage Song. One of these items is going to be coffee. Another one of six items with be a book from Rock Paper Books (it's probably Sleepy Hallow) so you get two books. I'm not really into the description of the August book (I do love Urban fantasy) and I'm not interested in owning Sleepy Hallow if that is the second book. So I skipped this month but didn't cancel my overall subscription(a cool thing about this box is you can skip months)
Overall:
I paid about $34 dollars for this box and based on my guessing the book content is worth $68.14, plus exclusive content like the cover, backpack, and mirror and signed bookplate. So I doubled my money and I've already pretty much found a use for everything in the box which is always a plus. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the backpack, but I'm using the keychain and mirror right now in my handbag. Honestly, the best thing about this box is the book. So when you buy a box from OwlCrate make sure you love the description of the book before buying because everything else is just "extra". Overall I give it 4.5/5 stars. Though if I didn't love the book so much, I would have given it 3/5 stars.
If you would like to purchase leftover July boxes, or subscribe to Owl Crate, follow this link https://owlcrate.com.
So what did you think of this box? Love it? Hate it? What's your favorite subscription box, or one you think I should try? Let me know in the comment section. Or tweet me at @Deathbydiamond I loved to talk to you guys (it would also reassure me that someone does read this thing) A follow me on Instagram at sarcasm_in_heels to see all my latest #ootd and other things I do with my life.
Stay Stylin'
Elle
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