Disclosure: If you make a purchase through the links posted below, I may receive a small compensation. Read the full disclosure.
The List by I-ELLA is billed as “the ultimate gift bag”. Every bag is a reflection of your own personal style and is selected just for you by the stylists at I-ELLA. You fill out a style profile, list your favorite designers, colors, must have items, etc. and they do the rest. You can expect everything from designer brands to emerging trends in your I-ELLA gift bag.
I was shocked, impressed and excited by the huge size of the I-ELLA box! I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was certainly not expecting it to be so big. I could not wait to tear into it!
How fun does this look to tear into? Seriously it was like Christmas morning all over again. Â The List has three subscription options: “Starter Bag” $59/month, “Soho Bag” $129/month (this is the one I received) and “St. Barth’s Bag” $389/month. Â Yeah it’s more expensive than the other subscription boxes out there, but wait till you see all the goodies I received!
The List by I-ELLA comes with a letter which includes details on all the products included, prices and a brief description of all of the items, but I didn’t take a picture of it because I didn’t think you’d be able to see it very well. Â But you’ll have to believe me when I tell you I liked all the information it provided.
Allright, allright, here’s what was inside.
~Cynthia Steffe Maya Maxi Dress ($178): This was my BIG piece and I loved it!  It’s from Cynthia Steffe and is even better in person than in my pictures.  I think I wrote that my must have fashion items were sunglasses and maxi dresses and they totally delivered!  This dress is this season and I will totally wear it!
~Vanessa Mooney Mixed Metal Tear Drop Earrings ($42): At first I wasn’t too sure about these earrings, but the more I look at them, the more I like them.  They are also from the Spring 2013 line, which I was happy to see because I know that some other boxes include left over things from previous seasons and who wants that?  Also, this earrings came at kind of the perfect time because L and I have been talking about “metal” all the time.  Yeah, I used the earrings to explain the difference types of metal.  You can make anything into a lesson ;).
~Herban Essentials Peppermint Towelette ($7.50): I cannot wait to try these.  Sure you could just use them as a hand wipe (they are  naturally antibacterial), but you can also use the peppermint ones to “press on pulse points and breathe in aroma to relieve motion sickness”, “tuck in car air conditioner vents to clean air and pep up the driver” and more. Oh and they even make wipes for dogs!  I may actually get some.
~S.W. Basics of Brooklyn Cleanser ($24): I have never heard of this line before (which means pretty much nothing), but I am quickly falling in love.  All of their products are made with just 3 – 5 ingredients, are affordable and eco-chic.
~Olivella Eye Cream ($21.95): Olivella is an Italian company and they use olive oil in all of their products.  I really should check more into this line because olive oil is known for it’s anti-aging properties and I am getting old, but would prefer not to look it. Cannot wait to try this!
~Mt. Sapola Natural Soap – Charcoal ($8): Charcoal soap?  Well I never!  The charcoal in this soap “scrubs off dead skin cells and gets rid of unpleasant odors”.  I’m not big on bar soap, but even I am interested in try this out!  And in case you are wondering, it does NOT smell like charcoal. It’s a cool, refreshing mint scent!
All totaled, my The List by I-ELLA Soho Gift Bag had a value of $281.45. Â Umm, how insane is that? Â Considering that the bag was only $129 and I love everything in it, yeah, that’s a pretty great deal!
What do you think of The List by I-ELLA? Â Want to give it a try? Â Click here to get all signed up!
If the charcoal soap is anything like the one from LUSH you’ll love it!
This one sounds interesting. I may need to see what is in the smaller box. Not sure I can swing $129 a month.
I think by far this is my favorite subscription service. Just not sure I can get the husband on board for $129.00 a month.
Gees. I wonder what’s in the $300 box – diamonds? I am so jealous of you.
OK – AMAZING BOX! I’m jealous.
But I don’t think I can leap to pay $129!
S.W Basics is awesome! I received a lip balm from them in my Birchbox awhile ago & loved it!
When I first heard of this box I was immediately going to dive head first and go for the St. Barths…then my lovely bf was the reasonable one and said I should get the Soho. When I heard you were getting a sample I decided to wait and see how happy you were.
While the dress and earrings aren’t reasonable for me, I’m confident I’d get something that is (I’m more of a t shirt and jeans kind of girl). So I’m REALLY TEMPTED on this one. I may just have to pull the trigger and go for it!
Wow! If I ever win the lottery, I’m signing up for the $389 box! 🙂
If only it weren’t $129….but that dress alone would be worth the whole thing, it’s cute!
I just got the starter bag which is 59$ (I think) and I love love love the dress they sent me!! I got like 10 of those Herbal Essential wipes, S.W. basics cleanser and exfoliant, total value was 170$ (according to them). But honestly It makes me want to upgrade! What wonderful things would they send me if I gave them more money to work with????
And BTW this is me Shauna a real college student working a full time job on the side to fund my spending habits! I was honestly irritated they spent SO FREAKING LONG sending it, I had to email them and as soon as they said they would “look into it” I got the shipping notice. I think they forgot me.
On the bright side it was worth the wait!
I love those earrings! I did not get them. I also saw some other reviews that looked really nice and a value. I have a St Bart’s and Ella is really kind and responsive to questions and your style. I received the Cynthia Steffe Graphic Print dress. It is adorable in a size 8. Sadly, it does not fit me. If anyone has interest, send me an email. I would be happy to sell or trade.
@Alexandra: http://www.google.com/search?q=cynthis+steffe+graphic&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#biv=i%7C0%3Bd%7CguAjRv5BKmh0jM%3A
This is a link to a picture of the dress
I love these reviews but to be honest when I read the whole thing, including the small print, I saw that you get them for free. I’m sure you’re an honest person but I am now more leery of buying knowing they gave them to you for free.
I’ll keep looking but I don’t think I’ll buy unless someone else has paid for it.
I first signed up for the So-Ho bag last year and loved everything I received. I decided after a couple bags to make the leap and upgrade to the St Bart’s bag. I have never been so disappointed in my whole life. The first St Bart’s bag was just alright and the one I receive last Thursday was just unbelievably terrible. First of all I kept getting an email thanking me for my patients, my bag was being delayed but it would be worth the wait. Well, the wait was not worth it, I received 3 drab colored oversized t-shirts that were so large I could never wear them , a oversized brown with orange fleck cape and a blue and white striped jacket that was cute but also very big. No jewelry, no springtime wear, nothing that you would think would be in the fabulous St Bart’s bag. I won’t be spending another dime, I can by my own cloths that fit and get something I actually would wear.
@Ronee: @Ronee: Hey Ronee,
This is Ella. Hope we were able to resolve your concerns. As mentioned, every St. Barth’s Bag varies. We’ve had jewelry, totes, clutches, coats, dresses…etc. The content of your bag was based on your preference for more comfortable clothing. The designer of those shirts have been worn by the likes of Charlize Theron, Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, and more. The shirts are designed to be oversized.
Again, I hope our call addressed your concerns.
All the best,
Ella, founder
When can I expect my bag to show up? I’m not sure where to look for that so if anyone has any idea please let me know. I’m so tore about this but if I like it as much as I hope I do I want to upgrade and let my readers and friends know. Thanks
Are you frigging kidding me ??? I just got my Ella today and I can not believe what was in it. Ok I got the starter bag, want to know what was in it? A cheap beach bag, a very small cheap necklace, a mani-pedi station, meaning a toe holder and small polish herban sample of wipes and a sample size SE basics skin care. So all told I got 5 sample size things for 68.00 !!! HOly crap what a rip off. I can not believe I wanted this bag so bad. I really hoped it would at least contain a t shirt or some item of clothing. This is terrible and shame of them for false advertising. I have half a mind to call pay pal and tell them I?ve been ripped off. Oh I got the weekend in the Hamptons. Well live and learn and never order from them again. To think I was going to upgrade my box so glad I didn’t and I’ll be sure to tell everyone I know to stay clear of this
Hi Fashion and Flare – beware of Ella’s new company called https://www.harpersinbox.com/ Do not get fooled. I am like you, she still owes me money.
@ Carol: I’m SO glad I’m not the only one who was underwhelmed by the bag. I just got my Starter bag too and was so disappointed! I kept reading these great reviews, but when it comes down to it, it’s not worth even the ~$70/mo. You’re lucky you atleast got nailpolish. I got tanning oil, and I’m brown! I stayed up late and wrote about my terrible bag on my blog as well. Doesn’t seem worth it at all.
After the “Hamptons” bag, I unsubscribed to the service. I had been receiving the “Soho” bag and was COMPLETELY underwhelmed for the last two months. Ugh, what a complete and utter waste of money.
@This Service SUCKS:
Hi there,
We’re super happy you enjoyed the lovely dress in your first box 🙂
We are sorry you didn’t enjoy all the elements of your second box, but can assure you each piece was selected with a great deal of attention and care.
Wishing you only the best.
Ella