Mail Order Lifestyles: LeTote

A few weeks ago, my sister recommended LeTote, calling it "Netflix for clothes." Since my curiosity was piqued by the description, and because it sounded like an interesting concept, I decided to give it a shot.

I've been feeling a little bored and dissatisfied with my wardrobe for a while. Some outfits get worn all too often, or are worn out, or looked good when I tried them on but pose unanticipated problems when I'm wearing them out in the world (flimsy buttons, for example). Still, the prospect of going on a shopping spree to find replacement outfits is daunting, and likely to be expensive. Plus, even if I like a piece of clothing well enough in the store, it's difficult to predict whether I'll want to incorporate it into my regular wardrobe.

LeTote helps to alleviate this problem, since it essentially gives you a rotating wardrobe for a $50 subscription fee. If there's an article of clothing you like particularly well, you can buy it (at a discounted price) by holding on to it or ordering it at the website later.

Mail-Order Lifestyles: Blue Apron

When you're working, or even when you have some free time, it can be a challenge to eat well, or develop your cooking skills. It is easy to fall back on the same rotation of frozen and ready-made meals, or overpriced takeout and restaurant dishes. And, even if you want to cook more, it can be intimidating to figure out new foods to try, so it's easy to fall back on the small number of meals you are familiar and comfortable with.

With that in mind, I decided to follow a friend's suggestion and try out Blue Apron, a cooking service which delivers ingredients and recipes to your doorstep on a weekly basis.

When subscribing with the service, you set the number of people who will be eating the meals (2, 4, or 6), and any preferences in terms of meats that you are willing or unwilling to eat. You can also designate a day for the food to be delivered. Once your preferences are in place, the company will ship the ingredients for three meals every week, unless you notify them (at least one week in advance) that you will be skipping a week.