OK, so, YEAH I know it’s October and this was a box from July – BUT! It was too fun to pass over, so I’ve decided to share anyway. I’ve been getting the ROBB VICES Subscription Box for a few years now – and I LOVE IT! If you have spent time looking at other reviews for this subscription, you’ll know that the sentiments are a mixed bag – some people love it, some people have issues with it. I’m a fan because I love their products and have discovered some new favorites, feel I get a good value for what I spend, and customer service has never done me wrong. Throughout this review I’ll do my best to list the pros and/or cons and give you my honest assessment. Unfortunately the July 2019 box is not available in their Vices Reserve Shop for purchase, but it’s possible it could show up at a later date – I’ve seen that happen!
Robb Vices started out as a subscription box geared toward men, but as time has gone on, it has become more of a unisex subscription with a slight bend toward those male-types. I am all woman, but I do enjoy the finer things in life and embrace my masculine side, so it totally works for me. (Plus, I have a few vices…)
Born out of the Robb Report Magazine, Robb Vices are hand-curated luxury items delivered directly to your door. Each box contains “storied treasures in the way of fine wines, foods, toys, tools, spirits, accessories and tech items delivered to your door along with a book published to tell their story”. The plans & pricing are as follows:
-Renewing Month-to-Month (1 Box): $159.95 + Shipping
-Renewing 3-Month Subscription (3 Boxes): $389.85 + Shipping ($129.99 per box)
-Renewing Annual Bi-Monthly Subscription (6 Boxes): $659.30 + Shipping ($109.88 per box)
-Renewing Yearly Subscription (12 boxes): $1199.40 + Shipping ($99.95 per box)
They also offer gift subscriptions, and a quarterly cigar subscription. Once subscribed, all members have exclusive access to Vices Reserves, which is “V.I.P. access to extraordinary products, experiences, and limited edition gift boxes”.
Use code VICES50 at checkout at this link for $50 off any subscription.
I am not a Robb Vices affiliate, and I pay for my subscription, but there may be other affiliate links within this post. Please note however, that I *never* accept compensation in exchange for a positive review. All of my reviews are my honest, personal opinions and contain my own photography (unless otherwise stated).
Robb Vices Review, July 2019
Behold the Robb Vices Box! The big black box with a handle and devil goat logo (that’s what it looks like to me – lol!). OK, let’s talk about the hot button issue for them lately – shipping. Yes, the boxes are late sometimes. July was on time, but August came in late September, and September in early October. HOWEVER. I have been a subscriber since 2016, and I have ALWAYS gotten my boxes…eventually. They are not late every month, but since they frequently feature imported items, I’m guessing their shipping issues are a bitch. It’s stressful when you have no control over those kinds of things. My philosophy is that as long as they communicate with me when I contact them with an issue, and I actually get my box, I’m good. (I have no room to judge anyway, here it is October and I’m doing July reviews…) They’ve always answered my inquiries in a timely fashion (be sure to email them from their website), resolved any issues to my satisfaction, and have been a pleasure to deal with. If box punctuality is important to you, this may not be the subscription for you, but in every other aspect, this is a seriously great box IMHO.
Their packaging is great! Minimalism meets sophistication.
The theme this month is called “The Kickback Collection”. I’m so excited to share this box review with you, it may be my favorite Robb Vices box of all time!
That bag on the right? It’s a hammock! A HAMMOCK. I’ve always wanted a hammock!!
Each box comes with a booklet that tells the story of the featured items that month. It has stunning photography, and in-depth information about the makers and their products. I read them cover-to-cover, and save them for future reference because they often have recipes, tips & tricks and website info for future purchases.
“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither. -Alan Cohen”
Excellent advice! Now that I’m in my late 40’s, I’ve FINALLY figured out this balance. Getting booze and a hammock in my Robb Vices box helps.
“Being Lazy is a luxury built delightfully, of nothing at all.”
There is time for everything, even being delightfully lazy. Which I’ve mastered.
Time to talk about the items!
Smith Devereux Vacationer 2018 California Rosé – Retail Value $ 17
Could they have found a more perfectly labeled wine bottle for this box?!?
I love this California rosé wine! The description is spot-on. It is crisp and fruity; not too sweet, not too tart – and very refreshing on a hot day. It’s also very affordable, and I would buy it again. I’m considering trying some other Smith Devereux wines as well; I have my eye on this one.
It’s pretty, too! I would say most people immediately think of ‘adult beverages’ when you mention the Robb Vices box. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of trying a bunch of different wines and spirits from this subscription, and have been pleasantly surprised by my acquired tastes! I’ve enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone, and it’s such a treat when you find a new favorite. Beware though, you can suddenly become very popular with a stocked bar – hehe!
Yellow Leaf Special Edition Natural Rope Hammock – Retail Value $199 (NOTE: The link may be for a slightly different hammock than the ‘special edition’ hammock included in the Robb Vices box, but it was the most similar one in the Yellow Leaf shop.)
Handcrafted in Thailand by artisan weavers, this hammock is seriously luxurious! It is super soft, incredibly durable, and I feel very secure and comfortable in it. I’m crushing hard on it!
It comes with it’s own tote, which is great for storage and transport. It’s not heavy – only about 3 pounds, and it’s important to note that it is not difficult to get it back into the bag, either, thank God! You should see me trying to get my sleeping bag packed up – it’s comical.
Each hammock is completely handwoven with 100% natural thin cotton rope that is hand-dyed in the weaving village. The name of the artisan is on each label, which I think is a nice touch. Thank you Khit!!
There is an instructional booklet which includes “Hammocking 101” – a hanging guide for easy setup. I’m a big huge spaz when it comes to putting anything together, and I had ZERO problems with this hammock, so kudos to the technical writers! (I am a former technical writer, so I felt it necessary to give credit where credit is due.)
The instruction booklet also covers hammock care and safety, company history, and how to get in touch with their “Hammock Concierge” on standby for any hammock questions. I have never owned a hammock before, so I made sure to read this manual thoroughly!
So depending on your situation, there are several ways you can set up your hammock. You can use hooks on a wall/ceiling/beam with a rope or carabiner clip, a hammock strap for in-between trees or beams, or you can get a hammock stand. This hammock does not come with any hanging hardware, but you can get up and running pretty simply/inexpensively. I chose the more expensive route, however, because I don’t want holes in my walls, and I don’t have any trustworthy trees – so I went hammock stand shopping. I also wanted to be able to move it around to different spots. I like shade.
Using the measurements and manufacturer’s recommendation in the guide, I found a decent quality stand here for what I felt was a reasonable price. It was SUPER easy and quick to set up, and I’ve had no problems whatsoever all summer. Happy dance!
TA-DA! I put it together all by myself!
The hook can be placed in any of the holes on the bar – depending on the size hammock you have and your weight requirement, but you also have to take into consideration that over time the material will ‘stretch out’ some, and your hammock may start to naturally sag, so you want to make sure you have variable options/settings on the stand you buy. This hammock can hold up to 330 pounds, and I believe my stand can hold up to 400 pounds. I’m not a very petite person, nor am I graceful, so safety and reliability were important features for me.
You may have noticed my dog in the background in just about every photo. He hams it up when I get the camera out.
Add a blanket or towel, and a pillow or two for maximum comfort! I want to note though, that the hammock is comfortable all on it’s own, too – the rope is soft against my skin, and the hammock was designed for equal weight distribution. Let’s just say getting in and out of the hammock took some practice, but I’ve got the feel for it now. It has an ‘anti-flip’ design, but I’m sure it’s still very entertaining watching me trying to navigate it. It’s a good thing I took up yoga this year.
Here’s my little photo-bomber who likes to steal the show. Meet Jack, the boogie-boarding Cairn Terrier. He wouldn’t get into the hammock, but if Robb Vices ever does a surfing-themed box, he’ll be all over it! You can see a clip of his surfing practice on the right side bar if you’re interested. 🙂
Nap time anyone?
It’s kinda big, make sure you have adequate space – and for the love of God, WATCH YOUR TOES! I’m famous for ramming my toes into bar stools, so I’m guessing it will happen at some point with this stand, too. Sigh.
Hi! I’m totally addicted to this hammock. I love it SO MUCH. I gotta figure out how to teach my dog to rock me in it. I’m not holding my breath, though. Currently, I hang my leg out and tap my toe to rock myself. It’s sooooo relaxing. One might say it’s ZEN AF.
My most favorite thing in all the world is reading, so of course that’s what I mainly do in my new hammock – but I also meditate, talk on the phone, nap, listen to music and drink in it. Heaven. I have much gratitude for where I live, and the luxuries I have been afforded. Life was not always like this for me, and I do not take ANYTHING for granted. I feel truly blessed, hammock or not.
Cheers!
Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic Water 16.9 fl oz – Retail Value $3.50 (NOTE: You can find an 8-pack on Amazon here.)
Description:
By blending the gentle bitterness of South American angostura bark with aromatic botanicals, such as cardamom, pimento berry and ginger, we’ve created a delicious, unique tonic water that can be enjoyed with gin to make a Pink G&T or as a sophisticated soft drink on its own.
I have to admit, I have a hard time with tonic water. I can’t drink it by itself, I have to mix it with liquor or fruit juice because of it’s bitterness, and generally don’t buy or order it. I decided to try this with gin, and surprisingly I was good with it! It is a little less harsh than some of the other tonics I’ve tried, with a subtle sweetness of vanilla. I didn’t do the head-shaking, eyes-closed-tight, lips-pursed thing like usual. I can’t say that I’m gonna run out and grab a 24-pack of these, but if I had to choose, this one would be at the top of my list.
As an added bonus, Robb Vices partnered with Suitehop to give it’s members an unprecedented discount on a private suite super bowl booking! Unfortunately I don’t give a rat’s ass about sports, BUT this seems like quite the deal if it’s your thang.
So what do you think about the July 2019 ROBB VICES Box? If you already have a hammock, or don’t fancy them, then this month would probably have been a flop for you, but I was over the moon. I have a great new spot to chill, and it makes me want to have a staycation. I’ve always wanted a hammock, but I would have never in a million years thought of getting this for myself – so it was a win for me. I thought the curation was so fun and unique, and the quality of the hammock is amazing. I’ve been consistently happy with my Robb Vices subscription, even with the recent shipping issues and value controversies. The total retail value this month was $219.50, not including the Suitehop offer. I think that’s a pretty fair value for a single $159.95 box, and a great value for the most popular 3-month option for $129.99 per box.
DON’T FORGET! Use code VICES50 at checkout at this link for $50 off any subscription.
Until next time, Happy Hammocking! – CrazyDogMama XOXO
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