Popbasic: The Microcollection Concept That Rocks

Popbasic Packaging

I first heard of Popbasic from Norlin last year. At that time, it was the height of beauty box subscriptions. So many of them were popping out left, right and centre. I thought it sounded interesting but I quickly dismissed it because really, do I need another subscription service? Don’t I have enough shit things already?

Wait, don’t answer that.

A few weeks after reading Norlin’s post, we caught up during a media event and my jaw dropped when I laid eyes on this utterly stunning emerald green pleated maxi skirt she wore. Whaddyaknow, it was from Popbasic. After mulling it over it for days, I decided to try it out. I reread that post of hers and this time, I realised that Popbasic isn’t actually a subscription service.

So what is Popbasic? Each month, they release a microcollection of classic pieces for under US$100. It’s never just one item. You get an item of clothing and an accessory or two in each collection. Each collection is carefully curated by co-founder Madeline Veenstra, a gorgeous Aussie chick who’s living in New York. The thing about Popbasic is you rarely get trendy pieces. It’s exactly as the name suggests: you get classic pieces that form your wardrobe and the designs are evergreen. You can wear them all year round.

Popbasic Founders

Best thing about Popbasic? You’re not committed to buy every microcollection. It’s not a subscription service where you’re stuck buying things you don’t know of and may not even like. You’ll get a preview of the microcollection on their Facebook page a month before it’s even released. It gives you time to decide on whether you want to get it or not. I think it’s great that it allows you time to think it over so that you don’t end up rushing to buy something that may not suit you. Then again, Popbasic is so popular that every microcollection sells out. Fast.

Popbasic Previous Collections

The first microcollection I bought was the Salut!. I was so impressed at how quickly I got the parcel from the US (just over a week). The Le Breton top, to date, is the most highly requested item on Popbasic. Everyone wants it back! The top is of good quality and is very comfortable. What drew me to the collection was the tan leather clutch that goes with EVERYTHING.

Popbasic Sunday Collection

The silk shirt from the Sunday collection

I’ve since purchased 2 more collections from them, which is the Rubi and the Sunday. I’ve probably worn the grey marl dress to death now. It’s just so comfortable! I wore this most weekends in summer and I can imagine wearing this with tights and boots in winter too. The most recent addition is the Sunday collection, which has a dark blue 100% silk shirt and a couple of wishbone accessories. Such lovely pieces.

Popbasic Rubi and Sunday accessories

I introduced Popbasic to LeGeeque and that woman is hooked. You should have seen her Polyvore sets on how she styles each collection. They’re fabulous! Now that Norlin, LeGeeque and I are Popbasic fans, we also have a bit of a problem because the chances of us wearing the same item of clothing at once are high. Nowadays, if we’re to catch up, we have to coordinate with each other by simply asking “err are you wearing anything Popbasic today?” šŸ˜›

Popbasic collections on me

L-R: Grey marl dress and leather belt from the Rubi collection, Le Breton top from the Salut! collection and the silk shirt from the Sunday collection (please don’t excuse the two hotties).

By the way, I wasn’t sponsored to sing praises about Popbasic. I don’t get a commission if you make a purchase via my recommendation (Update 27 June 2014: I’m now an affiliate with Popbasic so if you do purchase a collection via my affiliate link, I will get a $15 credit note. It will be of no extra cost to you but you’ll be helping me a great deal in, er, getting my next microcollection! Would really appreciate your support; a girl finds it hard to say no to accessories. šŸ˜›). All of the microcollections that I have were purchased by me. The reasons I’m so impressed with it are 1) the collections are gorgeous, 2) you actually get to vote on what you’d like for future collections and best of all, 3) the service is excellent. I haven’t experienced such fantastic customer service from an online store in ages. Maddie is very friendly and will make damn sure you enjoy your shopping experience with Popbasic. She takes feedback very seriously and that’s a gem in online retail.

Now that is the sort of brand and business I’m more than happy to talk about for many, many paragraphs, for absolutely nothing. (Update 27 June 2014: I get a credit note now if you do. Many thanks!)

If you haven’t checked out Popbasic yet, I highly recommend that you do so. Maddie also does podcasts on Popbasic every now and then and you can listen to them on SoundCloud. Sometimes, you might even get a little goodie from the podcasts. Not telling you what it is; just go listen! šŸ˜‰

Have you gotten any of the microcollections from Popbasic? Which one’s your favourite?

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21 comments… add one
  1. Norlin

    I LOVE Popbasic and I have to say the only one I didn’t purchase was their first micro collection (HUGE REGRETS AS I WANT THAT POLKA DOT SHIRT!!!) and the Lost Collection because I didn’t fancy the striped shirt but that’s the beauty of Popbasic – you don’t need to buy every single one! šŸ™‚ Cannot wait for the next release and I am hoping it will be soon. Love that she listens to what the masses love – ensuring sure fire sales and her service is just impeccably above and beyond what any other subsciption or hell…any sales service I’ve ever come across! She so personable and even includes a HANDWRITTEN postcard in every order I’ve received! LOVE LOVE LOVE Popbasic! Glad I could be an enabler hehehehe.
    Norlin recently posted..Fashion Day: Autumn Must Haves 2014My Profile

    1. Tine

      You are a terrible enabler! No wait, scratch that. You’re a terribly GOOD enabler. Terrible ‘cos I now have chambray shirts because of you, racer tanks because of you, whole heap of Popbasic because of you, that ASOS PU skirt because of you … well, my wardrobe can thank you (wallet hates you though :P). I’m so pleased with Popbasic. The way they focus on the community and customers, making sure everyone loves their product, that level of customer service … impeccable. Something I haven’t seen in an online retailer in a very long time.

  2. LeGeeque

    I love love love love love PopBasic. My favourite to-date is the Sunday collection. I love silk and I love blouses like that that you can dress up or down. I’ve worn the blouse both for regular work days paired with skinny black pants and a long chain over for an interesting detail and also on Fridays with skinny jeans and mega high heels for a not-so-casual Friday look šŸ™‚ In the cooler months, I’m foreseeing a lot of layering. Either with a lacy camisole underneath with a few buttons undone or, a wool-merino sweater over for extra warmth.

    One thing to note though, I think the sizes are more European sizes than American/Australian. Not to say they run small or anything but I find Xs a little snug on me and S fits just nicely. Maybe Maddy can shed some light?
    LeGeeque recently posted..Glasshouse Candles: Why Iā€™m a fan for lifeMy Profile

    1. Tine

      ‘Tis a pity you didn’t get the Salut! collection. No wonder so many people wanted Popbasic to bring the Le Breton top back. It’s a really good one! That tan leather clutch is fantastic too. I’m still not sure about the Ashbury but you know what? I’m sure there’ll always be good collections so I don’t have to worry. Too much to buy! šŸ˜›

      I agree; I think they’re more European than American. The M was snug on me too, and the L fits just nicely.

  3. Kaye

    I love this concept. To be honest the whole beauty box idea is becoming overused, I’ve lost track of the boxes I’ve seen available. The bag DOES go with everything šŸ™‚

    Very nice!

    1. Tine

      Agree! I’m really tired of beauty boxes now, to be honest. They’ll have to be very different to get me interested in them again.

  4. Kristian

    Saw this via the Popbasic twitter and came because I love reading people’s reviews of Popbasic since I adore the company, it is always fun to see what other’s think. I’ve gotten the Lost, Sunday and Beta collections but there are others I’ve regretted not getting, lol! Love you in all the pieces and even more that you and your friend have to double check about wearing Popbasic items. I’ve a friend I’m like that with.
    Kristian recently posted..What I Wore: The Day BeforeMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Hahahah we have to double check with each other or else we’ll look really strange showing up at an event in the grey marl dress, all three of us! šŸ˜›

  5. Paris B

    See, thanks to that crazy woman Legeeque, I found myself placing an order for the Sunday collection. The shirt arrived with a defect but a quick email to Maddie cleared it up and she sent me a replacement. But I do find the sizing a little more “true to size” in that it isn’t American sizing nor vanity sizing, that’s for sure! Loved the design of the ring and bracelet but bummed that it’s just far too large for my tiny wrists and fingers. Still, there’s hope! I will note that for someone from Malaysia with the current exchange rate, it’s actually pretty pricey all things considered so I’d find it hard to actually convince anyone here to buy it sight unseen especially since fashion is a tricky thing.
    Paris B recently posted..NEW! Laneige White Plus Renew Skincare (with Mochi Sleeping Mask!) and Upgraded BB CushionMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Yeah I know what you mean. For Malaysians, it is still pricey (almost RM300) so will have to think doubly hard on whether to get a particular collection or not. There are more of us here who buys Popbasic stuff so I tend not to buy the collections I’m not sure about until I’ve seen it on someone else. For Geek and I, we have Norlin (ahem ahem). šŸ˜›

  6. Maddy

    Thank you so much for such a great review! As I’ve said before, this seriously made my day! I love checking in and reading all the lovely comments. Gosh I’m a lucky gal with our community. Hope you’re having a great weekend!

    M x
    Maddy recently posted..Sunday Brunch with IngridMy Profile

    1. Tine

      It was my pleasure Maddy! You guys are doing a very good thing here, so keep it up! x

  7. Adeline

    Hi tine long time silent reader, just signed up to pop basic. Also read about it at norlin’s. How would you compare their sizing to aus sizes? Eg aus sz12 is their s or m? I’m very keen on their silk shirt in the Sunday collection, thanks!!

  8. Maddy

    Hi Adeline,

    How are you?! I would recommend purchasing a size L for a more relaxed fit. Let me know if you need any help at all šŸ™‚ @MaddyVeenstra on twitter or @popbasic.

    M x

    1. Adeline

      Thanks Maddy!!

  9. Hilary

    I have been lusting after Popbasic for a while now (I believe it was you Madam who brought them to my attention. Along with Modcloth with whom I have just placed that risky first order with and my husband is waiting with baited breathe to find out if its going to be an expensive future love affair or not!), unfortunately I’m rather on the ‘curvy’ side, so buying something that’s as generic fits is never going to fit me (sob – not a failing on Popbasic’s fault I hasten to add, more my fault for having a huge ass and boobs) so I don’t think I can really take part. Will just drool from the sidelines. And if I lose 15kg, then I’ll be right there lol. Now if they ever do a collection with just a stretch top (no way will my bum ever fit anything I haven’t tried on, no matter how much weight I lose), that has a V NECK so big boob girls can wear it without just looking fat (not a button shirt – big boobs need specialist cutting for those), I might be there sooner šŸ™‚

    The curse of having been ‘blessed’ with bazookas!
    Hilary recently posted..Fitting pendant lights, no sparky needed.My Profile

    1. Tine

      Oh did I? I did? Ahem. Move along. šŸ˜› šŸ˜›

      Okay for Modcloth, I’d say read the hell out of the reviews first and then read some more before adding anything to the cart. I’ve had some really good ones but I’ve also had some super crappy polyester stuff. The reviews are usually spot on and the reviewers won’t mince words to tell you if the quality is lousy.

      Curvy chicks are hot. I’ve seen some really gorgeous pieces on Modcloth and ASOS that they don’t have available for others.

      I want ’em bazookas! Mine’s close to an airport runway. >.<

  10. Dustyn

    I am loving those gorgeous outfits!! I’m having to ban myself from new clothing purchases until my health issues are in hand but then I’ll be looking for items similar šŸ™‚
    Dustyn recently posted..All the thoughts, all the timeMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Oh dear, hope your health issues get sorted out real soon and that you get well asap! x

  11. Michelle Doorey

    You are such an enabler. I ended up making my first Popbasic purchase after reading this and love it! i even credited you for it on my blog šŸ™‚
    Michelle Doorey recently posted..March 2014 EmptiesMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Haha I just read your blog post! Hope you like the Ashbury collection. I’m giving that one a pass for now. Can’t wait for the May collection though. Heard it’s going to be a good one. šŸ˜‰

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