THE PROCESS
After signing up I received an email from my Trunk Club expert, Lisa Bruckner (pictured here). Lisa sent me a confirmation email and personal introduction to setup a time to meet via Skype for our first consultation. Upon our first appointment, Lisa asked me a series of questions about my current wardrobe. Lisa asked questions about what I wear a lot of, what I wear at the office, on the weekends and even what I was currently wearing. She asked what brands I wear, my measurements and any particular items I may be in the market for. We talked colors, trends, and types of fittings I like wearing. We even got off topic talking about my apartment, blogging and her dog.

THE GET TO KNOW YOU BOX
After your TC expert builds your profile they begin working on your first box (or trunk) of clothes. This is referred to as the “Get to Know You Box.” Another great feature about the TC process is that they pay for all shipping both ways. Lisa and I set a date about two weeks out for the clothes to arrive and scheduled to meet once again via Skype to go through the box together.

THE CLOTHING
It is very important to note that Trunk Club does not work with large house companies or department chains. All items are from boutique or designer lines, some of which have yet to even hit the stores. For example, here is a list of what I received in my Get to Know You Box:

3 Ben Sherman button-up dress shirts- $71/ea.
2 Ben Sherman short sleeve button-up shirts- $69/ea.
1 Ben Sherman stripped polo- $69
2 Generra v-neck tees- $65/ea.
1 pair Bonobos slacks (navy)- $118
1 pair Canterbury slacks (olive)- $98
1 pair 7 For All Mankind squiggle jeans- $165
1 Canterbury Blazer- $398
1 Brixton cap- $45
See large pictures of each of these items here

After receiving the box it was time to log onto Skype and meet with Lisa once again. This time I tried on each item (away from the webcam of course) and then discussed it with Lisa. Lisa took her time to really make sure each item was a proper fit. She threw out a million suggestions (she also shares her men’s style tips on her blog Wasabi Nights) and sometimes we agreed, other times we disagreed. We even got into a heated friendly debate over how far one can roll his sleeves up. In no time though we had come to a list of keepers. It was time to print a new shipping label and get the rest of the goods back to TC.

THE RESULT
Out of the twelve items Trunk Club sent me, I kept three. The Bonobos (amazing!), the 7 For All Mankind jeans (needed a pair for fall), and the Ben Sherman red short sleeved button-up (the first short sleeve button-up I’ve ever purchased). The reason I passed on the long sleeve Ben Sherman button-ups was because I own a few shirts that are pretty similar. I didn’t care too much for the olive slacks or the polo. I already have too many v-necks so I sent those back. The Brixton cap was nice but just a little big. Lisa is going to send me a smaller version in my next box. Finally, the Canterbury Blazer was amazing, but a little short and a little too expensive.

Overall I came into the TC experience very skeptical. I like shopping for clothing in person and it doesn’t bother me to spend a couple hours here and there searching out what I’m looking for. I had never used my webcam before and certainly never to try on clothes for someone. However, Lisa & the TC process both won me over. Lisa’s ability to hone in on my likes and TC’s ability to deliver some high-quality clothes at a fair price and no hassle made me a believer and a TC customer. My next box is being prepared and I can’t wait to see what’s next.