Stitch Fix #6

It’s been a while since I got a fix! It’s Christmas party season and every year I spend HOURS walking through malls and department stores in a daze, searching for just the right festive outfits and accessories. This year, I decided to let Stitch Fix do the leg work for me.

I asked my stylist for party glam pieces. I was thinking shimmer and bling! I linked her to my Pinterest board with examples of what I’m looking for. I have plenty of pants and jeans, so I asked her to focus on tops, layering pieces, and jewelry. The box fell a little short, and she even admitted it, ending a note to me with, “Sorry we don’t have much that is festive!” Boo. But I do like what she sent, even if they aren’t the party glam items I had hoped for. Here’s what she sent…

The first item is a black 41Hawthorn Alemany Mesh Detail Blouse.

I really like the mesh detail, I think it’s pretty cool and unlike anything I already have. The top is a nice quality material and it’s lined (where there’s not mesh). The length and fit is nice. I could dress it up or down, and I could wear it in winter with a cardigan, or in the summer with a pair of shorts. Christmas party piece? I don’t know, I was hoping for some bling or even a little color. But still, the verdict: KEEP!

The next item is a light grey Brixon Ivy Leora Swiss Dot Blouse.

This is really cute, I love the embroidered dots and the smocking on the shoulders. It’s lined, and has a little brass button on the back. (I love details!) I’m not sure about the length though, I tend to like things a little longer. It’s so cute and very comfortable though! Verdict: UNDECIDED. (What do you think?)

The third piece is a Bobeau Wallce Brushed Cardigan.

This cardigan is not at all what I was looking for. Purple is not a color I would choose for myself, and it’s way too casual for any holiday party I’m attending. However, it’s so buttery soft. And it looks nice with both tops in the box. I could see this easily becoming a staple piece – wear it to the grocery store. The bus stop. Out to lunch with hubby. Verdict: KEEP!

The fourth piece is a Brixon Ivy Mange Mixed Media Crochet Back Knit Top.

It has the feel and fit of a nice crew neck sweater. But it’s so sheer. Sooooo sheer. I held it up to a window so you can see how sheer.

It’s so pretty. I love the crochet. I can’t wear this, though. I tried it with a camisole underneath and it messed up the fit, causing the top to cling to me in all the wrong places. Verdict: SEND BACK.

The last item is this Bay to Baubles Wilford Floral Statement Necklace.

Purple again! Isn’t it so pretty, though? I like the idea of wearing a color besides red or green to a Christmas party. The stylist suggested I pair this mesh top with burgundy skinny jeans and this necklace, black heels, and maybe a cool blazer for layering. I like that idea, but I don’t already have burgundy jeans or a blazer that would coordinate, which means I’ve got to go shopping. I’ll likely rarely wear this necklace in the future, but… if everything else I buy is wearable again, what’s the harm in a statement necklace? Better than a dress I’ll only wear once, right? Verdict: probably will KEEP.

So that’s box #6! Hope you enjoyed, and if you decide to give Stitch Fix a try, will you use my referral link? I’d appreciate it so much! 🙂

Stitch Fix #5

It’s spring (almost summer) and that means it’s Stitch Fix time! Time to revive the old warm weather wardrobe and refresh it with some new pieces!

(If you haven’t read about Stitch Fix before and want to know a little more about how it works, check out my first post about the experience!)

The stylists out there at Stitch Fix have figured me out. This makes 2 boxes in a row that make me very, very happy! I’ll get right to it…

My first impression of the box wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. My first thoughts were, “Why so many dark colors? This is sheer, what am I going to do with that? Oh, this is going to be too short.” Once I started trying things on, though, I was so excited. I think I even once exclaimed out loud, “They really get me!” And this, friends, is why I love my Stitch Fixes like I do. I would have for sure passed all these items up at the store!

The first item is a Daniel Rainn Lenora Crochet Detail Tie-Neck Silk Blouse in black.

This is the one I thought would be too short, but it’s not! My first thought was to pair it with my new pink shorts, and that was ok. It could definitely go with about every short and pant I have!

(Pardon the blur.)

But then I thought about that black and white printed skirt I got in my last fix! Oh, I like the blouse with that a lot! New date night outfit!

It’s crocheted details are pretty and feminine, it’s light weight (perfect for South Carolina summers) and it’s versatile. The verdict? KEEP!

The second item in the box is an Olive & Oak Kira Mixed Stripe Racerback Tank in navy.

Loving this. Love love love. I put it on with my white jeans, but could go with the pink shorts, my denim boyfriend shorts, khaki or yellow or kelly green…

And I’m a sucker for a racerback. Love the look!

The length is good, the fabric is soft and light, it goes with lots of things in my closet. The verdict? KEEP!

The third item in the box was an instant fave! It’s a Nikkita Sheer Eyelet Back Hi-Lo Tank in pink.

Now the front of this top looks like a plain jane tank. Pretty color, but not much to it. What I LOVE is the surprise when you turn around!

Eyelet!! My husband said it’s the mullet of clothing… business in the front and party in the back! He’s kinda right, and I guess I love mullets in a weird, indirect sort of way! Ha!

I already had my white jeans on, so…

Plain Jane and then bam!

Pretty eyelet! Now I didn’t wear a cami underneath this for the picture because really you can’t see much, but when I wear it out, I’ll make sure there’s a cami because my kids’ friends don’t need to know what my bra looks like. ;-P The verdict? KEEP!

The fourth item in the box is an Ark n Co Bev Striped Drawstring Maxi Dress.

I love maxi dresses. I’m not sure they love me though. I felt like this might be too big, like maybe it’s made for a girl with a bigger bust and who wears high heels?

I love the drawstring detail, and I love the solid black bottom (as a girl with a bubble butt, this is so appreciated).

It just feels so big on. So saggy. Maybe that’s just the nature of the maxi dress. Please advise! Verdict: UNDECIDED. (This is where I add that if I keep everything in the box, I get a 25% discount and that more than pays for this dress, soooo… )

The fifth and last item in the box is an AV Max Sofie Leaf Cuff in gold.

I love this bracelet. Really love it. I normally stay away from cuffs because they’re so often big and chunky, and that just looks strange on my small wrists.

This cuff is perfect, it’s dainty and unique with the leaf details. I don’t have anything like it, and I’ll admit I took the tag off immediately and wore it out TWICE already! Verdict is easy: KEEP!

So that’s box #5! Hope you enjoyed, and if you decide to give Stitch Fix a try, will you use my referral link? I’d so much appreciate it! 🙂

 

Stitch Fix #3

Another Stitch Fix box already! I don’t know that my clothing budget can support 2 boxes a month every month, but it sure is fun!

If this is the first time you’re hearing about Stitch Fix, I explain a little more in-depth here. But basically it’s a personal styling service by mail. You sign up, fill out a questionnaire about your likes and dislikes, sizes, etc and then you get a box of hand-picked clothing and accessories in the mail! As a mom of 4, this is such a great service. And fun. Have I mentioned it’s fun yet? 😉

After the last box, I asked for no more green. Ha! And I also specified more preppy, and mentioned that I love blue and pink. They listened! This is definitely my favorite box so far!

Here’s what I got:

1. First out of the box was a really pretty, really soft royal blue 41Hawthorn Calafia Jersey Wrap Dress.

Okay, so I love the color, and I think it’s cute on (although a little short). I don’t have a huge need for dresses, but I only have one right now so another wouldn’t hurt. I WANT to keep it, but I don’t know that I can justify it. Also, what kind of shoes? The styling card showed it with both heels and flats. I don’t have many heels at all, I threw on some black ones just for the sake of seeing the dress with heels.

And then I put my trusty coral flats with it (and a coral necklace that I’ll get to later). Meh. I don’t love either, so if I keep it, I need suggestions!

2. Okay, so that necklace. It came in the box too! Again, I’m so glad to get some jewelry in these boxes because as I’ve mentioned before, it hasn’t always been a priority for me when shopping. It’s a Whats In Store Multi-Chain Layered Short Necklace. The description says pink, but it’s most definitely coral. It matches all my coral pieces perfectly!

I love it. I’m keeping it. (And you’ll see it pictured again with the next clothing item.)

3. Next is a Tulle Bain Cinch-Waist Textured Cotton Tank. Another color discrepancy. They’re calling it red, and I’m calling coral again.

I’ve been wanting to try a peplum top this season, but haven’t had an opportunity to try one on in store yet. This isn’t exactly a peplum, but it’s close enough. I think it’s super cute! It’s indeed textured, from a distance it almost looks like eyelet.

I love it with my new white skinnies and my coral flats!

It has buttons down the back, you know how I love my little details!

I added the multi-chain necklace and some gold on my wrist…

Keeping it!

4. Another dress! It’s an Angie Nick Printed Shoulder Cutout Dress.

I really think some black sandals or even black espadrilles would be best, but the closest I have (aside from the dressy black heels) are black patent leather and leopard sandals. Not a good match, but best of what I have. I’m not concerned, because I really think the color of this dress wash me out and I don’t plan to keep it.

I like this style and fit on me. I like the cutouts on the shoulder, I like the back and the keyhole closure. It’s just the color! It’s listed in the description as yellow, but in some light it looks more beige. I wish it were a more flattering color, I think I could actually get a lot of use from a dress like this. It feels tropical-ish, like I could wear it to dinner on the beach (or on the lake here in Columbia). And because of the length and higher neckline, it could easily be worn on an outing with the kids. Just bummer on the color.

5. Last, but not least! A Willow and Clay Bev Gingham Tabsleeve Button Up.

Oh, how I love this! But long sleeves? In the south? In May? It’s lightweight, though (almost gauzy), and with the sleeves rolled up, it’s almost like short sleeve.

I put it with aqua skinnies (I really need to go shopping for new shorts) and navy topsiders. Liked that!

And then with white sandals. Liked that too!

Love this shirt. Love love love. But the fact that it’s long sleeve… even with them rolled up… I want to keep it, but I’m wondering how much use I’ll get from it this summer. It’d be cute with shorts!

So those are the contents of my third Stitch Fix box! What do you think? Should I keep the blue dress? The gingham top?

One more thing! If you decide to try Stitch Fix, would you mind using my referral link? I get a $25 credit if you do, and I’d be so appreciative! 🙂

Stitch Fix!

I’m not sure I’ve posted here on the blog about this (I haven’t actually posted about much of anything in a long while, oops!), but I started busting my rear last summer with diet and exercise, and by the end of November 2012 I’d lost 47 pounds!  I’ve kept all those pounds off, too!

With that kind of weight loss there comes sacrifice. Like, old clothes. I cleaned out everything from my closet that no longer fit, and not surprisingly, there wasn’t anything left. Literally, nothing. So this spring I’ve started my warm weather wardrobe from scratch, and for a mom of 4 littles, that’s not easy. I don’t have time to scour the mall, nor to duck into cute little boutiques full of pretty dresses and tops. I’ve always done most of my clothes shopping online because I can do it at the kitchen counter while I feed the kids breakfast. No strollers, no snacks to pack, no toddlers melting down while mommy tries on “just one more pair of jeans, sweetpea!”

I’m finding, though, that shopping online with my “new body” (that seems like a dopey thing to say, but it’s kinda true! I haven’t been this weight since before I got married) isn’t working out like it did before. All my favorite styles don’t look like they used to, and I’m finding styles I avoided in the past actually look good now!

When my friend told me about Stitch Fix, it seemed like the perfect idea for someone like me. Someone who needs to try new things, but doesn’t have time to access them. Basically, it’s a personal styling service – by mail! Brilliant! I went to the site and filled out a personal style questionnaire so the stylists could get to know me a little. I even made a Pinterest board pinning some of my favorite looks to help the stylists understand my likes a little better. There was a waiting list. I waited 8 days. Once I got in, I scheduled my first box of clothes. There’s no subscription. You get a box only when you want one. There’s a $20 styling fee. If you buy anything they send you, that $20 is deducted from your total. If not, well you lose the $20. Haven’t had that problem yet. You try on the clothes they send, keep what you want and send back the rest in the postage-paid envelope included in the package. If you keep it all, you get a 25% discount!

The best part of this for me is having the chance to try on things someone else chooses for me. It forces me to be more adventurous with what I try, something I’ve never been good at! (I’m the girl who likes something and buys 5 of it in different colors, as evident by my current Old Navy skinny jean collection.)

I’m on my second Stitch Fix box now. My first box was in April, I documented it on Facebook, but from now on I’m going to try to keep it to the blog for easier sharing.

Anyway, enough of that – let’s get down to the clothes!

Stitch Fix packages everything up so pretty! And believe it or not, that rope is actually a belt that goes with one of the garments!

I was a little caught off guard by all the GREEN in this box! I’m not usually a green person, but then… that’s the point, right? To try new things!

The first item I tried was a THML Millay Striped Shoulder Button Shirt.

I’m a sucker for nautical, so I immediately loved it. The styling tag (yes! They include tags with ideas on how to style the items they send!) showed this top with white jeans, and with denim shorts. I have neither (although I have white jeans on a UPS truck, due to arrive next week), so I put it with my navy sailboat print shorts and I think it makes a cute outfit! It’s hard to see, but the top has gold buttons where the sleeves meet the shoulders, a detail I love! I think I’ll keep it! I need a new belt though. All I have is this wide brown belt and a skinny brown belt. What do you think would go better? Gold? Red? I have a navy pair of Sperry Topsiders that I think would finish this look off well, or maybe I’ll shop for some gold metallic sandals.

Next was an RD Style Freddy Sleeveless Chiffon Dress.

I think this dress is adorable, even if it is wrinkly from packaging! Definitely not something I would have picked out for myself, it surprised me how much I like it! It has a little keyhole closure in the back, which is cute.

The styling tag showed it with a blue striped blazer and blue pumps, and also with black leggings and black flats. I styled it with coral flats (best buy this spring, marked down to $20 at Belk!) and a coral cardigan.

And then I changed it up a little with a skinny brown belt and brown heels, which I think looks okay too.

The dress is a little short. It’s shorter than I’d usually be comfortable with. This is not a Chase the Kids at the Playground kind of dress. Definitely more of a flirty date night dress, don’t you think? I think it’s a keeper!

Next was a DownEast Jocelyn Ikat Print Belted Dress.

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with ikat! I have ikat curtains in my study, and if I could do it tastefully, I’d have ikat in every room! So an ikat print dress? Sounds great! Wish it wasn’t this green, though. I’m not sure it’s the most flattering color for me. I also think it fits just a little big up top.

I think the rope belt is a fun detail. I wish the dress was a bright pink or blue ikat, I’d probably try a little harder to make it work. I didn’t even bother trying it on with shoes and accessories because I’m pretty sure it’s going back.

One more top… a Lasome Anton Chevron Cowl Neck Tank.

This one’s bright, y’all! I’m going to cut to the chase, I don’t love it. Three reasons – first, those colors. Oy. Second, it’s a poly/spandex blend that is not very forgiving on the mid-section of a mom of 4 (think thin bathing suit material). And third, cowl neck. I love the look of cowl neck, but as a mom of small ones, I bend over a lot and cowl shows the boobies.  The styling tag had it paired with white pants and then with a beige skirt. I don’t love it with these white shorts and I honestly can’t think of any better pairings. Back it goes!

My last item was a pair of Marjorie Baer Triangular Spear Dangler earrings.

Jewelry is always an after thought for me, so it’s nice to get a little something like this in the box. These are something else I wouldn’t choose for myself, but I really like them on! I’m still undecided if I’ll keep them though, because even though I like them, I’m not sure I want to actually BUY them. Haha! I have the weekend to decide.

So that’s my Stitch Fix #2! Look for #3 soon! 🙂

(If you decide to try Stitch Fix, would you consider using my referral link? I get a $25 credit when you do, and it’d be greatly appreciated! And be sure to come back and let me know what you think about your first box!)