January Stitch Fix

January 2015 Stitch Fix

So I had put my Stitch Fix subscription on hold during the holidays, but renewed it for January. It seemed to take forever for my box to get here!

When I peeked online at what I was getting (you can do this as soon as your box is shipped) I was really hopeful that this would be a 5 for 5 box, like my first one was. It was very obvious they looked at my pinterest page because several items I had pinned were on their way to me.

I opened the box, and had mixed feelings right away....one of the tops I was excited to get turned out to be this olive(?) color....at least that's what they list it as. Might work for some people, but this color is just not me. It also was sized and labeled incorrectly. I emailed Stitch Fix about it and they unfortunately did not have a replacement in my size, but they credited me $20 for the inconvenience....not bad. $20 for a shirt I'm NOT keeping? Sounds like a win in my book. Their customer service has always been excellent.

41 Hawthorn Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse $48

Next was a plaid shirt. I had been wanting a plaid shirt for a while now but wasn't sure if I could pull it off. I wanted to look more Angela Chase and less Forest Gump, and the one I had pinned on my pinterest page was a pretty blue plaid with feminine details. I got the same style shirt, but in a different pattern, which I honestly  felt kind of meh about. It was really soft, and cute paired with the boyfriend jeans from my last fix, but it was a tad too small across the bust and short on my torso, so this one was going back.

Fun2Fun Colibri Plaid Tab-Sleeve Cotton Shirt $48

Then came the dolman. I have mourned sending back the first dolman I received from Stitch Fix....at the time I just thought dolmans were weird but now they are just about my favorite kind of top. I was hoping to get something similar since it seemed they were out of that particular one. This one was jersey knit, not sweater material like my last one, and I was a little bummed it was black and not a fun color, but it is super comfy, and Jon says I need more black stuff in my wardrobe, so I kept this one.

Market and Spruce Queensland Dolman Jersey Top $48

(oooh a bathroom selfie!)

Then the printed dolman....oh this one. I looooooove the colors, and the fit.

41 Hawthorn Berneed Printed Dolman Sleeve Top $58

I actually have the same on in orange already from a previous box.....but.....do you see what I see here?

Um, no.

Yeah.....just noticed it and as much as I love this top, and I'm sure it's unintentional in the pattern, and several people I asked couldn't see it.....I just couldn't do it. Had to send it back. I also informed Stitch Fix who was passing it on to their merchandisers.

Then the jeans...so I had pinned some colored jeans (which are very outside the box for me) so I was hoping to get these in teal or something fun. I was a little bummed when I saw they were black. And I honestly don't know what to wear with black skinny jeans. But they feel like leggings, and any opportunity to wear something that comfy to work, I will give my best shot. I had to ask my facebook group for advice on what to wear with these and they came up with a lot of great ideas, so I decided to keep these. (Sorry I couldn't get any decent selfies in jeans).

Just Black Amalia Pull-on Skinny Jean - $78

So all in all, not what I expected, but I am happy with this box. Two out of five items isn't bad, and I still accomplished my goals of stepping outside my comfort zone (that's a nice term for "fashion rut") without having to step foot in a mall.

If you want to give it a try (which I highly suggest you do), I'd appreciate if you use my referral link. :)

October Stitch Fix- Bathroom Selfie Edition

October Stitch Fix- Bathroom Selfie Edition

Something I am not sure if I have mentioned before about Stitch Fix- not only do you fill out an extensive style profile, link a pinterest page, and provide feedback with each box you receive, but you can send a note to your stylist before your box ships every month. This helps the stylist to pick out items you'll most likely want to keep. In the past I've asked for specific requests like "layering pieces", or "dresses to wear to an upcoming wedding", or jeans and "something edgy." 

This was the only month I did not have specific directions regarding what I was looking for....and I regret it. I figured I'd just roll the dice and see what happens. Well this is what happened....

Braeden Lattice Detail Blouse- $54 (Sent back)

This was a really pretty color and I love the detail. But....it looks like any other top I would have bought elsewhere, and it was way too short on my torso. I am seriously tired of having to wear tank tops under everything!

Priya Triangle Printed Knit-Back Tank- $54 (Sent back)

So this was actually a very pretty mustard yellow and navy blue in person (doesn't translate well in pics), but again, too short and boxy on my torso. 

Market and Spruce Clove Twist-back Cardigan- $64 (Sent back)

This was a pretty color, but again, similar to 75% of my pre-stitch fix color palate. I am trying to branch out and add *different* things to my wardrobe....although I desperately need another long sleeve cardigan.

The back had an interesting detail...I just wasn't sure about it. 

Next up...RD Style Seth Slub Knit V-neck Sweater- $68 (Sent back)

I really hated this one. There wasn't even a second I considered keeping this. It had that shiny look that reminded me of the cheapy clothes at Rainbow I bought when I was 16. It was an ugly red-brown-purple and black color and boxy and shapless. No, no, definitely no.

Then finally a keeper....Kut from the Kloth Kate Distressed Boyfriend jean $78.

 I had been wanting a lighter colored distressed style jean (since literally all I have are very dark jeans). I had never tried the boyfriend style before- they are a little baggy and you can wear them like skinny jeans or with cuffs up and cute flats or sneakers.

So...I learned my lesson- I need to be a little more specific in what I'm looking for next time. But

after an exhausting  trip to the outlet mall over Columbus day weekend, both kids in tow, and leaving-defeated-with not a single item for myself, I reconfirmed my love for Stitch Fix. Sometimes you might get more misses than hits, but it's still worth it to have someone else shop for me! 

If you'd like to give Stitch Fix a try I'd appreciate if you use my referral link here. :)

September Stitch Fix

It's here! My September Stitch Fix box!

If you need an overview of how Stitch Fix works, check out my first blog about it here.

This time I asked for tops, specifically a couple pieces that would work with my awesome Reggie Skinny jeans from my last box. I also asked for an "edgy" piece just to see what would happen....the awesome thing about Stitch Fix is that they send you things specific to the style(s) you indicate you like, or are interested in trying.

First up, was the big surprise of the box. A skirt. As soon as I peeked at the invoice (which you can do as soon as they ship to you), I knew I wouldn't keep this. I mean, after all, it was a SKIRT. I don't do skirts for work, and I rarely have an occasion to wear one....Jon and I don't really get many date nights.

But then I tried it on, and I really liked it. It was long- which is really really hard to find for my height. And it was comfy and fit well. It looked pretty good with a black top from The Limited I've had in my closet for years. And as soon as I tried it on Jon said I should keep it. So now at least I do have something for that elusive date night!

The Melisa Mixed Geo Print Pencil Skirt - Kept

 

 

Next was a Dolman top. I was a little wary of this since my last one didn't turn out so well. But this one was a heathered grey stripe (which I love) and was actually a very soft, thin knit sweater: perfect for fall. I really liked the way it looked and felt, so I decided to keep this one.

Corinna Striped Heathered Dolman Top - Kept

Next up, my "edgy piece"....a faux leather jacket. I liked that it was a nice grey color and not the typical black, and had a cool asymetrical zipper. But It just didn't look right on me. It was a little too big and looked odd both open and closed.

Rhonda Knit Back Faux Leather Jacket - Sent Back

Next up, another Dolman top- this one was orange/coral (yay!) with a cool print. I wasn't too sure about how it is tighter and gathered near the tummy area but I liked it enough to look past that. Plus it makes it different from your average top.

Berneen Printed Dolman Sleeve Top - Kept

Then came the blouse. (I really hate that word.) I tried it on several times, and I liked the contrast with the dark skinny jeans, but I just think I look a little ridiculous in this particular color of pink. And something is just weird to me about the one itty bitty pocket on the boob. I decided to pass on this one but I am open to a different top in a similar style, different color.

Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse - Sent Back

All in all, I am very pleased with this one. Looking forward to next month! If you are interested in trying your first Stitch Fix, I'd appreciate if you use my referral link here :).

Second Stitch Fix

My Second Stitch Fix box came on Friday! It's ridiculous how excited I get about these things.

This time I asked for some skinny jeans, a dolman top (just because I'd never tried one) and a dress since I have a couple of weddings coming up. I specifically requested the Ernesto Circle Print dress I'd seen on their facebook page.

Let's get right to it, shall we?

First I tried on THE dress. It was even prettier in person. I was so excited.....until......

(sad face)

 I was hopeful this dress would hide all the right spots....unfortunately it was quite the opposite. It clung in ALL the wrong places. And was too short (as my stylist warned it might be). Super bummed. I'm sure it would have looked great on pre-baby me, but that "me" is long gone. Back she goes. :(

Next up Crystal Abstract Print Sheath dress. This one looked a little corporate power lady-ish to me, but the cut looked like it would be flattering.....

WRONG! I swam in this. Which I guess I should be happy about (thank you Weight Watchers!). It was massive one me. This one goes back too. I made a reminder to update my profile that I've lost weight.

Then came the Bowie Solid Dolman top. I LOVED the color (and I don't have anything similar) and it was super soft. I tried it on....three separate times.

It looked pretty good this way (except it makes me look like my back is oddly shaped).....

But this way?

No. No no no. I really debated this one, but I don't want to have to worry about looking like a sail if I happen to hold my arms a certain way. Back again.

Next up- Bay to Baubles carved leaf earrings.

Cute, but I have a pair very, very similar. Back they go.

Ok. So last but not least. Skinny Jeans! YAY! Soft and stretchy! YAY! Super Dark wash! YAY! $146! $146?! Are you $%*&ing me? WAY out of my price range. They are out of their minds!!! There's no way any jeans are worth.....

Oh yeah. They are. Here I tried on with a different top I got at Target....

I really WANTED to not like them. I hoped they wouldn't fit. Because I just can't spend that much on jeans. I can't. But....but....they are seriously more comfy than yoga pants. And "on trend." And make all the right places look pretty good if I do say so myself. And SUPER cute with my new red flats. Jon told me to keep them. So I did. :)

So while I am going to make sure to let my stylist know the jeans were definitely out of my price range and I'd like to keep it closer to $25 -$50 per item next time, I will definitely get plenty of use out of these jeans!

If you are still on the fence about Stitch Fix, I strongly encourage you to try it. It's a lot of fun, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone with my clothes, and you only pay for what you keep. If you want to sign up, I'd appreciate if you'd use my referral link. :)

Stitch Fix!

My First (but definitely not my last) Stitch Fix! 

Eek! It's like Christmas! 

Let's start with a confession, shall we? Hello, my name is Jennifer and I don't treat myself to things I need, much less want. Well, I'm determined to change this now. I just had two babies 21 months apart....my body deserves some decent clothes, even if I'm not at my ideal weight just yet.

I pride myself on my thriftiness, but something has happened over the years....if you peek in my closet you'll see the evidence right there. A sea of faded, wash-worn, pilled t-shirts, in a not-so wide variety of colors and even fewer styles. At some point after becoming a mom (and maybe even before), I stopped caring about what I wore. I put in a little more effort at work, but that was just the bare minimum.

I can't remember where I heard about Stitch Fix, but once I did, I was intrigued. And I did a LOT of research (you're shocked, aren't you?) before deciding to try it out.

It's an "Online Women's Personal Styling" site. I know what you are thinking....let me explain.

You sign up, create your style profile, they send you five items, you keep what you like and send back the rest (in a prepaid addressed package). The style profile is extensive, and you can link to a personal Pinterest page (which they DO check). You can even request certain types of things or even specific pieces that they carry. You pay a $20 "Styling fee" which is deducted from what you keep out of your box (each item priced individually).

They send you a note from your stylist, along with style cards for ideas of how to wear or combine the items in your box. If you keep all five items, you get a 25% discount off the purchase (again, minus the $20 fee you've already paid). So, as long as you keep at least one item you can't lose any money.

**TIP** Pay attention to the invoice. It shows you right there how much the 25% discount would be. If you don't like one of the items (maybe even two) sometimes it might actually SAVE you money to keep the whole thing.

Here's how mine went down....

I requested "tops and layering pieces" because I'm still losing baby weight so my pant size is changing often. I asked for pieces that would work now and still look good once I lose weight too. I made a pinterest board and pinned like crazy.

When I got the box, I really wanted to take nice pictures with our expensive camera, but I was too impatient. So, out came the iphone. 

 The "style card" included in the box.

 The note from my stylist....see they really do pay attention to what you ask for and pin!

 And then came the bathroom iphone selfies (I told you I was too impatient to have Jon take the pics for me!)

 So this top and cardigan came directly from my pinterest page. It's not something I would have even tried on in a store (which is part of the reason I wanted to try Stitch Fix).

Brianne started getting impatient....this navy polka dot blouse and necklace were also winners.

 I love this necklace- and I needed more long necklaces because *somebody* likes to wear mine (and break them) *cough cough Brianne*

 So this fringe necklace, I wasn't too thrilled with. It's just not "me." And not even "me-trying-new-things-me." But it was actually cheaper to keep it because of the 25% discount when you keep all 5 items.

So all in all I was very happy. I went ahead and scheduled another box to arrive in 2-3 weeks. I have a wedding to attend and I'm hoping to score an awesome dress and avoid a dreaded shopping trip. And after the 25% discount, a $25 credit I'd earned, and minus the $20 fee I'd already paid, it basically comes out to $27 per item. Not bad at all! 

I highly recommend you give it a try- its so fun! (And you deserve it!) :) 

Sign up here!!

-Jen

Baby Registry- Where do I even start?!

There are many things overwhelming about having your first baby- what to put on your registry is definitely one of them. I remember feeling completely lost when I was making my baby registry for my daughter. I spent hours researching, changing my mind, adding, deleting, adding items over and over to find the perfect combination of things that would make the transition from a family of two to a family of three a little easier.

And after over a year and as I prepare for baby #2, I have been reflecting on my top must-have items- and how NONE of them were on my baby registry. But these are the items we found we could not live without, and I recommend to every new mom I know.


1) Angelcare monitor:

This was the third or fourth monitor we tried, and I wish we had gotten it first. Yes, it's expensive, and yes, it's worth every penny. It detects the most minute movement (i.e. breathing) and alarms if there is no movement for 20 seconds.Unless you are that incredibly easy going first-time parent who never once worries about SIDS, or your child climbing out of the crib, you absolutely need this monitor. You spend so much time as a new parent trying to get your child to sleep well- but trust me- YOU will sleep better with this product.

2) Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper:

Yet another must-have item I was completely unaware of when I made my registry...and a complete lifesaver. Especially if your little one has reflux. It's super portable so you can move from room to room easily, unlike a bassinet or most swings. But don't take my word for it. Ask any of your parent friends. Seriously, just ask. 

3) Disposable Changing Pad:

Do you LOVE doing laundry? Because if you do, skip this product. However if you are like 99.999% of sleep deprived parents, you'll do anything you can to avoid unnecessary washing. I can't even remember how I found these- maybe someone gave them to me at my baby shower, and I remember thinking "what in the world? Isn't that what the soft, cushy velour cover I bought is for?" The first time my daughter peed and pooped all over that lovely changing table cover I learned my lesson. Keep on of these on top of the changing pad for when those lovely accidents happen, so then all you have to do is toss the disposable pad, instead of washing that cover every. single. time.

 Plus, if you've ever tried to use those portable changing pads (hold on, I have to finish laughing.....ahh....ok) you know they are absolutely terrible. They never fold flat enough, and when you are struggling with a diaper bag, wet/poopy baby. trying to open the filthy bathroom stall changing table, etc...you simply don't have enough hands. Keep these in your diaper bag and just fling it open. 

4) Mesh Teethers (We use Munchkin brand "Fresh Food Feeders"):

Teething. It's awful. And damn near everything that would help soothe baby you are warned can be dangerous: old-school freezing rings contain toxic chemicals, too much Tylenol is bad for the liver, those "organic" teething tablets contain deadly belladonna, FDA warns against baby Orajel, and amber teething necklaces are choking hazards. Basically, you can't win. But you can help a little with these- you can put frozen fruit or veggie purees in them and baby will gleefully chew away - but as I said earlier- I hate doing laundry, so we just use plain ice cubes and don't have to worry about a sticky mess- and my daughter loves them just as much. 

Well, that's it for now...I shall update more when I can. We are close to baby #2 arriving soon so I'm sure there will be things to learn all over again as we adjust to life as parents of 2 under 2! 

It's not a Magic Trick, it's the Invisible Hand!

So I'm super excited this morning because I found out one of my favorite web browser extensions is also now mobile! Before you buy one more thing online (or on your smartphone), you need to download this!

It's called The Invisible Hand (yeah I know it’s a weird name), but it is very “handy” (see what I did there?) for online and mobile shopping.

Say you are searching for a Halo Sleep Sack for your little one. Just type it in your search engine, and it automatically searches the internet for you to see which website has it cheapest. It will pop up in your header and provide you with direct links, as shown below.

Sound cool huh? Well, it does have its glitches. It won't have results for absolutely everything. And it has its quirks...say you are searching for something that has multiple volume/size options...like, say, diapers...(which come in “jumbo” to “economy” and everything in between). The Invisible Hand knows you are searching for “Pampers Cruisers”, not necessarily “Pampers Cruisers, size 3, economy pack”. It may pull up the cheapest pampers it finds, which would most likely be a newborn jumbo pack of Pampers Baby Dry. Clearly not the same thing.

So, it’s not perfect, but still very useful. The first time we used this we saved $30 by buying our pack and play on Diapers.com vs. Target. And, since the only “work” it requires the initial download, it’s still worth the  5 seconds if it *only* saves you $30 once.

Usefulness: When it works properly, extremely useful!  

Ease of use:  Really can’t get any easier

Mobile-friendly: Yes! And you can even scan bar codes to search for the lowest prices!