Stitch Fix - #9

Back again on the blog - and this time it is about my latest fix which just came last Thursday.  Just in time for the weekend!  I am much more timely with this summary of Fix #9.  I'm trying to do these sooner than later so that I can include a link with the feedback to Alexandra (my stylist) and Stitch Fix to keep on improving my future fixes.  I'm also working to keep my Pinterest board fresh and current.  Alexandra has picked out items either almost identical to a few of my pins or definitely inspired by the pins.  So I now I'm just one data point, but I definitely recommend keeping a Pinterest board for Stitch Fix.

 

So onto this box.  This one was a mixed bag, but I did find some great pieces to keep, and have very specific reasons for not keeping the other ones. 

 

Let's start with the keepers:

1. Long Sleeve Knit Top from Tart:

100% Keeper.  A few things about this top... 1. This is a great spring top, especially given that the colder weather doesn't seem to want to leave the east coast this year.  I think this is also a great transition piece into summer and also something I could see myself throwing on during a chillier summer night at the beach.  2. I love the neckline of this shirt, the cut and the stripes.  I have pinned a ton of shirts with the same neckline too.  3. I'm also a fan of white and blue! 3. It's soft and comfy and definitely a winner for the season.  4. I love anything from Tart.  Looking at my past fixed, I have figure out that I have kept everything Alexandra has sent me from Tart.  I am definitely a fan of their clothes.     

 

Also, I had made a comment a few fixes ago in my feedback that I would love other clothing material other than what I had been receiving for tops, which was a lot of light polyester/dry clean tops that I am wearing under suit jackets during the week or with jeans on the weekend.  This is a cotton knit top that fits the bill fabulously. 



2. Color Block Shift Dress:

In Alexandra's note in the box (the stylist always include a personal note with each fix), she said that she picked this dress based on the fact that I had pinned something exactly like it.  I went back to my Pinterest board to check.  And yep, I said I loved everything about this dress, except the color.  I loved the color blocking and the belt, but didn't like the pink.  In my Style Profile, I have specifically said no pink in my fixes.  Love the color of this - a dark and light coral!  I hate pink, but I love the orangey pinks.  I think it suits my skin color well and I do like the cut of the shift dress.  I received a pair of skinny jeans similar to the light shade of the dress that I kept and wear in the warmer months.

 

I tried it with and without a belt.  I think this would look better with a white or maybe green skinny belt, but I don't have one.  Mental note to request a belt to go with this dress, as well with my other dresses and skirts. 



Sorry for the slightly blurry photo - didn't notice
until I posted it!

I like the skinny belt, but need to get a different color. 
And an iron.

 

So onto what I didn't keep:

3. Mint Green/Light Blue Skinny Jeans

I can't even begin to tell you how very disappointed I was that these didn't fit.  I loved the color as soon as I opened the box and assumed I was keeping them on first sight.  You see, I even asked specifically for a pair of this color jeans to go with my favorite shirt from my last fix.  Here's where the feedback comes in to hopefully help with future fixes.  I said on my Style Profile that for pants that I am 1 of 2 sizes depending on the cut and how fitted they are.  For any looser fits, I wanted to go with the smaller of my sizes and go bigger for the skinny/fitted pants.  I received a pair of jeans very similar to these from the same brand in the larger of my 2 sizes and they were perfect.  But I received a pair of super skinny pants in my last fix that was a different brand and she went with the smaller size.  Surprisingly they fit perfectly, I think because the material had "give" - I guess some lycra, maybe?  But the pants, below (and similar to the first pair of skinny jeans I got), has no give and are too snug.  The cut is also a little too fitted for weekends/errands/baseball field cheering.  These are more like my skinny jeans from my last fix, which are definitely more for going out and dressier occasions. 

 

I am going to request another try at light blue jeans specifically for weekend wear.  Even jeans in the same cut as the coral pair I got last year would be fabulous.  I'm so so sad to send these back... but in the bag they go.  At least there is free shipping both ways.

 

 

 

4. Tribal top

In general, if I love and am going to keep 3-4 items, I lately have been keeping everything in a fix.  Luckily, I have a number of 4 or 5 item winners.  And even better, I have also had the great luck that if I didn't like 1 thing, I didn't even hate it, and it was less expensive than that 25% discount (ie the dress from my last fix) or I only clearly liked 1-2 pieces of a fix.  No major decision-making and agonizing at all.  So while I really wanted the jeans, from a cost perspective, I'm glad it didn't work out, as I didn't like or need the other remaining 2 items of this fix.  

 

So back to the tribal print top.  I am still not overly digging the tribal and cut of this shirt also was just meh.  Definitely not a keeper for me.  I think given the pattern all over, I would have preferred it to be more fitted or have a different neckline to  make it feel younger. Something.  Maybe if it was sleeveless?  But again, not digging the tribal pattern in general.

 

I felt this shirt made me look like old lady too.  And that is something no newly minted 40 year old wants to look like!  I didn't like the pink-ish shade of other color in the shirt either. Did not do anything for me or my skin tone...
 

 

5. Set of Bangles. 

Totally forgot to take a pic of these!  But I sent these back because I had a set almost identical to them.  They had turquoise in them and matched the jeans really nicely.  I would have kept them if I didn't already have the pair I owned.  So rather than being a "miss," I sent them back because they were too spot on to something I would buy for myself!  This is probably the 2nd time this happened.

 

And there you have it.  Fix #9.  I still think it was a great fix overall - thank you so much, Alexandra!  I love getting my fixes each month.  She is a great stylist and it is obvious that she takes the time to read my style profile, read through my feedback and take my pinterest board into consideration when she makes her picks.  

 

There was only 1 piece I didn't like and the others were sent back due to other reasons.  I hope to still see my light blue jeans in a future fix (maybe?!).  I've been telling all of my IRL friends about Stitch Fix and if you try it, please let me know.  You can fill out your own Style Profile and get the process started here. 

 

And by the way, I've already worn the first top from this fix and entered into the Stitch Fix Mother's Day contest.  Keeping my fingers crossed to be a winner! :)

 

 

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Stitch Fix Does It Again! (#8)

I'm way delayed in writing up about my February fix, but since I loved it so much, better late than never. 

 

It was another great fix and I feel like overall, my stylist, Alexandra continues to "get" me.  I loved everything that I knew she picked out of me, and I could tell exactly which one was my "reach" piece.

 

So let's get to it.  When I scheduled this fix, I specially asked for pieces that I could wear for my birthday party.  I turned the big 4-0 this year in March, I wanted a few fun pieces for dinner and for the party that my husband threw for me.  She sent a couple of different options, and I wore just about everything for something related to my birthday (score!)

 

1. Cowl Neck Sleeveless Top and Dark Skinny Jeans - These were no-brainers right from the box, and I knew that I had my outfit for the party.  :)  The vibe of the party was laid-back, with a lot of dancing, drinking and all of around fun.  I wanted it to fee like we were going out to a lounge in the city.  This fit it perfectly.  And I love how trendy the color of the shirt is (Pantone color of the year!) and the fit.  Just a touch of dressiness to wear out, but not too over the top.  I love the neck line as well.  I

 

As for the jeans - I was nervous at first when I saw the size.  I float between two sizes depending on the cut, and she went with the smaller size this time even though it was a super skinny cut.  But the material had give to it, so it ended up being a perfect fit!  If it was the bigger size, I'm sure it would be been too baggy.  Alexandra is a stylist smarty pants! :)  Lol  And here's another picture that I tweeted from my birthday party that night. 
 

 

 

3. Earrings - You could kinda see them in the pic above, but wanted to take one more, because I loved them so.  They are big silver hoop earrings with some detail and they were the perfect finishing touch to this outfit.  I didn't have anything like this in my wardrobe, so it was a perfect edition.  Definitely bigger than I would have ever thought to buy for myself, but I'm glad I tried them on.  They are no earrings I would wear to work on on the weekends running errands, but they are a fabulous way to dress up a little more for a night out on the weekends.  Keepers for sure!

 

4. The dress - So... this was most definitely the stretch piece of the fix.  The colors are up my alley, but the cut and the pattern on the skirt are not at all.  To be honest, if I hadn't loved every other piece, I would have definitely returned it with something else, but the 25% special really makes it hard not to take every piece once you like at least 3 pieces.  The price of this dress was less than the 25% I saved by keeping all 5 pieces.  The top of the dress is fitted and short while the skirt is more poufy, long and high-waisted to my liking.  I also thought the pattern was a little too busy.  My knee jerk reaction: tribal is not my thing.  Alexandra had suggested this as an option of the party, but to me this was more of a formal/dressier outfit (maybe due to the shape and length of the skirt?).

 

But that being said, I must admit the dress has grown on me in the last month.  I hung it up in my closet thinking I might give it away.  But I do like it with a suit jacket and have worn it to work (so I'm obviously not giving it to anyone now).  And I also wore this dress for Easter to church, paired with my favorite white patent leather peep toe wedges and a cardigan.  So I guess it was really just the top that I wasn't comfortable wearing without a cover.  But also, the shape of the skirt almost looks different with a different silhouette on top.  Interesting...

5. This shirt
As soon as I opened peeled back the sticker that holds the package together in the box, I saw this shirt and loved it.  The beading detail around the collar is great - don't have anything like it in my closet, until now.  Loved the pattern and the way the shirt hung.  Perfect shirt with jeans on the weekend, but I have also worn this with black pants and also under a black suit.  I received a bunch of compliments the first time I wore it!  :) And I wore it again for dinner on my birthday with my family. 

 

So there you have it - Fix #8 is in the bag.  This was a fabulous fix... even though I didn't love one of the pieces at first sight, I have worn it 2x in the last month and it will stay in the rotation for specific instances.  Plus it's hard to compare since I really loved the other 4... no hesitation in keeping any of them. 

 

Thank you Alexandra for always giving me a mix of things to try and add to my wardrobe!  I can't say enough about this service.  It really my schedule, desired price point and shopping preferences to a T.  I love that I really haven't had any desire to go to the mall or shop for clothes since I found Stitch Fix.  Alexandra figured out me out quickly so I know that I will always love something (or everything) in a fix.  I definitely credit it to her fabulous styling skills, coupled with detailed feedback after every fix and using a pinterest board to show her what I love.   I don't know if they have a specific way to match stylists and customers up or if its luck of the draw, but in any case, I hit the jackpot. :)  And if you want to give it a whirl, please click here.

 

I've already received Fix #9 since I've pretty much fallen into an every other month schedule so will get that up soon.   

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Five Thoughts for Friday...

1. Truth. 

I thought it was fitting that I found this posted somewhere (I wish I could give credit but it was one of those time I was just surfing and clicking and I'm not even sure where I got this from ) after my birthday bash from a couple of weeks ago.  There was a time when I've really struggled (whether or not anybody even knew it) with being comfortable I did have circle of good friends since becoming a mom, who still works out of the house.  Because, let's face it, being a mom takes up a ton of time (happily... most of the time) and when you combine that with another full-time job out of the house, it leaves little room for anything else.  I felt like I had more acquaintances than anything else for the longest time.  I also think that I struggled with this because I felt like I really couldn't be a good friend (due to the lack of time for it) so how could I expect to have any as well.  Now to put this in perspective, my life is very full with extended family and I'm still friends with a small but great group of girls from growing up, so it's not like I'm complaining that I didn't have friends, period, at all.  No matter how much time passes, it's like no time passes when we get together.  But... a lot of time often does pass in between meetings.  I just don't see any of those groups on a regular basis anymore due to life in general (we don't live locally/not involved in the same activities for the kids etc).  So for awhile, I felt I didn't have any friends that I saw on a regular basis and I wondered if I ever would.

 

However with time, what has happened over the years (especially as the kids have gotten older) is that I've made a new small group of friends that I have met through my kids.  We have gotten to know each other and "clicked," and basically have same weekend schedule so these are the people I see during my free time.  They are real friends who get me and I get them.  I love getting together with them each weekend and watching and cheering our kids.  And I'm thankful that I was able to bring these newer friends together with my family friends to celebrate my latest milestone. 

 

2. Looking forward to another weekend.  I'm enjoying the spring weather we've had this week and hoping it extends into the weekend.  And also hoping it helps keep my running back into gear.  I haven't been able to find the will power to make myself get on the treadmill, which has totally translated into NO running whatsoever otherwise in this crappy weather we've been having. 

 

3. On a very light and random note, I am loving the new spring make-up I just last weekend.  I'm very much a late bloomer when it comes to make-up.  I was not allowed to wear it when I was younger and then I just got into the habit of not wearing much, since I didn't know how to put it on. Crazy, I know, but this is true.  I really only started to wear it in my late-20s when I decided that had to look more polished at work. So it is still kinda new to me and I really always need help to pick it out and basically have the person apply it while I watch very carefully.  Sitting at the counter is a very fun activity for me. 

 

4. Around home in the evenings, the boys are enjoying the warmer weather and the new basketball hoop.  A basketball hoop was one of the first purchases we made for our house when we moved in almost 14 years ago.  And it's that same one that just got replaced in the past couple of weeks.  I can't even count how many shots fell through that hoop.  It was very much loved and well-used.  This new one looks like a real/professional hoop.  It has gotten much use already. :)  I love that all 3 love being outside and want to practice their shots to get better.  I also love that they love to be together.  They all have their own friends of course, but they genuinely enjoy being together and playing together.  I hope that camaraderie takes them through their whole lives.

 

5. I'm thinking about what I want to do with my down time in a crafty way.  After attending the ME+KP class a couple weeks ago, I must say I've had a renewed vigor in crafting.  I've been making more cards and getting involved in online challenges.  For me it's less about "winning" but more about getting involved and extending myself a little bit.  I've had more late nights recently than I have had in months, but I'm enjoying it.  Curious to see where this takes me.  If nothing else, I've made some new connections, built up my stash of cards and am more caught up on my PL.  :)

 

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Rockstar

Lately, while I've been working on my thank you cards, I have also been working on creating a stash of cards to have at the ready for the multitude of birthday parties that seem to creep on us each weekend.  The party count is finally slowing down as my kids are finally past the age when birthday parties where a whole class is on the guest list is the norm, but there are still way too many times I am scrambling to make a card on our way out the door.  Not very creative, fun or relaxing to be making a card in the 15 minutes before I have to leave to drive them over to the party at all.   So trying to change that and turn a new leaf...

 

I made this card with the ongoing Mama Elephant challenge in mind.  As a fresher, this is the inspo pic. 

 

 

I have to admit, I really like the way this turned out - it's pretty "me", I think.  I love the colors of the challenge pic and was happy when I realized that the Studio Calico February add-on card kit, Taffy, fit the bill perfectly.  The sentiment was also in the same add-in, and was part of the Mama Elephant exclusive stamp set.  I think it is absolutely perfect for this card, and... I can't ever seem to get enough of stars.  Although the sentiment would be perfect for a non-star birthday card too - very versatile, in my opinion.  Because truthfully, who doesn't feel like a rockstar on their birthday (at least I think everyone should!)

 

So this will go into the HB card stash.  I'm pretty sure one of the boys have a party this weekend though (Friday night, I think), so it won't be sitting in the stash for very long.

 

Anyway thanks for looking! :)

 

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Sending Birthday Smiles - Mama Elephant style

Back again with another try at a card challenge...

Ever since I attended the Mama Elephant and Kelly Purkey workshop I haven't been able to stop making cards with my new ME sets.  And when ME did a big re-stock this past week, I couldn't pass up adding to my growing collection of their stamps.  I ordered late Tuesday night and they arrived Saturday in the mail.  Love the speedy shipping.

There's also a new challenge on their blog and I gave it a try... a few times and counting, actually.  

Here's the inspo pic:

And here's my first card.  

I used the colors of the liquids, the blue jar and the dropper as my starting points for color.  I busted out my copics for the first time in awhile to color in the balloons and the adorable little fox.  I used to color images all the time, and I'm glad that coloring images has coming back around again.  I'm a little rusty in my coloring, but I'll make it a point to work on it, when I have a chance.  I also used a the Studio Calico Sugar Rush card kit and Office Hours PL kit. 

I'm sending this one out tomorrow in the mail to my nephew for his birthday, who I don't get to see to often as he, his parents and his little sis, live in VA.  The sentiment is perfect and exactly what I needed for a long-distance birthday greeting.  I also stamped the big Happy Birthday sentiment from the Make a Wish set on the inside.    

Happy Monday (if there is such a thing - lol)!!

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CAS-ual Fridays - on a Sunday

Trying a new challenge today!  This blog is all about Clean and Simple Challenges, which lately has been right up my alley.  I like the white space and the clean look.  So here is my take on CFC 130 - the Good Egg (incorporate an oval in your card). 

I'm still smiling thinking about this past weekend's big bash - it was such a blast turning the big 4-0 with all of our closest friend and family.  Oh, it's been ages, since I danced like that and I couldn't have laughed and had more fun if I tried.  Since Sunday night, I've been happy as a clam, making thank you cards to send for all the wonderful gifts I received.  The no gifts, please request didn't work ;).  Such generous peeps, my friends are!  Anyway, I've been making all sorts of cards and using up all of my latest Studio Calico card and PL kits as well as extras from the Mama Elephant and KP class, in the process.

I made this one with the challenge in mind and all the supplies pretty much came from the Office Hours card kit and Mama Elephant set we got at the class.  I picked up a great tip from a guest posted on the Mama Elephant blog (but can't remember now who) that stamping on wood veneer with Hazel from their ink line creates an engraved look.  I specifically bought that ink with that in mind when I went to the class a couple of weeks ago.  I finally had a chance to try it out here and I love it.  

Thanks for a fun challenge and hope to join in the next ones too.  :)

Happy Wednesday!!  I think spring is finally here... (at least it is raining and not snowing!  We know what April showers bring...) 

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Five Thoughts on Friday - the birthday edition

 

1. Yes to the sentiment above. The first 40 years of my journey has been fabulous. Life is not perfect, but there's no other life I would trade for ever. 

2. The decade of my 30s has been good to me, but I'm looking forward to what's in store. I can truly say I was not dreading this big milestone in the least bit. No freak out here at all. It's just a number and the way I see it, if I was younger I wouldn't have and be everything I am today. That being said, I wonder if I will feel the same when I turn the big 5-0. Hopefully I will!

3. I don't feel any different than I did yesterday. Lol. It's been awhile, but since this is such a big milestone, I must admit that I kinda was feeling like a little kid when you anticipate your birthday. First time it's happened in a long while. But roughly 12 hours in, I can report: nada, nope, no different. 

4. I am kinda shocked though at how quickly time has flown.  I know it's so cliche and everybody says it ("time flies!") but it's funny when it actually happens to you.  I remember years ago figuring out how old the kids would be when I turned 40 and before I knew it... here I am. Crazy. 

5. I can't wait for the weekend. We are celebrating and I can't wait. ;)

Can't wait to see how fabulous 40 will be!!

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