Love Day Stitch Fix and A Beer Pairing

I wasn't going to have a beer with this fix. My husband's stash is low, and all that's left are the super bitter (hoppy) ones.

But then I opened my box. And my face scrunched up, and I immediately became cranky.

It wasn't great, you guys.

I decided to look again at the beer, and low and behold, found an oatmeal stout. That would do.

Yes, that would do nicely.

The first thing out of my box was this red Bobeau Kellin Lace Yoke Bell Sleeve Knit Top $68

I threw it on with my Gap girlfriend jeans. It is soft and has a nice drape. Is it $68 worth? Absolutely not. If I were keeping the whole box, and this was the only item I was on the fence about, I'd probably wear it with the discount. But shapeless peasant top in a color I hardly wear (unless it's Christmas or Valentine's Day), is just not on my "want" list.

Next up was the Loveappella Zander Mesh Detail Roll Tab Knit Top $54

It's a thick-ish black knit top, with weird details. Im also not a tab sleeve fan. It's strange but boring at the same time. No, thank you. Oh, and the "mesh" detail was one thin line down the back of a different material. It was hard to photograph.

It gets worse from here, I'm warning you. But then it gets better for a minute. And then there's beer. 

Ok, so the next item I tried on was this RD Style Analisa Twisted Seam Pull-Over Sweater $64

This sweater was gross. It was so unflattering, fit so poorly, and the construction was very, very bad. It has this super cropped front, and longer back, just perfect to showcase your mom pooch.

The sleeves were snug and short. I'm not a large person, so the fact that it's fitting this way is not okay. I'm also the kind of girl who likes my sweaters loose, if not oversized. So this was a hard pass for me. Hard, hard pass. 

And now for this...

The Lysse Cassie Printed Cuffed Straight Leg Pant $98

I don't even know what to say. They brought out my weird eclectic future old lady self. I put on my leaopard print loafers, because the pants asked me to. 

They are a very heavy drapey fabric, which feels like very expensive curtains. My grandma would have loved these babies. 

I decided that my future 70-ish year-old self would definitely take these pricey pants on a cruise, so I found a hat to complete the ensemble:

Now I'm incognito. Oh, there's a drawstring too, and an elastic waist. These pants inspired me so much, I couldn't stop taking pictures. Look, here I am with a longer sleeve top, because I think being old would make me chilly.

Ok, that's enough of that. But really, I'm really wondering how these wound up in my box. And for $98???? 

*takes a long gulp of oatmeal stout*

Mmm...malty beery goodness.

But now good things. Well, one good thing. This dress:

This is the Loveappella Leila Dress $64

At first I wasn't sure. It's kind of a thin knit material, and I'm not usually into crazy patterns. BUT, it's so comfy. Like, very very soft and I could wear it all day. The hem hits at just the right spot, and it's adorable with ankle boots. I can wear this with a bulky cardigan or a denim jacket, or whatever. 

And, look; it goes really well with my beer in a mason jar, right?

The lady who would buy those blue pants would never go for this dress. 

Sold.

If you would like to experience the waves of joy and disappointment that are included with every Stitch Fix box, then click the link below!  I promise you won't be dis... Well, but you will probably find something you love! And it's like a gambling addiction. Once you win the "jackpot" it's hard to stop pulling that lever! Am I talking you into it yet? 

Yes, Another One: Stitch Fix #16

Pretty clothes.

My life is full of not pretty things. Life, in general, isn't pretty, is it? Doodoo happens. Poopoo. Crap. 

Thankfully, as a stay at home mom, a writer, and a yoga teacher-in-training, things are mostly at "doodoo" level when the day goes awry. But sh*t has happened. It happens to the best of us, no matter how "hashtag blessed" we are.

So when I post these blogs about Stitch Fix, and happy box-opening, and trying on pricey pants, it's usually in the midst of a doodoo day. 

It takes my mind off of all the craziness in this world. And it reminds me that I can enjoy the little things. Like a box of clothes addressed to me, with a personal note, and a fashion show; even if it's in my own bedroom in front of a dirty mirror.

So all that to say, thank you for humoring me. Thank you for reading these. I have another one to share, and I hope you like it...

This one, my 16th box, was mostly full of expensive tops. I'm happy they listened and didn't send jeans or pants this time, as I've been buying all those darn jeans they've sent, and it's put a huge dent in my fun money. 

However, the tops I recieved were also pretty threatening to my bank account. I have since changed my profile to "The cheaper the better" for tops, and gave appropriate feedback. So we shall see for next month if that makes a difference.

The first item out of my box was the Tea N Rose Westbury Crochet Detail Hoodie $54

This wasn't bad. It was soft and stretchy, and I love anything gray... Usually. I think it was the crochet detail on the back that made it strange to me. Also, I kind of like my sweaters and hoodies to be ever-so-slightly oversized. This one was pretty fitted, and I didn't feel completely happy with it.

Ok, so after the hoodie, I tried on the Market & Spruce Xander Short Sleeve Woven Back Sweatshirt $54. Are the names getting longer, or is it just me?

This sweatshirt/top thing just felt confused. It had an identity crisis. Was it a sweatshirt, or a short sleeve top?

Cute in theory, but I wouldn't wear it. It also felt a little snug in the shoulders. The woven back wasn't my favorite. Again, it was not loose and comfy like I'd want something like this to be. It was tight and pulled at the shoulder blades so it didn't lay well.

Next was something I saw right out of the box, knowing it would be horrible. But it wasn't. It was awesome. I loved it. It was the RD Style Missa Pointelle Detail Pullover Sweater $68.

It doesn't look like much, but it had a nice heavy drape, a smooth feel, and great details. It was slightly oversized, which I loved, but it was also flattering. It also had these fun slit openings at the wrist.

I'd wear this. I really wanted it. I had to decide if it was worth the price though...

Next was the Kut From The Kloth Sinclaire Floral Print Button-Up Blouse $68. Damn you, Stitch Fix. I love this too.

It can be worn long-sleeved (perfect sleeve length too), or cuffed and it had button tabs to keep it rolled. It needed an under shirt, but it was also light enough that I could transition very well to Springtime... Think light denim, white pants, or even shorts. But still dark enough to be worn in the winter.

Hmmm.... another thinker.

The last item was the Le Lis Alexington Open Jacket $78. It was really a coat. It was nice.

I really liked the open style, the pattern, and the weight; but I didn't need a coat, and it was wool and very large. I do like oversized clothes, but I think this would work better for someone taller. It seemed to swallow me up a bit. But it did have pockets.

I couldn't choose all the things. And I also have a hard time biting the bullet for tops. Jeans, I'm dropping cash like a rock star, but ask me to pay more than $40 for the top half of my body and I'm shocked and appalled. 

In spite of myself, I did end up choosing the floral top from Kut From The Kloth. I need nicer tops to wear with jeans, and I think it can be worn across seasons. Plus, it's made in the USA. With the deduction of my $20 styling fee, it was about $50. I can deal with that, but like I said, I did request cheaper tops next time.

Maybe consider getting yourself a Stitch Fix box for February! Valentine's Day is coming up, and spring is right around the corner, and I don't know about you, but I need a closet-refresher. If you want to try the service, click on the button below and I will get a little credit when your first box ships!

Another Stitch Fix: The time when I hid in my room, drank beer and tried on clothes

Note: This post was started in November, a little before Thanksgiving. Yes, I'm behind. But you can say one thing about me: I finish things. Even when it's awkward and so very obviously in the past. Enjoy, anyway! 

Yesterday I got my Stitch Fix box. It came on a day when I started my period, was getting a stye, and forgot the stroller during school pick up and literally had to keep my toddler in a leg-hold while gathering back packs.

It was awesome (sarcasm).

I came home and poured a nice winter lager, ignored the kids, and took my box of clothes to my room.

Yasss. I'm feeling better already.

Nice. They are learning how I like my clothes; colorless and comfy. 

Although they did send me this wine-colored top with navy/black stripes, and I really like it. This is the Market & Spruce Marielle Knit Top $44. Soft. Stretchy. 

Slouchy. My style, much to my husband's chagrin, is "sloppy chic." So kudos to my stylist.

There's just one thing I can't stand about it... The stripes don't go in a straight line. The material was sewn a little off, so they all slant sideways and it's obvious because of the color block at the top. Pass.

Ok, I like this. This is the Sweet Rain Beaty Drape Cardigan $68. Also, sorry about my face. It was a long day. Here I have it wrapped closed, but it's supposed to be worn open, I believe.

Like this. Still love it, however, $68 is a lot, especially since it's nearly the same cardigan I kept from Stitch Fix last winter...

Here's the side/back view of this one, so cute. Fit me perfectly as well. The front solid black part of this sweater is a super soft faux suede.

This is the one I already own, by RD Style. See what I mean? I can't have two black and white open cardigans in my closet. I just can't. Redundant. Do you like the jeans though?? The jeans I've been wearing throughout are the Henry & Belle Jaylie Skinny Jean in "light blue" -- they are a very soft, stretchy distressed skinny jean. They are $148. Gulp.

Next, another lovely, grungy, sloppy cowl neck sweater. This is the RD Style Sinda Side Slit Cowl Neck Sweater $78.

The side slits nearly sold me. Even though this is really just an oversized sweater, there are great details; the hem is sort of curved around the slits, and the construction is solid.

And here I am feeling cozy. Even though my face is still doing that thing. Ugh. I really was a long day. Sorry about that.

Ok, last item I received was this 41Hawthorn Matro Asymmetric Silk Blouse $88. Um, no. Can't stomach a top for $88. I mean, silk... nice. But it's a very cement-like gray. And I do like gray. Also, the fit is a little snug in the shoulders, and not very flattering throughout. I give my stylist props for giving me a somewhat "neutral" color in this one. It does make one think through the money issue... However, I'm still not a big splurger when it comes to blouses. I won't get enough wear out of this to justify that. Also, my bank account can't handle it.

Another view... Also, my phone. You're welcome. And my very tired face. I promise next time I will smile a little for you all.

This is what I decided to change into at the end of this fashion show. I kept the Henry & Belle jeans, because I can rationalize denim (always), and I will get a lot of use out of them. I put on this plaid top, my slippers, and finished my beer.

Cheers!

If you'd like to try out Stitch Fix in the New Year, considering using my referral link, and I will get a little credit when your first box ships! Hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years holiday! 

Yoga & Jesus

Yesterday we got my books and binder from "Blue-Eyes" as I will refer to her.

I'm starting Yoga Teacher Training.

Yoga and I have a complicated relationship. It's like me and Jesus; I love it, but I only seek it out when I'm really hurting.

I started doing yoga at home when I was in my late teens, just sporadically. I took a class in junior college and fell in love with it. I needed rest, and relaxation, and permission to forgive my imperfections, and yoga was my sweet spot. I also felt fit, and lean, and it seemed to coincide well with my vegetarian lifestyle.

Yet, the complications are many.

I'm a perfectionist. I have a personality that tends to lean towards the extreme. I get stressed easily. I have anxiety. I have a history of depression. I have a history of an eating disorder. I am competitive.

Yoga is freeing, it tells you to love yourself, to not expect perfection, because perfection is an illusion. You listen to your body, and you forgive it, and you accept it's limitations. You relax.

Competition in yoga is nonexistent. You have goals, perhaps, but those goals are only for you. They are never in comparison to another.

And here's me: comparison, judgement, must be the best and always do it right.

But that's why I always come back to yoga.

It heals me. It helps to remind me that I'm okay; I have permission to fail, to falter, to sway when I attempt to balance.

Yoga is the physical place where I find spiritual awareness. Maybe the practice originated in Eastern religion, but I follow Christ, and so always come back to God, Yaweh. He can only speak when I am still. When I stop comparing. When I forgive myself and others of imperfection. He finds me when I lay in the dark during Shavasana, and I'm open to His voice, and He reminds me to come as I am.

As I lay with my hands open to the sky, and my eyes closed, and nowhere else to be; He reminds me I am loved, with no expectation.

Perfection is an illusion, and the happiness that I seem to think I will find once I reach it, a terrible lie.

This should be an interesting journey. I'm trying to remind myself why I began loving yoga in the first place, because the path ahead feels a little daunting. And it's scary to do something new, and venture into the unknown.

Namaste.

October Stitch Fix: Grunge Love

You know what makes me happy? Oversized sweaters with long arms. This is not sarcasm. I have emotional warm fuzzies as I reminisce of Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping and the 90's grunge of my youth.

I got some goodies in this fix. It was like a hug in a box. It was like my stylist, Jaclyn, was saying "I get you, girl, and your need for rainy day reading clothes; I don't judge your love for "sloppy" as a fashion statement. I love the Sandra Bullock in you."

So here it is, guys. October fashion show.

I recieved 2 sweaters, a top, a pair of jeans, and earrings. Pretty packaging.

Once again, please forgive me my phone-photography and haphazard editing skills. Also, my room is a mess. And that's ok. I'm not ashamed. I'm sure your room is a mess sometimes too. The unmade bed is the great equalizer. 

So on to the clothes. First I got a top by Skies are Blue, called the Jacklin Mixed Print Knit Top, $48. I made happy sounds when I took this out of the box. I like the black and cream stripes, and it has a nice feel to it. I love the idea of throw-on tops for fall. This one was just not super flattering. If I was going to keep the whole box I would have worn it happily, but I was on a strict budget so choices had to be made.

With the top I tried on the Just Black Jimmy Skinny Jeans, $88. Of course, they fit perfectly. Perfect length, perfect fit through my hips, and flattering. Also, made in the USA. They are a really really dark denim, though. Considering I kept the black skinny jeans in my last fix, I had to think about it. 

So then, this happened. The En Crème Pippa Open Cardigan, $58 in a marled gray. It's a size small, but really big. I liked it. It was like wearing a blanket. I could see myself puttering around in this with leggings and slippers, or throwing on with yoga wear on my way to the studio. 

Look, I'm in heaven. It covers my hands!!

Then I pulled out this sweater, also oversized, and I loved the look of it. This is the Market & Spruce Bonno Mixed Material Pullover Sweater, $68.

Its roomy, great fit rough the shoulders but still sloppy-chic, just how I like my sweaters. The "mixed material" part was the attatched peek-a-boo "shirt" fabric under the hem. Normally faux layers bug me, but I liked this one. The only downside to this sweater was that it was a really scratchy wool. I knit using wool all the time, and I can attest to the fact that not all wool is scratchy. Some wool is soft and totally wearable. Cheap wool is scratchy, and this one had me so itchy I was dying to take it off. Not a winner, unfortunately. It would probably be fine layered over a long sleeve top, but I don't do that.

I didn't even try the earrings, even though I liked them. They are the Bancroft Jayda Twisted Loop Earrings, $28. You can sort of see them below. They are my style, but not unique enough to pay almost $30 for, and after this box I decided to take jewelry off of my style profile for a while.

The total for this box was $290; but with my $20 styling credit, extra credit from a referral (thanks, Aunt Jeanine!!), and 25% off keeping the whole box, the total would have come to $192.50. When I'm being good and saving my "free money," I usually have around $200 to spend, but, 1. I have not been good, and 2. I wouldn't have wanted this whole box, mostly because of the scratchy sweater. 

So I kept the jeans. It was kind of an easy decision (although it was hard to send that oversized cardigan back), because I literally don't have any regular blue denim jeans in my closet. I was gong out the night I got this box, and needed jeans to wear, so I pulled the tags off and kept those beauties. With my credit they were $63 plus tax. Really, not too bad for a high quality pair of jeans that happen to fit like they were made for you. I've been trying to find nice jeans off and on when I go to the mall or TJMaxx with my 19-month-old, and it's been a nightmare. I don't usually have a lot of time to try on, and my kid HATES shopping, so I end up leaving frustrated and empty-handed.

Worth. Every. Penny.

If you want to try out Stitch Fix, feel free to use my referral link and I will get a little credit when your first box ships!  The style profile will ask a few questions about your style preferences and sizes, and I would also suggest linking them to a style Pinterest board that shows who you are and what you like. You can also pin anything you see on this or any other blog, and they will do their best to send you what you request!

Thanks for reading, and happy October!

~ Char