Stitch Fix, A Wedding, and A Getaway

My baby brother got married last month, and it was sweet and beautiful, and I cried like I was his mama.

And also, I got a Stitch Fix box, literally on his wedding day. We were supposed to leave at 3:30 that day, and the mail comes at 3. And I had requested a specific dress for the wedding. I did not plan ahead well for this.

So the box came, and I tried stuff on, and (spoiler alert!!) I kept the dress. But I know you want to see everything, and I will show you...

However, I lost the style card and invoice because it's been the longest month and I'm pretty sure I tossed it. So I'm going to fake my way through this. 

The first items I tried on were this black and white pencil skirt, and a black asymmetrical sleeveless top. I told my stylist that I was going away with my husband for a couple days, and Crystal sent some cute and feminine items, including these.

I didn't keep these, though. I liked them, but my budget didn't love them.

I also got this super cute gauzy off-shoulder dress, in navy blue:

I loved this. It just wouldn't stay "off" the shoulder... It kept wanting to be very much on my shoulder, like this:

Which really wasn't bad, but once again, budget issues. Husband really liked this too, so I've been on the look out for cute dresses in a similar style.

Next I got this adorable embroidered sleeveless top. It was loose and flowy, but those armholes were just a little snug. My stylist suggested I wear this with my flares that I got in a previous fix, which I loved the idea of! I ended up trying it on with some cuffed jeans I already had on that day:

Also, there's a clingy baby in this photo, sorry; as well as a massive bruise on my arm. It was a bruised vein and I'm still not sure how that happened.

And last but not least, my favorite dress, and the item that I kept (thus, the budget issues):

This is the Kit Swing Dress, and it was so much fun. It was a little short, but absolutely worth the anxiety of a "show" at the wedding. 

And here's my brother, Stephen, and his beautiful wife Rebecca:

These two are some of my favorite people. 

Not long after the wedding, my hubby and I were able to escape for 3 days of childless bliss, thanks to my sister and my husband's sister! 

Also, if you thought beer would not be a part of this blog, think again folks.

Beer-tasting in the foothills at Jack Russel Brewery in the rain. I had the most delicious Mexican vanilla stout and we cuddled under a blanket under an awning, and I'm still dreaming about some of the food we ate, a picnic at a winery, and a late night after-dinner movie -- just because we could.

Happy anniversary to him and me.

Beer and A Birthday Fix

My birthday was Friday this week, and so I scheduled my Stitch Fix to come that day. It so happened my box arrived on Thursday, and it made me happy. As you can see below, I was even wearing my "Happy" shirt. And after school pick-up, I delved into my box, as well as a Sam Adams. This beer is called "Got to Gose" and it's probably my favorite ever. Close second to Hell or High Watermelon on tap. Pretty sure it's seasonal, so go get some. You got to gose. Get it? This is where my husband would roll his eyes because I think I'm super funny. Because I am.

So here's the contents of my box. This month I got a dress, 3 tops, and a pair of jeans. No shoes; I actually removed them from my profile... I tend to be really picky about shoes and have weird feet so I'm not sure I like having "surprise" shoes in my fixes. We'll see. I may change my mind later.

This fix was okay. It didn't blow my mind, but I did get some really pretty pieces to try, and I always try everything on, just in case. The first thing I got was this Pixley Jesa Shirt Dress $78. I didn't love it, especially right out of the box. I think it's the pattern, it looked like an abstract animal print, and I don't think it's really my style. Typically, I do enjoy a good shift, and maybe a t-shirt dress, but something about this just wasn't quite right.

My amazing stylist, Crystal, suggested I could pair this with Birks for a casual look, and dress it up with a belt and wedges for a night out. Although I can totally see where she was going with this look, it didn't quite make the mark for me.

Next I tried on the See U Soon Kegan Lace Detail Top $48 and the Mavi Angie Skinny Jean $88. 

First, the top, was adorable. I love how light it was, without being sheer; love the straps and the lace detail on the front. I just wasn't in love with how it fit my body, or the navy color. 

Closer view of the top detailing. 

The Mavi jeans were nice. I just wasn't needing another light wash, distressed pair of jeans. I would have loved shorts, or jeans that were a darker or medium wash, since that's the hole I need to fill in my wardrobe right now. Like the holes in my jeans. Holes in my wardrobe. See the parallels? 

This next top was so pretty. It's the Collective Concepts Amis Lace Detail Top $58 and if I didn't have four kids and a wedding ring that snags all my nice clothes, I would have seriously considered this. It's white, with a really soft stretchy lace fabric for the sleeves and yoke. The body of the top is a lightweight and VERY sheer fabric. I had anxiety just trying this on. I was sure I would either get makeup on it, or I would put a hole in it without even trying. $58 is just too much to pay for a panic attack.

So nice, but I had to layer another top underneath, and I dislike doing that, especially in the summer. Also, below, you can see how it's kind of a boxy fit, and not very flattering to the figure...

Ok, last but not least, the Alice Blue Jolanda Embroidered Tunic $58 was my absolute favorite out of this box. And surprise, I kept this one. I felt like it wanted to be paired with shorts, so I broke out my summer wear and I think this motivates me to embrace the hot weather that I typically dread. 

This top is lightweight, without being sheer, it billows comfortably without being unflattering, and the sleeves are super fun. They bell out like this, but there's a panel of fabric that goes up the side under the arm, so that there's not a bra-peek-a-boo situation. And I ADORE the embroidery. Sold. 

And that's all, folks. I have another fix coming in May in about 3 weeks, just in time for an anniversary trip with my hubby, and I'm hoping for some fun new things in that one. Until then, if you'd like to give this service a try, you can click the icon below to sign up, and I will get a little credit when your first box ships! 

Stitch Fix au Café

The long awaited amazing Stitch Fix box arrived! I really need to stop looking at the checkout page on the Stitch Fix website...

Isn't (one of) the reason(s) I'm doing this for the surprise factor? And yet, I look. 

In prior fixes, when I looked to see what was coming, I was mostly disappointed. Somehow a lengthy garment name and a pricey invoice are not conducive to "delight." 

This time, however, it looked like a dream. It was everything I would have pinned to my Pinterest Board. It was all that I'd hoped for. I would, for sure, be keeping the entire fix.

And then it arrived. My husband was working from home that day, and had made me a yummy espresso drink. It went well with opening the box from heaven. 

I got shoes, you guys. I was super excited, but then when I saw them, and tried them on, I was just "eh, whatever shoes." They were awkward fitting and I didn't love the shiny bronzy gold color. And, is it ever flattering to anyone to have those ankle straps? Don't they just cut you off at the foot and make you look shorter? Also, these were $89. No, thank you.

But the clothes. YES. A thousand yeses. I immediately pulled out my 4 inch wedges and a long pendant necklace from my closet, and tried on the jeans and this top. The jeans are the DRD Aliana Released Hem Side Zipper Flare Jean $88. Best flares ever. They are long, but I don't care. They are soft, and stretchy, and unique, and I want to dance to ABBA in them. 

The top is the Papermoon Huelva Crochet Detail Top $44, and it was really cute. It had this really pretty detailing on the front and the upper back, and the material was a nice weight without being see through. I would have kept it, but the arm holes seemed kind of small, and it wasn't comfortable. Otherwise, very pretty top.

Just wanted to show you the waist on these jeans. There are zippers on either hip, and it's a flat front, and VERY high waisted.

Side view of my outfit. I really loved this. You may not be able to tell, but I have two different shoes on.

I threw on the Papermoon Naz Crochet Kimono $48 over the jeans and olive top. Love it. It's quite long, but flattering, and I love pieces like this. It's perfect for covering up in the summer, especially when it's hotter than hell and all you want to wear is short shorts and a tank top. Kimonos turn trashy shorty-shorts into fashion statements. You can quote me directly on that. 

So nice... Love the black crochet detail on the sleeves.

And then this dress... This is the Gentle Fawn Alesia V-Neck Dress $78. At first I was sold. And I'm really happy that my stylist understood that I love shift-style dresses, and florals are always okay by me. However, something about it was off. It was a nice shifty shape, but it had no shape. Does that even makes sense? It was snug in the rear, and loose everywhere else. The sleeves were also VERY long, and it was about 2 inches too long for my height. I think it would look amazing on a woman a little taller than me. I informed my stylist accordingly, and with sadness sent it back.

Oh, and the above photo includes the shoes from my box. They are super weird looking. Like shiny clown shoes...

Below, much better with my clogs, but still not as fun and springy and fitting-right as I'd hoped.

I must have loved this, I couldn't stop taking pictures... But you can kind of see how long and odd the shoulders and arms fit. It did have a really pretty crochet detail all down the arms, and around the hem as well.

And that's all, folks. I don't really have a clever ending to this one. I'm still recovering from "Spring Break," or otherwise referred to as "Longest week ever with 4 children and a dog all whining for attention, food, and entertainment." And then the time-change over the weekend sealed the deal. 

And now -- now I drink Chardonnay, and thank the Lord above for the gift that is school, and time on the couch with my 2-year-old who still needs to sleep on me for his naps, and pre-made chicken curry that I'm planning to plop in a pan in a few minutes and heat through, no real cooking involved.

And also, it's Pi Day. 3/14. You know.

So I got a pie for that. Of course. 

Happy Pie/Pi Day, everyone! And if you would like to sign up for Stitch Fix and give it a try, I recommend it! It's actually fun to schedule a box for something special, like Mother's Day, or your birthday, because presents.

If you order a fix through the icon link below, I will get a little credit when your box ships! 

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!