Stitch Fix Review Summer 2016: Laid Back Casual Chic Style

Stitch Fix and I have a long, complicated relationship. Initially, it was that new thing I just had to try and an attempt at replacing my old wardrobe in the transition from working Mom to stay-at-home-mom of 4. Then, crazy me, I took a job as a stylist with them. Whew! That was crazy.

Now, we are like old friends, occasionally getting together and picking right back up where we left off. I couldn't resist getting back in the swing when I got the infamous "The Styling Fee is On Us" email. So I updated my profile, threw in a few requests, and here's what the stylist picked out for #19.

First up, the classic 41Hawthorn Breyson Pleated Tab-Sleeved Blouse in Coral.

     

I get this choice. I have a long torso and like a straight fit, and the $37 price tag is perfect for my budget. #1 asked me if I liked this one, and when I said "the color makes me feel like a lobster", she frowned and said "ahhh, it looks good on you." I always love this color on the hanger, but feel like it washes me out. But a teenager told me it looks good, so...what's an old lady to do? #4 suggested baseball, but I was wearing my white Loft jeans, so....

I tried on the Skies are Blue Timone Knit Tank in Jewel Tone Purple, $48.

One of the things I made sure to do when I updated my profile this time was request shoulder coverage, so this choice was a little perplexing at first. But, they do know I'm a sucker for layering (I've bought several cardis) so I'm thinking my request for jewel tones and this specific brand won out.

I couldn't resist putting on my favorite new hat from my Chloe + Isabel Boutique, the Wide-Brimmed Summer Straw Hat. Next thing you know, I'm layering, again. #1 thinks I've put too many patterns together. Chevron and Aztec don't go together? Obviously, I don't care.

I am officially addicted to Chloe + Isabel jewelry now so you may have noticed my Capri Convertible Necklace above, which I converted to a single layer for this look.

I forgot to mention they also sent me a pair of Kut From The Kloth Kate Boyfriend jeans ($88), which I was wearing with the Skies are Blue Timone and kept on for the next outfit. I scratched my head a bit when I saw them headed my way (iPhone app cheat this time around). But I did say I liked this brand. It's just, I already got this exact style and size and returned it. They were longer this time, which helped. I like them, but I just bought a few used pair at 1/3 the price.

Here they are with the Papermoon Neptune Racerback Top in Cobalt, $38.

Excuse the expression, I just couldn't even pretend to be comfortable in this piece. I hate baring my shoulders and the racerback put me over the edge. I felt much more comfortable with the Market & Spruce Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan (navy, $37) over.

This type of outfit is definitely me. But I feel like I already own it. I have several boho print, polyester tops and solid cardigans. So the wow factor was missing here.

I do love the funky, asymmetrical detail and the color is great for my skin tone. And I'm always looking for an excuse to put on my Capri Pendant Necklace. The length is adjustable and it looks great over so many necklines, and I love how it looks above the cardigan.

So, I guess you could say I have no idea what I'll do! For those of you who are new, they usually charge a $20 styling fee when the box ships which they credit back if you keep something. It's not much, but it usually motivates me to keep something. But this time they waived the fee!

The absolute best thing about subscription box shopping is taking your time deciding what to keep. I can try it all on again tomorrow, mix and match pieces with other clothes I have (and jewelry!), and take my time getting opinions from friends and family. And when I've made up my mind, I'll send the rest back in my mailbox!

Sound like something you might like to try? I'd love it if you followed my affiliate link when you head over and check things out.

If you saw a piece of jewelry you just have to have, I'd love it if you visited my shop: modernjewelry.co, even better if you shoot me an email so I can alert you to sales and promotions! moderntypography@aol.com

Thanks for taking the time to look, I hope you found a few pieces to Pin for your stylist, and if you're trying this service for the first time, you love it just as much as I do!

Happy Fixin'

The Chloe + Isabel Summer Collection

With the summer solstice upon us (I feel like it's already here!) I scoured the Chloe + Isabel Amalfi Coast Lookbook for pieces that are summer ready. I recently received the Limencello Statement Necklace Set (photos of #1 wearing that one on my Facebook page) with gorgeous faceted yellow, turquoise and howlite stones so I was looking for everyday jewelry, convertible pieces I could mix and match and wear with my favorite tees and boho prints. I can't wait to show you what I picked out, recommend a few must-haves for summer 2016, and show you my Chloe + Isabel display along the way.

First up is the Capri Three-Row Convertible Necklace, which I just had to have when one of my VIP customers shared these pictures of herself wearing the necklace with shorts from Stitch Fix and a top from Tag. Isn't she adorable?

Here are a few close ups I took after my last pop-up party. I'm going to wear this baby tomorrow!

   

I love Chloe + Isabel convertible necklaces. I've always wanted to rock that layered look, but had trouble matching. These are ready to wear as is, but can also be separated to coordinate with other necklaces or worn on their own.

I can't wait to try them individually with the Capri Convertible Pendant Necklace below. This one has a slide adjustment on the back so you can wear it like a bib, long, or anywhere in between.

I wore it the day it arrived as it worked perfectly with the crew neck I was wearing, and paired it with the Lunette Long Station Necklace (see this look on my Facebook page).

I caved in and ordered the Wide-Brimmed Summer Straw Hat after realizing it looks good on everyone. I was too lazy to take out the tripod, and selfies with a DSLR aren't easy; be kind.

We carry several other non-jewelry summer essentials, be sure and check them out!

That there is the Morningtide Convertible Collar Necklace from my starter kit, which is becoming my signature piece. The v-neck is the Sleeveless Linen V-Neck Tee from Loft in Forever Navy.

For those ponytail kind of days, you know the ones (today), I ordered the Jen Atkin X Chloe + Isabel rose gold Ponytail Clip, part of our latest collection of hair accessories.

I love the packaging on the new hair accessories. This one came in a pretty box and the other a magnetic closure pouch, perfect for gifting.

For fancier summer hair days like summer weddings or graduations I chose the Small Crystal Pave Fan Pin Set

I guess you can say I got a little hair obsessed. I threw in the Crystal Baguette Hair Comb to match my Mirabelle Petite Collar Necklace and drop earrings, commonly worn as bridal jewelry pieces but I wear them to church.

The jury isn't officially out on whether I'm a Chloe or an Isabel, but this next choice is a little bit of both. The Bianca Teardrop Ring has that elegant, vintage feel with a touch of modern maven with the chalcedony stone.

I wasn't sure which size to buy so I ordered an inexpensive ring sizer on Amazon which worked out well. You can buy yourself one here.

I prefer this type over the various rings on a loop because I'm always worried my fingers will get stuck in those! It also takes up very little space in my storage case.

I placed it near my ring holder at my last pop-up party and I think every single guest measured their fingers. It's pretty handy! 

I bought this little ring dish at Hobby Lobby right before I signed up to become a merchandiser and I absolutely love it!

Here it is with the Lunette Open Band Ring, which I've worn everyday since I got it. You need this ring for summer; it's lightweight and you won't even notice you're wearing it (with exception of the constant compliments). If you're on the fence about ring sizes, the "open" styles like this are all adjustable.

I may have to start changing my clothes a few times a day, I desperately want to wear this next one. I love the cut of the amethyst stone on the Geovista Convertible Pendant Necklace. 

I saved the best for last, one of our most popular styles for summer. The aquamarina collection has so many great pieces, I may get a bracelet to coordinate with this Convertible Pendant Necklace.

I got this cute little mirror for my display at the Daiso store.

Here's a close up of the top layer, so pretty!

I couldn't get a great picture of my whole display (which I'm constantly rearranging), but here's the condensed version.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Perhaps you're thinking about becoming a Chloe + Isabel Merchandiser. If so, be sure to checkout my last post about my Essential Kit or click on my affiliate link here to learn more.

Want to join my mailing listing for upcoming sales and promotions? Send me an email at moderntypography@aol.com

Happy Shopping!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Because I love Amazon :)

Stitch Fix Does Casual Chic for the Work from Home Mom

Oh that I had written this post yesterday when I was bursting with creativity! If only I could find the perfect formula to achieve that everyday. Perhaps I was inspired by my rockin' 15th Stitch Fix box? I spent the day filling Etsy orders, networking with fellow shop owners, and brainstorming ideas for my Etsy shop. I've almost finished a blog post about all the changes I've seen in Etsy recently.

With all the time I'm spending building my small business, and raising a family, I just don't have time to shop. I actually tried going a few times this last week, and was just too pressed for time and couldn't find what I was looking for. I've really come to rely on my Stitch Fix shipments to fill the gaps in my wardrobe.

This time around, I was looking for casual chic layers for this colder than usual SoCal winter. Seriously, you'd laugh at me if you saw how warm it was yesterday when I picked up #2 from school. Regardless, I'm always cold. Here's what showed up in my first Fix of 2016!

Doesn't it look cozy? 

First up, the Mystree Almada Faux Shearling Vest in tan and white, $78

I thought maybe this time around I'd share the fabric content of the pieces. I was surprised to find this was a polyester spandex blend! It is super soft and delicious, in case you were wondering. My love for this piece affirms my definite love for boho styles.

I tried it on with nearly everything in sight. First, with a sweater I happened to be wearing that I'd just picked up from Marshall's (my only shopping find in nearly 6 hours of shopping).

Sorry for the weird lighting, I was using my mom as a tripod :)

I love the brown on black and white stripe combination, don't you? Mixed neutrals are really big this season. It's funny, when I bought this sweater I kept thinking it needed something. I tried it on with every scarf I owned the day before my Fix came, and nothing was really working. I can't wait to wear this to church next Sunday!

Here's a close up with better lighting.

Here's a picture of the back.

My mom wasn't a fan of the back, but I don't care. I wear clothes for me, and from the front I love this piece.

I thought the vest looked great with solids, too. Here it is over the next item from my Fix, the Papermoon Alecka Lace Sleeve Knit Top, $54

This one is a polyester spandex blend as well. I have a love hate relationship with this type of material. It's super soft, stretchy and comfortable. Unfortunately, it emphasizes every lump and bump.

Photo credit: #1. Thanks for making me look better than I really do kid.

I desperately wanted it to work because it looks so cute with my Kut from the Kloth Maribel Straight Leg Jeans. I don't know why, but I often have trouble finding something to wear with them. I received them in my 13th Fix, so I really haven't had long to experiment. Regardless, I wasn't about to send them back. They are SO comfortable and smooth as butter.

Back to the shirt, I love the romantic meets boho detail. It was the perfect length to cover my rear, too. Bye bye, beautiful top, I will miss you.

This is another one I was hoping would work with my Maribels, the Loveappella Cholame Split Back Knit Top in burgundy, $54.

This one is made from a rayon, polyester, spandex blend. It's a heavier weight, but very breathable. Isn't the split back detail fun?

   

Well, sadly I would've needed a size up in this one. It was tight and a tad bit short in the front. I wasn't sure enough it was going to work for me in a medium to request an exchange, so I sent it back. I really loved it though. Great color and style, and machine washable!

The next piece coordinated well with the Loveappella Cholame Top. This is the Skies are Blue Lowry Open Cardigan in black and white, $58. 

     

I also have to give photo credit to #1 for these, too. Because, the sarcastic faces. But also because you caught good hair shots. 

I loved a lot of things about this cardigan. It's 100% cotton, has a gorgeous open weave, and I love the length and fit. I just realized it was too similar to the cardigan from my very first Fix.

Here's a close up of the detail. Ughh..I can't believe I had to send this one back. But I just did a closet purge and am really trying to restrain from buying every single thing I like to make room for future loves. I know it's going to make someone very happy. Maybe you?

The last piece was the Papermoon Fausta Elbow Patch Raglan Knit Top in navy, $54.

The material, a polyester, spandex, rayon blend, reminded me of the space dye slub knit on the Market & Spruce Sawyer dolman my mom received and the Corinna dolman I had in my box last April.

Unfortunately, that material is just too scratchy for my dish pan hands and it wasn't quite long enough even in my size up. Boo, I actually really liked the elbow patch detail.

So, I ended up just keeping the vest, which I am happy about! Not only did I find a new favorite, I now have an excuse to order another box.

If you'd like to give Stitch Fix a try, I'd love it if you used my referral link!

It's super easy to sign up, and there are no long term commitments! You simply fill out a short questionnaire, select the date you'd like to receive a box, and pay a $20 styling fee. If you decide to keep any of the items, the $20 fee is applied to the price. Send back what you don't like in a prepaid envelope from your very own mailbox.

You can read about my previous experiences here:

Subscription Box Reviews

In case you missed my last post, there are additional pictures of these items from the Stitch Fix iPhone App. Just click here:  How to Get Your Best Fix: Tips & Tricks

You can also pin the pictures from this post here:

Modern Typography on Pinterest

I'd love to hear what you thought about this Fix. Leave a comment below!

Happy Tuesday!