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'

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!

Surprise, Surprise: Stitch Fix Review #3 March 2015

So I've become pretty active in Facebook groups created for buying, selling, and trading subscription box items. I just learned a new trick. It turns out, you can "peek" at your Stitch Fix, before it arrives. Simply click on "checkout survey" in the "Your fix is on it's way!" email.

So, here's a fact about me. Out of the 4 times I've been pregnant, I found out the gender beforehand ZERO times. Impressive, right? So I thought it would be easy to wait until my Fix arrived.

It wasn't easy, especially watching everyone else reveal their fixes on Facebook, and selling items I really wanted. But I waited. And waited. I almost looked once, but then I remembered why I started Stitch Fix in the first place.

Someone asked me the other day what it is I like about Stitch Fix.
For me, it isn't the convenience, because even as a mother of 4, I manage to find time here and there to shop. I would say it's the element of surprise!

I also love having someone with expertise in fashion style me, I need all the help I can get!

Here's what Traci sent:

Romolo Genevieve Stacked Chevron Pendant Necklace $28

So, I was definitely taken by surprise when Traci sent this necklace.
I had checked the boxes on my profile to let her know I didn't want to receive any jewelry.
But if you've seen my pinterest board lately, it's flooded with Stitch Fix jewelry.

You can thank my #enablers on my Facebook groups for that.
When I see the jewelry in their fixes I am super jealous!
So, Traci read my mind (rather my pinterest) and sent over this mixed metal necklace and I love it!
It goes really well with a lot of my new tunics and dresses, as you'll see later.

Pixley Martina Slub Knit Open Cardigan $48

I specifically asked for an open cardigan with pockets and again Traci delivered!
I wonder if she caught on to my latest obsession with slub knits when she picked it out.

Above, I paired it with a cobalt short sleeve Daniel Rainn blouse I picked up from Marshall's this morning. This is another great thing about Stitch Fix, trying things on with what you already have.

Below, I styled the cardigan and the necklace with my Puella dress from Golden Tote.

Skies are Blue Amil V-Neck Blouse $48

I can definitely see the connection between this blouse and my feedback, as well as my pinterest board. I pin a lot of flowy tops, I love geometric shapes, the colors are great for me, and I love a 3/4 sleeve. I have other Skies are Blue items in my closet that I've purchased elsewhere.

My Mom gave me these Loft modern straight jeans for my birthday, and I wear them with everything.

I think this top looks great dressed up or down.

41Hawthorn Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer $78

Here's another item I recently pinned. It comes in many colors, but my stylist picked up on my affinity for navy. Something I didn't notice about it when I pinned it is the contrasting black stripe.

I likely would have never picked this out for myself in a store, but seeing it on other blogs sold me.

I love it when Stitch Fix sends items that can be worn together!

Traci was right, you've got to size up on this jacket. I think it fits well,

and I like that it emphasizes my waist.

I'm really loving this combination!

Papermoon Lexis Henley Knit Top $48

I specifically asked for more casual clothing. Did they know it would be 95 degrees in Southern California the day this arrived?! This also paired well with the blazer and fit very nicely.

Decision, decisions.

Since I like a good mystery, I didn't look at the prices until I was done trying on the clothes.

I like to keep an open mind.

Very reasonable indeed!

Think I should keep it all, for the 25% discount? 

$187.50 is pretty good for 5 quality pieces.

I'd love your opinions! Have you received the same pieces? Have any styling suggestions?

What should I ask for next?

If you'd like to give Stitch Fix a try click here.

I receive a small commission when you sign up with my link.

There's no commitment to sign in and check it out. If you schedule a box they take a $20 styling fee. If you keep anything they deduct the styling fee from the cost.

Shipping is free both ways!

Let me know if you decide to try it, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Additional Stitch Fix Reviews:

Stitch Fix #1

Stitch Fix #2

Happy styling!

My Latest Fix (Stitch Fix)

My Stitch Fix box arrived, just in time for Christmas (and 5 days earlier than expected)! I had ordered it mid-November and it was the earliest date available. At the time I was very pregnant and home on maternity leave, dreaming of clothes that weren't 99% spandex. I gave a pretty tall order, "make me not look fat" more or less. I filled out their style profile, left a note for my stylist, and wished for the best.

For those of you unfamiliar with Stitch Fix it's a styling service. They send you 5 items for a $20 fee. Keep and pay for what you'd like, send back the rest. If you keep all 5 items you get a 25% discount, if you send it all back they keep the styling fee. The fee goes toward the items you keep. I think what sold me was the not leaving your home part. With baby number 4 and just having finished Christmas shopping I am really over my need to go anywhere. I also have very little time when I do go shopping. When I do get the chance to shop, I always end up in the same stores buying the same style of clothes, if you could call it a style. According to the website the average price of an item is $50, it's more than what I usually spend but there are no additional charges for shipping, just tax.

I seriously couldn't believe I decided to keep everything. So here's what I got!

EZRA

Eileen Striped Dolman Top $38.00

I hate the neckline, it's too low and I never wear v necks. Its also long and frumpy looking. I don't think horizontal stripes are ever going to work for me. I do however like the material and color. Not my favorite in the box, but I didn't give up hope!

Size Just right
Price Just right
Style Hate it
Fit/Cut Hate it

PAPERMOON

Elvina Embroidery Detail Pocket Front Top $44.00

I'm not into boho, seems like a mix up. But I love this top, the small amount of detail, otherwise simple. Great colors for me, goes good with jeans. I don't like that it needs dry cleaning, how is this "easy to take care of"? I'll make it work though, I love this shirt. It was the first thing I wore from the box.

Size Just right
Price Just right
Style Love it
Fit/Cut Love it

EZRA

Isaac Open Cardigan $48.00

Great color for me, soft and luxurious, goes well with jeans, perfect amount of detail, great length. This was my favorite, instantly loved. Do this again Stitch Fix and you'll have me for life!

Size Just right
Price Just right
Style Love it
Fit/Cut Love it

LOVEAPPELLA

Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt $64.00

I wasn't sure about this style and fit, and the pocket sort of falls on my baby bump. The funnel neck seemed odd. But it just works. It's incredibly soft and the color/marl is flattering. 

Size Just right
Price Too high
Style Like it
Fit/Cut Like it

HONEY PUNCH

Mya Plaid & Lace Button-Up $48.00

Returning, small stain. It was too long, very unflattering with baby bump. I don't like long shapeless shirts. I rarely find button ups that work. I also prefer warmer pieces, I get cold easily. 

Size Too Big
Price Just right
Style Just okay
Fit/Cut Hate it

So I liked/loved 3 out of 5 items, this far exceeded my expectations. At first I was a little put off by them sending something they considered boho and saying it appealed to me, as nothing in my profile suggested I like boho. And the really long flowy shirts totally went against the classic, fitted style I prefer. But I did just have a baby and if I'd gotten tightly fitted clothes they probably wouldn't have worked. I'd say their instincts paid off.

Stitch Fix didn't have a replacement for the Mya Plaid shirt but they were very nice and let me have the 25% off the other items (as I had planned to keep them all for the discount). Great customer service was the cherry on top of this great fix! So for about $140 bucks I got 4 new tops. With the discount the price is pretty close to what I'd usually pay. I'm hoping the striped Eileen grows on me, maybe it'll look better as the baby bump does. It is really comfortable either way.

Needless to say, I will be ordering another Stitch Fix box in the future. I may have even sold my sister on the idea! You can go ahead and add a Stitch Fix gift card to my wish list! Be sure to follow a link from my blog to help me get my next fix :)

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/melanierhoades?sod=w&som=c