My 25th Stitch Fix

You read that right, I've received 25 curated, mystery, surprise boxes from Stitch Fix! That means I've received 125 items. It all started back in December of 2014 just one month after the birth of my 4th and final child. There I was in my mid 30s thinking "Am I ever going to wear clothes I love again?" And I did, thanks to Stitch Fix.

Life has certainly changed since then. I quit my job, I worked for Stitch Fix, and now I'm a jewelry merchandiser! The kids are a little older, I have time to shop and my body seems to have stopped changing. I thought I'd be over Stitch Fix by now, but there are still a few reasons I keep doing it.

1. There isn't a better place for jeans. Having seen their inventory, you'd be amazed how many sizes, shapes, colors, brands, and styles of jeans they have. If you are having a hard time finding the right fit, try it for yourself and see!

2. I still love getting happy mail. I'm a low risk type of gal and really, $20 isn't the end of the world for finding high quality jeans and other things.

Let's get real, if I can carve out an hour for myself these days, I'd rather spend it wandering Trader Joe's or an antique store than the drudgery of shopping for jeans in a store. And I ALWAYS come up empty handed. Add to that, gas money spent + the purchase of other things I don't need from Marshall's and Stitch Fix actually saves me money. 

Keep in mind, the $20 fee goes towards a purchase if you keep anything.

So here's what my $25 Stitch Fix included:

Stitch Fix sends these fun style cards and notes to help you get the most out of your Fix.

I'm sure you're wondering about the prices. I selected "The cheaper the better" when filling out my style profile. I think some of the tops are overpriced but the prices of Stitch Fix jeans, pants, accessories, dresses, sweaters and jackets are comparable to department store prices.

While I find the prices reasonable, moreso with the buy it all discount, I'm a stickler for fit and excitement and decided not to keep anything this time around. I kind of regret not keeping the sweater as the fit was there. I think it was very flattering and feminine, but the color just wasn't me. The burgundy Henley was just a tad short and as usual, the dolman fit lacked the structure I need. The black top was an exact replica of a shirt that hung in my closet for ages, unworn. I think I never wore it because it didn't cover my chest enough.

The jeans were a total win, except on size. The Mavi were a size too big (these run large) and the Studio Blue were several inches too short (which might have worked if they were tapered). I was overall excited that the jeans were so close to perfect and immediately scheduled my next Fix!

If you'd like to try Stitch Fix for yourself I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/melanierhoades?sod=w&som=c

Love my jewelry? You can find the Blooms of Kyoto necklace here in ivory, red or black, and so much more: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/melanierhoades

Happy Spring! 

I'm Still Here

I know, it's been awhile. Every once in awhile one of my friends will randomly message me and say, "Look, I saw you on Pinterest!" I just laugh. Yes, I "used to" blog about subscription boxes. I was so obsessed, I landed a job as a Stitch Fix stylist!

But hey seriously, where did that me go?

Friday, Orange County was flooded with butterflies (painted ladies) and we had one of the hottest winter weekends I've ever seen. Friday Night Lights was a bit less chilly, and Saturday I was so hot waiting for a drumline competition to start that I drank a whole Coke. Spring was in the air!

Coincidentally, when I got home my mailbox was full of gorgeous new pieces from C+I's new spring line "Kyoto" and the mood struck. I was me all over again! I mean, who wouldn't be inspired by a sky full of butterflies followed by a new collection of butterfly jewelry, and the capture of a ladybug at the most opportune time?!

I pulled out some old favorite Stitch Fix pieces and paired them with my new, fabulous Chloe + Isabel Spring 2019 collection, Kyoto.

Dress up turned out to be the best pick me up. I was so inspired I ordered Stitch Fix, which I haven't done in ages!

If you need a little dress up in your life, give Stitch Fix a try! Click here to check it out: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/melanierhoades?sod=w&som=c

If you love my Chloe + Isabel jewelry, you can click on the picture of the piece that caught your eye to see it in my online boutique, or see the whole collection here: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/melanierhoades

Stay tuned for another round of dress up!

Thrift Sub Box - Say What Now?!

It's been too long since I blogged about subscription boxes, don't you think? It's partly because I'm not doing them often, and partly that I'm failing at it. My last two (Stitch) Fixes were a bust, I've put on a little winter weight. That's a thing, right? I may also be a little disenchanted from my behind the scenes experience as a stylist. I feel the same way about Disneyland since working there.

But look was I just spotted today! Thred Up has a Goody Box which is more or less a sub box, curated thrifted finds with a just a $20 deposit. Keep what you like, send the rest back!

If you haven't heard of Thred Up, I'm so glad you're here. It's the biggest thrift & consignment store online. I'd been stalking them for awhile now, a good friend recommended it. When I spotted 3 pairs of designer jeans (my favorite brand) in new condition in my size, PLUS a coupon code, I jumped in and am so happy I did. This was my favorite pair. After the coupon I paid just $11.40 for them!

It's really easy to use, just enter your sizes, click on categories that interest you and browse. You can even sort to see only items new with tags still on.

Right now I'm stalking jackets, which brings me back round to the Goody Box. There are so many options, I can't make up my mind. I love the idea of a box of surprises at amazing prices.

Check out the fun categories to pick from!

Cold Weather Essentials

Jeans, sweaters and long sleeve tops for cooler temperatures

Office Styles

Pants, skirts and blouses for the office

Night Out

Date night dresses, blouses, tops and jeans for a night on the town

Fancy Finds (Designer Labels)

Jeans, long sleeve tops, sweaters and jackets from your favorite name brands

Each box contains 12-15 custom items based on your preferences, notes and sizes. They ship free AND returns are free! A $20 deposit is collected, which counts toward anything you keep.

I love everything about this idea. I just finished checking out. I picked the Fancy Finds. Blog post to come!

Other great things about Thred Up:

Closet Clean Out

Request a clean out kit and send your gently used or unworn pieces to Thred Up and choose between making a charitable donation or payout. It's the perfect answer to buyers remorse on non-returnable items or satisfying the urge to shop when funds are low. Get cash up front or on consignment.

The current "exchange rate" on Thred Up:

Reduce Recycle Reuse

I've always loved thrifting for kitchen and household items, toys, and games knowing that I was doing my part to reduce waste. However, I found thrifting for clothes time consuming and frustrating. I never dreamed I'd find an online thrift and consignment store full of my favorite Stitch Fix brands in like new condition. The prices are unreal!

As you would imagine, Thred Up receives items that are not up to their resale standards. I was happy to hear they sell this third party sellers or passed on to textile recycling companies.

I hope to use this as an opportunity to teach my kids good habits. That reminds me, I need to check out the kids clothing, too!

If you're thinking of trying Thred Up for yourself, whether it's the Goody Box or just poppin tags on a few new pieces you pick out yourself, I'd love it if you used my referral link. I think there's a $10 off coupon in it for you, too! Click here: Thred Up

Happy Thrifting!

Last Minute Gift Ideas - Holiday 2016

Inevitably, every Christmas I forget someone on my holiday gift list. I shop early for nieces and nephews, my kids remind me daily to shop for them, and I pretty much remember anyone related to me. But when it comes to teachers, neighbors, and miscellaneous other friends, I always manage to have a blindspot until a week before Christmas. Then I start entertaining unrealistic ideas of baking or crafting. This year, not only am I checking my list twice, I'm buying back up gifts and have several other ideas I know I can get last minute without it looking like I did.

I thought I'd share a list of last minute gift ideas with my bloggers too, as a gift to you!

A Stitch Fix Gift Card

At first glance gift cards can come across as generic and last minute, but a Stitch Fix gift card is to a woman like Chuck E. Cheese tokens are to kids (there's another last minute gift idea, too!) When I think about gift buying, I consider my favorite things. Many people when talking about Stitch Fix describe it like "Christmas morning". It's Santa, for adults!

When you give the Stitch Fix experience to someone, you're really gifting a personal stylist. For anyone who hasn't already tried it, the concept is fun and exciting, and if they've tried it already then they are likely already obsessed.

Since the gift card is just a code, you can buy it last minute and tuck a printout in a pretty little box, or even an old Stitch Fix box if you have 1 or 7 laying around.

If you buy a gift card or decide to treat yourself, I'd love it if you used my affiliate link: click here

Subscription Boxes for a year

This sounds redundant, and Stitch Fix IS somewhat of a subscription box (you can schedule regular fixes). But this idea is like giving a magazine subscription to someone, only it's a box full of something they are interested in. Here are a few of my favorites:

For the cook: Mary's Secret Ingredients
This is a curated culinary box full of foodie goodness like ready to eat treats, seasonings, kitchen tools and recipe ideas.

For the geek: Loot Crate
This is ideal for those hard to shop for guys, but not exclusively. They have different categories to pick from like Marvel, Gaming, Sanrio and J.K Rowling's Wizard World. If you have a fan in your life, this is perfection.

For the naturalist: Etsy Subscription Boxes
This is for the friend who always smells like candles or the cousin who loves to make things. There's a subscription box for just about anything you can imagine on Etsy, from soap of the month club to sew-alongs. You can even subscribe to pie of the month!

Shop Local

I'm not talking about running to Walgreens at the last minute (been there, done that). Rather, I was thinking about those hard working small business owners in direct sales and makers who, like me, are all stocked up on merchandise and ready to help you put together a personalized gift.

I've got you covered for a pair of earrings or wrap bracelet for your sister-in-law, or a nail polish set for your child's Kindergarten teacher. I'll even wrap them for you. 

If you are in Orange County, California I have several contacts who would be happy to put together a makeup gift set (erinlovesmakeup.com), an ornament filled with nail wraps (https://kristieg.jamberry.com/us/en/) or unique planter filled with succulents (www.facebook.com/succulentsbybeverly).

Even if your direct sales friends are out of stock or live far away, most online businesses have fairly reasonable ship dates for receiving items in time for Christmas. I just visited a friends Scentsy website (https://ssiemers.scentsy.us/) and right there on the front page it says you have until Dec. 19th to order!

Make a Donation to Charity

For the philanthropist, the do-gooder in your life. Chances are if you're friends on Facebook with someone you know what causes matter to them. Perhaps they just ran a marathon for awareness. Maybe they volunteer at a shelter. Donate in their name, this is a truly special gift.

Along these same lines, I'm buying ornaments for several teachers on my list this year, the proceeds benefit a friend who is in the process of adoption.

I know it'll warm their heart to hear this story: https://www.adopttogether.org/andersonadoptionadventure

Give the Gift of Time

I don't want to get all sappy, but the older I get the more I appreciate time spent with the people I care about. Even if you decide to buy a few books for your child's playmate/family (Usborne Books) or fill a stocking with Perfectly Posh (https://www.perfectlyposh.com/Getposhedwithjackie/), when you give a gift to someone tuck a card inside with a coupon for a lunch date or make plans to have coffee over the Christmas break. Invite them to your church and share a pew this Christmas. Invite them over to watch a Christmas movie together.

In case I forget to write again before the year's end (boy is life busy these days) I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

As a small token of my appreciation please enjoy this coupon code for 25% off my entire Chloe + Isabel boutique good through the 8th! Coupon Code: FFHOL16

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!

How to Get Your Best Fix, Tips & Tricks

I'm not sure why in all these Fixes it never occurred to me to do a "How to Get Your Best Fix" post. I suppose I didn't feel altogether certain I had it all figured out. Turns out, it's not quite the mystery I thought it would be! In fact, most of these facts about Stitch Fix were shared by the company itself on the Stitch Fix Blog, I've just put together the bits and pieces. Whether you are thinking about trying Stitch Fix for the first time, or a seasoned Fixer, I hope to share a few tips to improve your Stitch Fix experience.

Fill up the box.

No, I'm not talking about the Stitch Fix box, although people do love to photograph their boxes with everything from babies to pumpkins.

If you haven't tried Stitch Fix yet, I'm talking about your style profile, specifically, the little box at the bottom. When you head over to the Stitch Fix website and register for the first time, you'll fill out a questionnaire with everything from your shoe size to your fit preferences. Don't get me wrong, these questions are really important.

Still, that little bitty box for your "Final Thoughts" is your greatest opportunity to tell your stylist what makes you YOU. Stitch Fix is a lot of things to a lot of people (a LOT). What's it to you? The Stitch Fix Blog recommends adding a few notes about your body shape, your style icons, or your favorite stores to shop. I would add to that your lifestyle, favorite colors to wear, and specifics about sizing (such as inseam, or sizes you are between).

You have another opportunity to tell Stitch Fix more about yourself just before your Fix gets styled. You'll receive an email with a link to yet another box where you can tell your stylist what is on your wardrobe wishlist. Or you can click here: Last Minute Requests.

Here a couple of the notes I've written for myself the past:

"I need tops I can throw on with casual jeans, dressy t-shirts, tanks or henleys, something durable/kid friendly. Also need a top to wear with my navy wide leg trousers for a patriotic concert, maybe red/white stripes, or all red. If you send a dress, maybe fit and flare, knee length, ponte has always worked best for me. Was tempted to just say "surprise me" this time!"

"I like navy, gray, and black. I love tunics. I love open cardigans but they have to fit over clothes. I need mostly casual clothes, for layering. My clothes need to be practical, sturdy, wash easy. I'm more likely to keep items under $50."

Share a Picture of Yourself

The easiest way to do that is via profile picture on the Stitch Fix App.

Did I just lose half of you? It's really not a big deal if you don't have the Stitch Fix App. I didn't download it at first, I didn't have room on my phone thanks to "Subway SurferS" and "Dragon City". I just wanted to make sure everyone realized you can share a profile picture there. You can also view what's coming to you after it ships, giving you more time to admire their prettiness, and think about how they'll mix and match with what's in your closet.

There are a few other ways to share a picture, such as uploading a selfie to your Pinterest board, or linking up your LinkedIN profile. You can wear your favorite Stitch Fix pieces, or wear a leotard. You can put a paper bag over your head, or take a picture with your pet alligator. Whatever floats your boat. Whatever you choose, it really makes for a more personalized experience.

I'm thinking of changing mine to this. Does this say, "I like casual, boho styles. Nothing too fancy, because babies are going to spit on me" ???

Tell em What You Think

After you checkout, take a minute or 2 to tell Stitch Fix what you loved and what you didn't love about the pieces you kept and the ones you sent back. Too long? Too furry? Perfect color? Best Fix Ever? When they sent me the Brixon Ivy Pinson Drape Cardigan I wrote "Do this again!" It goes with everything, which I never would have expected from a blush and oatmeal color combination. How do you do it Stitch Fix, how?

Leave a Little Room for Mystery

People often compare receiving Stitch Fix to Christmas morning. I'm not going to lie, I still feel that way 15 Fixes in! I'm always wondering when I'm going to find my next favorite ever piece. And often, it's the one I least expected. I kept my entire 1st Fix, and the Evie Drawstring Funnel Neck Sweatshirt was initially my least favorite. Now I wear it all the time! Here's a flashback to me wearing it when #4 was still tiny.

Don't fret too much about writing the perfect note or finding the best profile picture. Keep an open mind and have fun with it!

If you'd like to try Stitch Fix, I'd love it if you used my affiliate link: Sign Up Here

Stay tuned for my next Reveal! Here's a sneek peek from my iPhone: