Front Door Fashion Review Spring 2015

You're either going to be really mad at me or my new best friend

when you hear about this new online shopping experience I found for women's clothing.

Front Door Fashion is a highly personalized styling service for women

looking for a complete wardrobe makeover. Take a seat.

Front door fashion sends you 3-6 ENTIRE outfits!

Yes, you read right. Not 5 items, not 1 outfit.

They send you everything from pants and tops to jewelry and shapewear for a head to toe new look.

Front Door Fashion isn't a clothing subscription box, no algorithms, no guessing games.

After you complete a profile and order, a professional stylists contacts you to start things off right.

For transparency's sake, I knew I couldn't afford the clothing
(the price ranges are clearly defined within the style profile)
but Front Door Fashion encouraged me to try it and share it with my readers!

I know many of you are looking for more than an occasional shirt or necklace.

If you are ready to take it to the next level with 3-4 new outfits to bulk up your wardrobe,
I think I've found just the thing for you.

Now, on to the goods!

The clothes arrived in a suitcase size box via UPS. Each outfit was carefully hung with cute little tags describing it. The first outfit out of the garment bag was me to a T, "Casually Sophisticated."
At least that's what I'm going for.

I thought'd I'd throw in a little before and after so you can see what my current dilemma is.
So often I end up throwing on a black top and a comfy cardigan over a pair of ill fitting jeans.



I think this outfit is a drastic improvement!

I was really impressed with the quality and price of these baby boot jeans from Articles of Society.
Knowing the prices were higher, I had higher expectations. I anticipated quality fabrics and unique styles. The Maylin pleated button down top was all of those things. It had these super fun looped buttons, off-centered, giving it a sort of a kimono feel. Wish it fit. Sigh.

This outfit came with an alternate top as well.
Love the lace, but not sold on the color. What do you think?
For reference, it's the BB Dakota Samie top.

Love that they sent camisoles, red and nude. I imagine a lot of ladies out there
haven't tried much shapewear. A good camisole can make or break an outfit for me.

If trying Stitch Fix has taught me anything, it's not to make up your mind about something until you've tried it on. When I saw this hot pink tshirt dress with a drawstring waist from Splendid,
I was certain I would hate it. But it was so soft and comfortable!

I have military style jackets all over my Pinterest boards, and the olive green in this
Velvet Heart jacket is a nice contrast to the bright color in the dress.
Unfortunately it was too big for me. LOVE the material, perfect layering piece.
I like that it wears more like an open shirt than a cinched parka you usually see.

This "perfectly pink" outfit came with a cute little prism pave necklace from BCBGMaxazria, too.

This next set was meant to "push you just a little bit out of your comfort zone," my stylist says.
I am not big on prints on pants. My stylist called this one, "The New Neutral."
I've noticed a lot patterns on pants these days, like the popular Margaret M Emer's from Stitch Fix.



These Nic + Zoe mixed dot easy pants have a small pattern
you can really only see if you look up close.

I guess she thought maybe since she already had me out of my comfort zone
she might as well camp out there :) Why not throw in a short skirt?

Funny, the pink dress was probably just as short, but this felt so much shorter.
I bet it would look amazing with cowboy boots on the right person.
I know when to hold them, know when to fold them. I'm still working on my poker face.

I do love the Courtney cap sleeve top from Velvet Heart that came with it,
but I can't see myself wearing white. I can give you plenty of examples
from today alone where I would have had to change my shirt.
Snow cone, mud, baby, pizza, berries, and the day isn't even over yet.

I had mentioned in my style profile (a place to let your stylist know more about yourself)
that I have quite a bit of jewelry, but nothing colorful.
It was fun to try this Agate and Druzy Stone Necklace, I like the colors and textures a lot.

 

I had to laugh when I saw the tag on this next get-up, "Wait, these aren't PJs?"
Seriously, I could sleep in these Splendid double cloth pants, and the Askari Laney top.
I don't think the colors are doing many any favors though.

I really appreciate my stylist's sentiment on the last set. "I'm DETERMINED to find you  maxi dresses that you'll love and wear." I've never seen anything like this Weston Mae maxi. I think it's meant to be worn bra commando, as it is fitted in the bodice and fully lined to the thigh. I thought the light blue "Drifting Cardy" from Nic + Zoe was an interesting match.

Unfortunately this didn't hide my problem areas, my current predicament with maxi's.
Black could be the answer, and this Splendid version feels like butter.
But I think it was a little big all over.

I couldn't get a great picture of the Zad ribbon beaded bib necklace,
but I did get a good pic of #2.

All and all I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience.
My stylist sent me a list of thought provoking questions shortly after I signed up.
She really made me think about what I was hoping to get out of this,
and how personalized this service would be.
Perhaps these questions will pique your curiosity,
and get you thinking, too.

What’s your typical day like?
Are there any specific items you would like to see in your box?
What is your closet missing right now?
Is there anything else you’d like your stylist to know about you that will help her
give you outfits that are PERFECT for you and your lifestyle?

All in all my box had 5 full outfits and a total of 17 items!
This kind of leeway puts Front Door Fashion in a unique position
to find exactly what you are looking for!

And if you are in need of a little help, Front Door Fashion
includes a lookbook full of styling ideas and a shoe guide with every box,
as well as the full contact information for your personal stylist.

Trying Front Door Fashion is absolutely free, including shipping both ways!
If you decided to try it, tell them "howdy" for me, and be sure to come back
and show me what you got! I should warn you, it might take you awhile!

Happy Styling!

Box of Pearls Coupon Code March 2015

Congratulations to Jennifer Blanton, winner of the

Box of Pearls Giveaway!

Don't frown, I have a coupon code for the rest of us!

Use MARCH at checkout to receive free shipping

from Box of Pearls all month.

What to buy, what to buy...

It's really hard to pick photos to show you.E

Everything is beautiful.

You can really see the time put into every piece.

I need these.

Spread the love!

Thanks again for entering.

Please visit the giveaway tab at the top of the page for additional chances to win,

or follow this blog for future promotions.

Girly Girl Giveaway Sponsor #3: littlepearlquilts

Remember my earlier post with the adorable bunnies from littlepearlquilts? It was my very first seller feature :) Well, Jessa decided shortly thereafter to donate an item from her shop for the Girly Girl Giveaway, isn't that sweet?! One luck winner will be receiving this handcrafted pocket crinkle toy:

Buy it here

I am very grateful to Jessa for introducing me to the Etsymom team. I've already met a few great people who have agreed to sponsor future giveaways and reviews through this great group. Jessa and I are both participating in the Etsymom team Christmas in July sale. When you spend $30 in littlepearlquilts you'll receive one of the crinkle toys free! I don't know if you noticed, but I'm a big fan of free :)

I could easily spend $30 in Jessa's shop on these alone:

Buy it here

I love it that she includes fish, eggplant and heirloom tomatoes in her play food set (I'm a dietitian so I love to see healthy play food rather than the typical bacon and pancakes).

I also love this little guy, so much personality in such a simple couple of stitches:

Buy it here

Jessa has also made items with Mommies in mind, like these lovely lavendar pillows:

Buy it here

It has been a blessing to get to know Jessa: 

Q: Where did you learn your craft?

A: My grandmother did a few embroidery projects with me when I was very little, but I'm mostly self-taught.  All of the quilting I've learned through trial-and-error - which is great - but some days the "error" part can be really frustrating!

Q: What do you do when sales are slow in your shop?

A: I usually use the extra time to get my supplies and sewing space back under control.  It gives me a chance to go through my fabric stash and plan new projects.

Q: How do you balance work and home life/real job?

A:  I stay home to care for my toddler and for my mom, who has early-onset Alzheimer's disease - so my days are pretty full.  I do a lot of my sewing at night, and don't get as much sleep as I'd like (who does?)  My little one is just starting to play happily (and safely!) on his own, so I have been getting a little more time during daylight hours.

Q: How do you define success?

A: I feel pretty successful.  I've gotten wonderful, glowing feedback from my customers, which makes me really happy.  And I've been making enough money to buy all the pretty fabric I love - supporting that habit was my original sales goal.

Q: What has been your biggest success so far?

A:  I love the new baby quilts I've been making, like this one: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/51422600   And I love that they've been selling so quickly, because it means I get to make more!

Q: What is the last thing you bought on Etsy?

A: I bought this sweet little kit as a birthday gift for my best friend - I can't wait for her to get it!  http://www.etsy.com/listing/64116274/zodiac-embroidery-kit-diy-constellation?ref=pr_shop

littlepearlquilts has my longest running coupon code. Use MODERNFREE at checkout to receive free shipping on any purchase.

Thank you Jessa, for taking the time to make something really special for this giveaway and giving us the opportunity to get to know you! I hope we will be working together for years to come!

-Melanie

Snowmachine = Shopful of Robots = Love

Did I mention I'm obsessed with robots? No?!?!?! I'm obsessed with robots....


Abby from Snowmachine has the market cornered plush robots, period. I have to admit, her robots have been an inspiration for my new robot designs. Having sweat over mine, I realize how much creativity goes into creating unique robot "personalities." 

I'll just admit it, it's impossible to choose a favorite, 

but I am just jealous of this design: 

Buy it here

Abby says this it is the most popular style in her shop. 

The first one she made last year at Christmas sold in an hour!  

I also love that she made girly robots, robots aren't just for boys!

Buy it here

Abby also makes "edible" robots ;)

Buy it here

Enough about robots! Let's talk about Abby (and robots, of course). Now, typically I ask people 8-10 questions and you only get the most interesting. I couldn't resist posting everything Abby had to say: 


Q: How has your shopped changed since it opened?
A: My shop has been open about a year and a half and it's changed a lot since it opened. At first I was more focused on burp clothes and other baby items but I started to realize that my robots were the most unique item I had and therefore the most successful. I focus mostly on them now. 

Q: What is the best business decision you ever made?
A: In January I decided to change how I ran my shop- previously I would make a robot, take pictures, and then list the robot. Everything was always ready to ship but if I was busy my shop would get empty. I decided to reverse how I worked- I now have several styles to choose from and I make the robots as they are ordered. It means that my shop is never empty and I still have the flexibility to stay creative and add new styles whenever I want.

Q: What advice do you have for new sellers on Etsy?
A: Do a search for the item you want to make. If there are a million items for sale just like what you have in mind you might have a long road ahead. Try to find your niche, what makes your product unique? Focus on making that great. A bit of advice I read on the forums when I was starting was to just keep making things. If you keep making and listing things will fall into place. 

Q: How do you come up with new ideas? 
A: I've always been a really observent person. My mom says that when I was little she could move one thing in the house and I would know immediately. I think observation is what inspires me. Looking at the visual culture around me gives me ideas for what should be the next thing in my shop. I also get ideas from customers who want something specific. Sometimes the best ideas come from, "do you think you could make...?"

Q: What is the best compliment your shop/you have received?
A: I've had some really amazing heartfelt feedback that makes me feel great about what I do. There have been a couple times that a customer has told me about their children taking their new robots somewhere very meaningful, one to a surgery and one to an adoption hearing. I will always treasure those stories where something I made was there for comfort during an important time in a child's life. 


Q: Just for fun, what is your favorite shop on Etsy?
A: I have a few shops that I really like but moncadeau is one of my very favorites. I have the initial rings for my son's names and I really want some of her necklaces.


Inspiring!


Abby has generously agreed to offer an exclusive coupon code for our readers! Use the code ROBOTMAIL to receive free shipping on your order from Snowmachine!


Domo arigato, Abby! I couldn't be more thrilled!


-Melanie

Meet Jessa from Little Pearl Quilts

I'm delighted to introduce you to our first featured seller, Jessa from littlepearlquilts. Jessa has been selling precious embroidered and quilted items on Etsy for less than 6 months and has already had 80 sales! The best seller in her shop is these adorable little bunnies:





Let's see what she had to say about her shops success:


Q: How has your shopped changed since it opened?

A: My shop hasn't actually been open for very long. I think in my profile it says it opened in 2008, but I didn't actually start selling until February of this year. But in less than six months, I've learned a lot about taking better photographs and writing good descriptions, and I've been really happy with the success I've had so far. And it's been really fun! 

Q: What is the best business decision you ever made?

A:  It's not a big thing, but I bought a new sewing machine a few months ago with my Etsy profits. I love it, and it's made a lot of my work easier and faster. It feels like a new toy and a good investment.

Q: Worst? 

A: I don't feel like I've done anything terrible (thank goodness!) but I do wish I had figured out international shipping sooner. It's not as tricky as I thought, and I feel like I probably missed out on some great international customers by not making that effort when I first started listing.

Q: What advice do you have for new sellers on Etsy?
A: Two things: First, make a Facebook page! It's easy and free, and a great way to connect with customers. Plus, it's an easy way for your friends and family to pass you along to their friends. Mine is www.facebook.com/littlepearlquilts - stop by and say hello! Also, shop on Etsy! I love shopping for supplies and gifts here. I feel like I'm supporting other sellers just like me, and making connections in the process.

Q: Just for fun, what is your favorite shop on Etsy?

A: My favorite shop on Etsy is www.urbanlegend.etsy.com - she makes gorgeous jewelry out of vintage lucite beads. I could happily spend all of my Etsy profits on her necklaces. I also love my husband's shop, www.candyandoysters.etsy.com - with his original prints and paintings.

Great insight into your success. You don't have to tell me twice to shop on Etsy!


littlepearlquilts has decided to offer the readers of my blog a coupon code for free shipping! Just enter the code MODERNFREE at checkout now through the end of August to take advantage of this offer. 


Thanks Jessa! God Bless you.


-Melanie