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!

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!

Dailylook Elite Box Review #3: Free Trial Offer

I just received my 3rd and final box from Dailylook Elite.

Click to read about my 1st and 2nd boxes.

Even though I didn't keep anything from my first 2 shipments,

I decided to go ahead with the 3rd box, given the styling fee was waived for the 3 month free trial offer. I had nothing to lose (except maybe all the time I spent taking pictures & blogging about it).

If you're new to the idea, basically Dailylook Elite is an styling service similar to Stitch Fix or Golden Tote. I plan to put together a graphic soon comparing and contrasting these various services.

For now, here are a few differences. In my humble opinion, Dailylook is a bit edgier than it's competitors, appealing to a younger audience, and likely professionals with more leeway as to what they can wear in the office. They do carry a ton of feminine, boho and classic pieces, but often with a bit more bare skin.

You have the opportunity as a Dailylook Elite box subscriber to shop the site

with free shipping both ways.

Last, you have the opportunity to add items from their collections to your online "closet"

and request specific items in your box.

Here's what came in this May's box.

Before I even took the clothes out of the bags, I was already a thousand times more excited about this box than the 1st and 2nd. Patterns, colors, and a purse!

I wasn't truly caught of guard, because 1, I'd already peeked online

(just click the link from the email about the box leaving the warehouse) 

and 2, most of the items were from my "closet", items I'd picked out.

I'm sort of okay with having complete control over what they send. But then it doesn't feel like a styling service. Still, I liked the clothes MUCH more this way.

First thing I tried on was the Pleated A-Line Midi Dress.

As you may recall if you follow, I got this dress last month in a small and it was so

tight I had a hard time getting out of it. It appears Dailylook is not a fan of functional zippers.

This month my stylist decided to send me the medium.

I like the dress, and my daughter said it looked good.

But I think I'm uncomfortable having so much exposed skin in the neckline and arms.

I know I could wear a cardigan with it, but it's just a plain old black dress.

For $65 I think I could do better.

Next I tried on Zippered Woven Shift Dress in Royal Blue.

I toiled over this dress all weekend before deciding to send it back.

Unfortunately, it was too short to wear without tights (my shapewear was showing)

and it's too hot here to wear tights and boots now.

I really, really wanted to need it, because it was only $30.

But it was like 90 degrees when I tried it on, and it's pretty thick.

Thinner wouldn't have necessarily been the answer, as proven by the next dress.
I think the name says it all, "Brick House Bodycon Dress" in ivory.

To the lady who felt inclined to write a rude comment on my last Dailylook review,
I'm giving you another opportunity here.
And I'd deserve it, because I actually added this atrocity to my "closet."

Cute pattern though.

(Sigh) The next item I dreadfully regret to share having sent back

is the Fenner Top from Jack by BB Dakota.

Why, Dailylook, why? Why must I love this shirt so much but have no use for it?
The only thing I could get it to work with was this pencil skirt.

 

It's so long, ughh. I wish it were shorter so it would work with jeans.

But it just wouldn't, and I don't have $65 to spend on stuff I can't wear everyday.

I REALLY loved the color, and I REALLY loved the fabric.

I already regret sending it back.

It was downhill from there.

Just no.

This wrinkled mess is called the Faux Wrap Woven Blouse in sky blue.

And no, I didn't put it in my closet.

It is budget friendly, just $30.

Pears, beware. This style doesn't work. It just adds to the hips.

My stylist probably sent it because I did add this to my closet.

I wanted to give another Naked Zebra blouse a try, as I liked the one from my last box.

It seems broader in the shoulders, and between that and the wrap,

I thought it might create more of an hourglass shape. But it was just all wrong for me.

Part of the problem is that the sizing is a little off.

Both the blue and the black were mediums and felt too large.

I have "size up if unsure" in my notes, but I feel like my stylist

really isn't considering the style at all. She sent a small in the

Fenner top which is more fitted, and a medium in these looser styles.

I have a feeling it just has to do with what's in stock.

But if you want to sell me clothes they have to fit.

I did like that it was a sheer, lightweight material because I always wear a camisole,

and that way I could stay cool on hot days.

I'd say if it were a small I might have kept it,

but again I don't find it pear flattering. And for $50, it's got to be right on.

This one would have been nice for the same reason, lightweight and great with a camisole.

But she sent a medium, again. And the color just washed me out.

I would have thrown on some jeans with it to try as an alternate look,

but the natives were getting restless.

By the way, the skirt is one of my all time favorites from Loft, years ago.

I tried to keep things civil by including some "friends" in the photoshoot.

Here's a close up of the material.

I didn't take many Tres chic photos of the bag because I didn't want to fully unwrap it

because I had no intention of keeping it.

It was in my closet, and I loved the size (not to big, not to small)

but vegan = stinky.

For reference, it was $70. Not bad, but not that good when I consider

that I've seen this brand at Marshall's for half of that.

I think if I'd received this box a year ago, when I was dressing up 3 days a week

for work and surrounded by my super fashionable Dietitian friends, I might have kept half of it.

In fact, Dailylook did offer me a coupon this time around.

But I don't want to be that weird Mom standing by the school bus who's always ridiculously overdressed to pick up her kid from Kindergarten, or the frumpy Mom who settled on clothes that hid her tummy.

But maybe you see a gem here, need more clothes for work, or want to try Dailylook's edgier items.

In that case, I do have a referral link, should you decide to give it a go.

http://fbuy.me/cmUyq

Keep in mind, you don't have to subscribe to Dailylook Elite Box to buy the clothes.

But as a subscribers, they will ship for free, with free returns.

Love it? Hate it? Leave a comment below.

I really appreciate your feedback, both here and in our Facebook groups.

Help me decide if I should try it again, without the free trial,

or put Dailylook Elite on hold.

Stitch Fix #2 Happy Valentine's Day to Me!

What better day to schedule my next Stitch Fix than Valentine's Day, right?! I generally pick out my own gifts, my husband prefers it. And technically this one is free thanks to Cynthia A., whoever you are, I love you! (Someone used my referral link and scheduled themselves a fix!)

This email made me so happy <3

YOUR FIX IS SCHEDULED!

Anyhow I can't wait to see what they send me. I hope I get the same stylist, they did an awesome job last time, despite my skepticism. 

This time I requested tunics, casual dresses, loose flowy blouses and maybe even some jeans or leggings. Let's face it, after 4 kids that classic fitted look I always loved just isn't going to cut it.

I've been trying to figure out exactly what will work for me and have recently picked up some fun stuff on my own. Have you tried Marshalls? So much cheaper than those big scary departments stores. Being a stay at home mom means having more time to shop. Still trying to figure out if that's going to be a problem or a blessing. Hopefully pictures to come. But that would require cleaning my bedroom, so....

I also picked up a few items here and there that worked out great for me. 

Lou & Grey Open Cardigan from the Loft

INC Ponte Seamed Leggings from Macy's

Maidenform Shapewear leggings from Amazon.com

I also ordered this Daniel Rainn Shirt Dress on poshmark.com after seeing a ton of cute stuff in Stitch Fix reviews from that brand. Unfortunately it doesn't work with my giant thighs. Sigh.

I found it will putting together a pinterest board for my Stitch Fix stylist.

You can check it out here: https://www.pinterest.com/moderntypo/style/

I'm so happy I don't have to wait long for my 2nd Stitch Fix. Wish me luck!

And don't forget to buy yourself something nice :)

Read about my first Stitch Fix Here

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, because I love Amazon Prime. I never recommend anything unless I love it!

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