Stitch Fix Review #7 July 2015

 This Stitch Fix came just in time for a very patriotic, 4th of July reveal!

I asked for some red, white & blue and I received a boxful. So much so that when my husband saw it sprawled out on the bed he asked if they'd sent me Nancy Reagan's wardrobe, hahahahaha.

Isn't this a lovely combination? I really love the care that goes into the Stitch Fix packaging.

I feel like I'm opening up a Christmas present every time.

I also love seeing the style cards with recommendations for how to wear every item.

It's nice to be able and request items for special occasions, too.

I requested red, white and blue for a patriotic concert.

I think I always try my favorite thing out of the box on first, so naturally I reached for this lovely Daniel Rainn Croft Button Down Blouse I'd pinned. I'd spotted this on the Stitch Fix blog and loved the floral print and cut of the top. It has a great texture, and is super soft. It's also fully lined, and added bonus.

Here's the pin:

I really love to wear white, but solid white tops wash me out. This print is the perfect answer to that dilemma. Trying florals is completely new to me, and this one is feminine and sweet, not bold and trendy, keeping it in my comfort zone. Is has quite a few of my favorite colors to wear in it, too.

Here's a close up of the material. See the chevron pattern in the fabric behind the print? It's subtle, adding a little dimension. This feels like an expensive shirt.  I was going to send it back because it's too small (some Daniel Rainn runs on the smaller side), but Stitch Fix for the win, they sent me a medium! I couldn't let this one go, I knew I'd regret it.

I also requested another pair of jeans. My personal stylist knows I'm a dark wash kind of gal, and I am totally wearing out my go to Loft modern straight jeans. These are the DL1961 Saira Straight Leg Jeans, $98.

Unfortunately, these were more skinny than they were straight. I know a lot of women these days are wearing skinny jeans but I don't think they flatter my pear shape. Here they are with my next item, the Daniel Rainn Hal Crew Neck Blouse in Cobalt, $68.

That photo just didn't capture the color well, both the jeans and the top have a lot more indigo to them. Here's a close up of the top.

Can you see the unusual neckline on the back of this top? I've never seen it before, and I've done a lot of shopping! This top is also textured. One thing I really appreciate about this top is that you can wear it without a camisole or any special undergarments.

As much as I love blue, I sometimes find it difficult to wear. I considered wearing this for a patriotic concert but couldn't decide on pants or a skirt to go with it. I decided to send it back and save my money for my next fix.

The next top I tried on was the 19 Cooper Camio Wrap Tie Blouse in red, $58.

I really love red, I think it looks good on almost everyone. I think my wintery completion does well in primary colors. Unfortunately, I don't have the figure to fill this top out.

On the right person, I think this blouse would be great with a pencil skirt or some high waisted denim. But there was just way too much material for me to pull it off. 

I LOVE this fabric and I'd love to see more from this brand.

However, I think for the summer I'm going to need to focus more on casual pieces.

The last item is the most patriotic of all.

It is the Pixley Alston Bow Strap Blouse in red, white and blue, $48.

Unfortunately, this tank didn't work for all the same reasons a very similar top didn't work in my last fix. It's sheer, which I have no problem with because I always wear a camisole. But finding undergarments is difficult for the narrow cut on the shoulders on this one. Also, the wide stripes aren't flattering on my shape.

Even though I am sending back most of the box, I am very happy to have another great Stitch Fix top to add to my wardrobe. Stitch Fix makes returning really easy, I just threw the items I wasn't keeping in the prepaid envelope and put it in my mailbox. 

The Croft top I kept was $68, but because a friend signed up for Stitch Fix I received a $25 credit so I spent $48 after taxes. I think this is a great price for a name brand piece I know is going to last.

If you think you'd like to try Stitch Fix I would love it if you used my referral. I receive a small commission which allows me to keep trying out new subscription box services. Here's the link:

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

Let me know if you try it, I hope you love it as much as I do!

Have a glorious 4th of July!

Ann Taylor Loft Flash Sale Alert: Just in Time for the 4th of July!

I am thrilled to announce my affiliation with Loft, my all time favorite place to shop! Now I can give you a heads up on upcoming promotions and make a small commission, too. Everyone wins!

And here we go!

From 12 am EST 6/28 EST to 11:59 pm EST 7/1 (Sunday through Wednesday) enjoy

60% off already reduced prices!

I just got back from the Loft (for the 50% off in store only sale) and snagged a few things.

I actually tried on the red dress above and it was beautiful! In fact, I think I tried on everything in the store. Thanks for watching the boys Grandma!

I picked up a dress that's perfect for summer! It's knee length, a rare find these days. It's also fully lined, and doesn't require special undergarments! I think the cut is flattering despite my mom belly, hips and thighs, which I credit to a combination of the adjustable drawstring waist and high contrast pattern. The pattern is trendy, with a tropical floral sort of print, but not overly so.

Loft calls it the Painterly Floral Drawstring Dress in Midnight Slate.

If you aren't sure about the pattern, it also comes in black. 

I think how you feel in a dress makes a big difference. I feel amazing in this dress.

Maybe it's because it has pockets. Every dress should have pockets.

I was also totally excited to snatch up this Aztec Summer Softened Shirt for an amazingly low price. This is still on the website in regular, petite and tall! I don't know why I kept passing it by in the store, I'm totally in love. If you are a soft clothes junky, this top is for you. And I love anything I can throw on with jeans. I'm wearing it today!

Here's a close up on the pattern. It's just enough color to keep this from being a bright white shirt that washes me out. And it's just boho enough that I can keep denying I like boho.

So happy that I picked up 2 new summer staples!

If you need a reminder about the sale, be sure and follow me on facebook for that or upcoming sales!

Until then, have a cozy new shirt sort of weekend.

Stitch Fix Review June 2015

It's June, are you kidding me?! I can't believe my 6th Stitch Fix just showed up. I started getting this subscription shortly after my little one was born, and he just passed the 6 month mark! It is bitter sweet, seeing my 4th and final teeny tiny grow so fast.

As you can imagine, I don't have a whole lot of time for fancying myself up! When I do, I am happy to have accumulated many lovely items from Stitch Fix that I dearly love. So, this time around I asked for tshirts and tanks to wear with jeans for everyday use. I also mentioned I have a patriotic concert coming up, and wouldn't mind another dress. My personal stylist is so attentive, see for yourself!

She sent me not 1, not 2, but 3 casual tops! Technically, she sent 4, since the patriotic blouse works both ways, too. And I can't believe the price on the dress!

 

Don't you just love the colors? Such a refreshing change from the typical black and white tees in most stores. I was immediately drawn to this pretty pattern, and I knew immediately which top it was.

It's the Pixley Edmond Henley Knit Top in Teal Green for $54.

This blouse is a huge hit in the Facebook buy, sell, trade and discussion group,
especially with moms. I can see why! It's super soft, and easy to throw on with jeans,
just like this next little number.

This lovely little grey top is the Market & Spruce Memphis Lace Overlay Knit Shirt for $58.

This is a great layering piece, and could easily be dressed up or down.

It has that feminine, romantic feel without being overly so.

I threw on a popbasic necklace for a little bit of color.

I love wearing several neutrals together, and grey is one of my favorites.
But goodness, I do have a lot of grey, almost as much as I do navy!
Which is why I was so excited to see this next little gem.

Not too long ago I read an article on the Stitch Fix blog about one of their buyers, and she mentioned these as her favorite tee. It's another Market & Spruce, the Sam Hi-Lo Short Sleeve Tee for $44.

This tee has a unique cut, straight across the front and low in the back.
I think this would be cute sticking out of the back of a utility jacket or cardigan, don't you?

They are made from the same stretchy, yet smooth material as the Corinna dolman everyone asks for.

It has a heathered look about it.

This next item is something new I haven't seen in other reveals, and is the perfect answer to my call for something patriotic! I'm not usually one to dress the part, but I have to perform in a 4th of July concert and needed something to coordinate with my navy wide leg trousers from Loft.

This is the Fun2Fun Hobson Scoop Neck Blouse red, white and navy blue for $44.

I am kind of obsessed with stripes, my kids are wearing them 90% of the time!
I used to be terrified of wearing them, but I've found a few pieces that work with my pear shape.
I'm just not sure this one does.

 

Here's what I wish was going on with it, some narrowing at the waist.

But it may just be that thick red stripe across my hips causing the problem.

Then I remembered my navy 41Hawthorn Benson Blazer from my 3rd Stitch Fix which I'd probably wear with it anyway since I'm always cold. This jacket adds width at the shoulder where I need it, and detracts from the hip area, don't you think?

Last, and straight from my Pinterest Style Board,

the 41Hawthorn Jace Dot Print Fit & Flare Dress in Blue!

I could not believe the price on this fully lined dress, just $48!

I am loving this cut, from the conservative neckline to the perfectly placed pleats.

The length is just right for my 5'6" frame.

I NEVER show my profile, but I'm actually pretty impressed at the way the style of this dress hides my problem areas. It's pretty rare for me to find a dress that doesn't either gape at the armholes or squeeze my thighs, as I'm a small on top and medium on bottom. I'm impressed!

I love dots almost as much as I love stripes, especially tiny ones.
I had to show you a close up of this pattern.

Now for the hard part, deciding what to keep!

If this is your first time hearing about Stitch Fix, here are a few facts.

Stitch Fix is a subscription for women's clothing and accessories. They sends 5 surprise items straight to your door! You are assigned a personal stylist who reviews your style profile and picks out items for you based on your requests, likes and dislikes. Keep what you'd like, send the rest back!

Shipping is free both ways. When the box heads your way, you pay a $20 styling fee.

If you keep anything from your fix, that fee is put toward the cost.

If you keep all 5 items, you receive a 25% discount!

With the discount this fix would be just $186!

If you do decide to try Stitch Fix, I'd love it if you used my referral.

I receive a small commission which allows me to continue subscribing to and blogging about

my all time favorite subscription box!

Here's the link:

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

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear your feedback about my fix!

If you'd like, visit the subscription box tab at the top of the page for other Stitch Fix reviews.

Have a stylish day!

Free Printable DIY Flags for the 4th of July

I love you guys so much that I decided to create 
free printable DIY flags for the 4th of July!
Click on any photo to go to the download page.

      

These can be used for a variety of party favors and crafts.

All you need is a printer, scissors and glue!

I used white cardstock and reduced the image to 75% to make these fun pencil toppers.

This size would also be perfect for straws or sparklers.

     

Reduced to 50% these are the perfect size 

for toothpicks, skewers or cupcake toppers.

They are really easy to put together.

Simply cut the flags, wrap them around the object
you have chosen, and apply school glue. 
I secured them with extra clothespins I had on hand while they were drying.

No need to run out to the store at the last minute and spend a bunch of money

that would be better spent on fireworks and food!

It probably took me 30 minutes to put these together and they dry really quick.

They are definitely easy enough for the kiddos, too!

I also created this patriotic printable for you, too!
It's free, just click on the picture to go to the download page.

Hope you enjoy these fun little flags 
and have a magical 4th of July!