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! 

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!

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!