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!

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!

Stitch Fix Review: Mother's Day Edition May 2015

When you love something, you want to share it with everyone.

It seemed only natural to share my new favorite place to shop with my Mom.

When she finally decided to try Stitch Fix, she said she was really excited about it because she was getting pretty desperate for new things to wear.

If you're new to Stitch Fix and wondering how it all works, 

you can read about it in my past reveals here (but feel free to ask questions):

#1 December 2014

#2 February 2015

#3 March 2015

#4 April 2015

In short, for just $20 (the styling fee) Stitch Fix sends you 5 items based on your personal profile in a fun little box. Keep what you like and send the rest back! If you keep all 5, you get 25% off the total! If you keep any item, the $20 fee goes toward your purchase. Shipping is free both ways. It's a great way to try things you would have never have thought to try before!

Mom's first box came in April and she had a lot of fun trying it on.

There were a few sizing and fit issues, which can sometimes happen with a first run.

But she loved the clothes enough to try again.

I scheduled her 2nd fix just in time for Mother's Day, hoping she'd find a couple of new favorite pieces because she deserves a treat. After all, she has tolerated me for 35 years!

Her box came a few days early, which was nice because it came on a Friday (was supposed to come Monday). She has until Thursday to try everything out with the clothes in her closet and decide what to keep and what to return.

Her stylist, Erika, really listened to the feedback we left last time. Several of the items from the first box were in the highest part of Mom's price range, and this time around the clothes were a little more economical. If she decides to keep all 5, the total is about $200 after the 25% discount.

If she decides to keep 3 or 4, I'll likely sell whatever is left on my

Facebook Stitch Fix Buy Sell Trade Group. This way, everyone benefits from the discount!

On to the box. We asked for tops, outerwear and/or pants

and opted out of dresses & accessories. 

Last month Mom's stylist sent the Margaret M Emer pants everyone is going nuts over.

And of course, my Mom loved them. But they just weren't the right fit.

So we asked for another pair of pants to try. They also sent a cute cardigan last month,

but it was too plain.

This month she sent the Liverpool Collen Straight Leg Jeans & this really unique

Market & Spruce Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Cardigan. Both were a hit!

My mom can't get enough of black, and she loved the weight of this sweater.

She kept saying how heavy the box felt, and this sweater alone probably added a solid pound.

Erika also instinctually sent this sleeveless top, the Collective Concepts Malibu Blouse,

which pairs very well with the cardigan.

Here's a pic of the sweater on a hanger, in case you feel the urgent need to pin.

Here's a link to the pants, too, which you might recall seeing in my last fix.

In April's Stitch Fix, Mom received a dolman shirt which she loved (so much that she couldn't remember why she didn't keep it) but I remember her saying it was tight in the arms.

This time around they sent the Market & Spruce Sawyer Space Dye Dolman Sleeve Knit Top in a really pretty dark green, and my mom absolutely loved the material and the color.

Unfortunately it was too long, and I think maybe even too big. If only these items had been petites!

She and I both often buy tops in petites when the fit just doesn't seem right.

I should stop for a minute and just say how much I appreciate my Mom.

I really miss the days when she and I had time (and probably more money)

to shop together and talk about clothes. If she hadn't become a pharmacist,

she would have made a killer designer, she has great sense of style.

Sharing this experience with her was like old times.

Love you Mom.

Last thing to show you is the Pixley Bixby Dot Print 3/4 Tab Sleeve Blouse.

Funny thing was, I had created a Pinterest board for my Mom to share with her stylist and this was on it, but I never linked it to her profile. Her stylist totally read our minds!

My mom asked for more prints, and loves geometric patterns.

This is another one that would have been great in a petite. Love the navy and green!

Isn't my Mom pretty? I think so.

If you'd like to treat your Mom to Stitch Fix for Mother's Day,

I'd love it if you used my referral:

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

I receive a small commission, but wouldn't recommend it if I didn't totally love it!

I'm getting my next fix this week, just in time for a little Mother's Day reward myself!

By the way, if you try Stitch Fix and refer your friends,

you'll get $25 in credit towards your next fix for every friend who orders a box!

My Mom mentioned that after getting her first box she found herself trying new things out

when she went shopping. Just yesterday, she wore a top very similar to one she got in her first fix, and I know she wouldn't have given it the time of day before she tried Stitch Fix.

Wish I'd gotten a picture, she wore it well!

Instead, here's a cute little picture to look at.

Baby legs, courtesy of my Mom's 9th and final grandchild.

Thank you Mom for being a good sport and letting me blog about you.

I can't wait to see what you get in your next fix!

Happy Mother's Day!

Surprise, Surprise: Stitch Fix Review #3 March 2015

So I've become pretty active in Facebook groups created for buying, selling, and trading subscription box items. I just learned a new trick. It turns out, you can "peek" at your Stitch Fix, before it arrives. Simply click on "checkout survey" in the "Your fix is on it's way!" email.

So, here's a fact about me. Out of the 4 times I've been pregnant, I found out the gender beforehand ZERO times. Impressive, right? So I thought it would be easy to wait until my Fix arrived.

It wasn't easy, especially watching everyone else reveal their fixes on Facebook, and selling items I really wanted. But I waited. And waited. I almost looked once, but then I remembered why I started Stitch Fix in the first place.

Someone asked me the other day what it is I like about Stitch Fix.
For me, it isn't the convenience, because even as a mother of 4, I manage to find time here and there to shop. I would say it's the element of surprise!

I also love having someone with expertise in fashion style me, I need all the help I can get!

Here's what Traci sent:

Romolo Genevieve Stacked Chevron Pendant Necklace $28

So, I was definitely taken by surprise when Traci sent this necklace.
I had checked the boxes on my profile to let her know I didn't want to receive any jewelry.
But if you've seen my pinterest board lately, it's flooded with Stitch Fix jewelry.

You can thank my #enablers on my Facebook groups for that.
When I see the jewelry in their fixes I am super jealous!
So, Traci read my mind (rather my pinterest) and sent over this mixed metal necklace and I love it!
It goes really well with a lot of my new tunics and dresses, as you'll see later.

Pixley Martina Slub Knit Open Cardigan $48

I specifically asked for an open cardigan with pockets and again Traci delivered!
I wonder if she caught on to my latest obsession with slub knits when she picked it out.

Above, I paired it with a cobalt short sleeve Daniel Rainn blouse I picked up from Marshall's this morning. This is another great thing about Stitch Fix, trying things on with what you already have.

Below, I styled the cardigan and the necklace with my Puella dress from Golden Tote.

Skies are Blue Amil V-Neck Blouse $48

I can definitely see the connection between this blouse and my feedback, as well as my pinterest board. I pin a lot of flowy tops, I love geometric shapes, the colors are great for me, and I love a 3/4 sleeve. I have other Skies are Blue items in my closet that I've purchased elsewhere.

My Mom gave me these Loft modern straight jeans for my birthday, and I wear them with everything.

I think this top looks great dressed up or down.

41Hawthorn Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer $78

Here's another item I recently pinned. It comes in many colors, but my stylist picked up on my affinity for navy. Something I didn't notice about it when I pinned it is the contrasting black stripe.

I likely would have never picked this out for myself in a store, but seeing it on other blogs sold me.

I love it when Stitch Fix sends items that can be worn together!

Traci was right, you've got to size up on this jacket. I think it fits well,

and I like that it emphasizes my waist.

I'm really loving this combination!

Papermoon Lexis Henley Knit Top $48

I specifically asked for more casual clothing. Did they know it would be 95 degrees in Southern California the day this arrived?! This also paired well with the blazer and fit very nicely.

Decision, decisions.

Since I like a good mystery, I didn't look at the prices until I was done trying on the clothes.

I like to keep an open mind.

Very reasonable indeed!

Think I should keep it all, for the 25% discount? 

$187.50 is pretty good for 5 quality pieces.

I'd love your opinions! Have you received the same pieces? Have any styling suggestions?

What should I ask for next?

If you'd like to give Stitch Fix a try click here.

I receive a small commission when you sign up with my link.

There's no commitment to sign in and check it out. If you schedule a box they take a $20 styling fee. If you keep anything they deduct the styling fee from the cost.

Shipping is free both ways!

Let me know if you decide to try it, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Additional Stitch Fix Reviews:

Stitch Fix #1

Stitch Fix #2

Happy styling!