Handbags Trends to Match Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2019

The last week before school got out I took advantage of some time alone and some shopping. I found some really cute clothes! I had less luck finding a fun summer bag. I guess you could say after 16 straight years of carrying around a bag full of "just in case" for the kids, I'm ready for something...impractical! Trusty internet, you never fail me.

I am really loving this year's trend in all things straw! The textures, shapes, and adornments give me that throw-back, vintage vibe. What that translates to is timeless, and that's the kind of wardrobe staple I'm looking for.

To me, straw sounds perfect for everything from a casual dinner out (tacos!) to a bike ride/stroll on the beach. It's the perfect neutral whether you a capsule gal or a colorful, eclectic style maven. I think you know what I'm tacoin' about, hehe.

Now on to shopping! Click on any picture and follow my affiliate links to get shop along. There's so much to pick from! I can't wait to see what catches your eye. Leave a comment with your favorite!

How cute are these small crossbody bags?

The tassels, eek!

And these embroidered clutches definitely make me smile.

I saw something like this next one in the store and it's probably why I can't get straw out of my mind. I'm glad I have the option to buy it online, I know it won't be there if I go back (Marshalls). The size is nice, the tassels are bright, and it zips!

Straw if fun but I'm not set on it. I'm digging this boho, macrame/crocheted nylon option.

So...the price is so good I ordered one in the process of writing this post. It comes in white, too, which is really haute this summer.

I'm all about a clutch but if you need a handle, I love this option.

I mean, I'm not opposed to cotton, either. If the idea of straw makes you itchy check out this 100% cotton option from Grace & Lace.

I mean clearly I've gone down a rabbit hole at this point but I simply could not leave out the fun acrylic styles I came across because, well look at them!

Click here to find Green, Multicolor, Tortoise, Pearl, Blue, Pink, Glitter, Silver or Marigold.

And with that little detour I fell hard for and carted this bamboo purse from Vince Camuto. 

I know it's not practical but I'm not taking it to work. I like that it sits flat. And if it doesn't work out, Amazon Prime has such easy returns.

Last, check out this kind of a hybrid of all the above. I'm dying over the patterns on the inserts!

You can choose from hummingbird, tropical or lemon. You can even buy the inserts separately and use them with the acrylic style! (Just be sure the sizes match).

So what do you think? Are you sold on "straw"? Which is your favorite?

Happy Amazon shopping!

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! 

I'm Still Here

I know, it's been awhile. Every once in awhile one of my friends will randomly message me and say, "Look, I saw you on Pinterest!" I just laugh. Yes, I "used to" blog about subscription boxes. I was so obsessed, I landed a job as a Stitch Fix stylist!

But hey seriously, where did that me go?

Friday, Orange County was flooded with butterflies (painted ladies) and we had one of the hottest winter weekends I've ever seen. Friday Night Lights was a bit less chilly, and Saturday I was so hot waiting for a drumline competition to start that I drank a whole Coke. Spring was in the air!

Coincidentally, when I got home my mailbox was full of gorgeous new pieces from C+I's new spring line "Kyoto" and the mood struck. I was me all over again! I mean, who wouldn't be inspired by a sky full of butterflies followed by a new collection of butterfly jewelry, and the capture of a ladybug at the most opportune time?!

I pulled out some old favorite Stitch Fix pieces and paired them with my new, fabulous Chloe + Isabel Spring 2019 collection, Kyoto.

Dress up turned out to be the best pick me up. I was so inspired I ordered Stitch Fix, which I haven't done in ages!

If you need a little dress up in your life, give Stitch Fix a try! Click here to check it out: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/melanierhoades?sod=w&som=c

If you love my Chloe + Isabel jewelry, you can click on the picture of the piece that caught your eye to see it in my online boutique, or see the whole collection here: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/melanierhoades

Stay tuned for another round of dress up!

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!

Stitch Fix Brands for Less

As I sit here writing this post about finding Stitch Fix Brands for Less I am thinking about my Stitch Fix journey. From discovering subscription box services to becoming a Stitch Fix addict (to the point of working as a Stitch Fix Stylist) to giving up Stitch Fix altogether (at least, I tell myself I have).

When I sit down to write, I do it with you, the reader in mind. So, I'm not going to sit here and tell you Stitch Fix is everything to everyone.

That doesn't mean I'm no longer recommending it. On the contrary, I owe much of my success as a jewelry stylist to Stitch Fix. And, in my humble opinion, it's still the best subscription box out there for finding modern styles to update your wardrobe. If you want to get out of a styling rut, try new things and get happy mail, this is the box for you. If you haven't tried it, you really should. In short, they send you 5 pieces of clothing and/or accessories (you fill out a profile with your sizes and preferences) tailored to you and keep what you like. Return what you don't, all for a low styling fee of $20. If you keep anything, the styling fees goes toward the price. I kept all 5 pieces in my first box and enjoyed an additional 25% off. If you decide to give it a go I hope you'll use my affiliate link.

I'm guessing, though, if you're reading this blog post it's because you've already tried Stitch Fix. Maybe, like me, you're looking for a place to buy more pieces from the brands you came to know and love through Stitch Fix. If this is the case, you're in luck! I've found a ton of places to shop Stitch Fix Brands online. 

Amazon

I'm guessing this isn't news to you pros, but those that are new to this will appreciate the ability to find pieces by brand name, enjoy free shipping and returns for prime members, and the widest selection of anyone by far. You'll find Kut from the Kloth, Level 99, Liverpool, and Urban Expressions, to name just a few (follow my affiliate links to actual items I've seen from Stitch Fix).

The ever popular Diana jeans from Kut from the Kloth can be found on Amazon for a steal. I have a few pairs of the corduroy in this style, a rare 98% cotton 2% spandex blend. It can be a little tricky finding the exact styles you receive from Stitch Fix. For instance, Stitch Fix calls the corduroy "Jonathan" but to KFTK they are just another pair of Diana. Just try looking at the labels inside your favorite pieces for easy search.

T.J.Maxx

If you've ever shopped T.J.Maxx or Marshall's in person you may have come across the occasional top or pair of jeans from your favorite Stitch Fix brands, but it's so much easier to shop online. Unlike Amazon, you can't search by brand. They keep their prices at rock bottom by avoiding search by brand, and it's well worth the effort. I purchased a pair of Yosi Samra ballet flats from this site for $30 (link below to an exact pair Stitch Fix carries).

I see Adrianna Papell, Leota and Maggy London dresses Stitch Fix carries on this site all the time. Shipping is inexpensive (free over a certain amount) and returns can be made at local stores.

Boutiques

This one gets a little trickier, but the reward is great. Whenever possible, I try to support small business. My favorites that carry Stitch Fix brands are:

Tag 

Brands: Mystree, RD Style, Liverpool, Gilli
Perks: Free Shipping, returns with store credit, and an incredible Facebook community. If you love the mystery of Stitch Fix, you'll also occasionally see mystery boxes sold on this website. I bought a Mystree Mystery Box recently and received 3 amazing tops/sweaters for just $85 shipped. This is the only boutique of my 3 favorites that has a website you can shop outside of Facebook. I prefer the FB group, though, because you can see the pieces on real people and ask sizing questions.

This isn't from a Stitch Fix brand (it's 12pm by Mon Ami), but it reminds me so much of Pins I saw over and over as a stylist. And it's only $25! I also appreciate a larger variety of casual/knits from Tag than I ever received from Stitch Fix.

Off the Hanger 

Brands: Kut from the Kloth, Daniel Rainn, Renee C, Collective Concepts
Perks: Exact pieces Stitch Fix carries, accessories & shoes, too. $5 flat rate for shipping up to $75, free after. This is my favorite place to look for additional pairs of jeans in a fit I know and love, or look for Stitch Fix pieces I sent back because I couldn't afford them at the time. Sometimes Stitch Fix can't accommodate size exchanges, this is another reason I shop OTH.

I just bought a pleather jacket from Off the Hanger by RD Style. I got so many compliments the first time I wore it, including one from my 14 year old. I think you need one of these.

 

I'm wearing the Chloe + Isabel Souviens Collar Necklace with it, a match made in heaven.

The Style Palette

Brands: Skies are Blue, Gilli, Le Lis, THML
Perks: Free shipping and returns. Look-a-like pieces for a fraction of the price. Great place to buy cardigans. If you do Golden Tote, there are a ton of brands you see in their mystery totes, too.

If you are looking outside of Stitch Fix for variety, boutiques are a great way to find new brands, too. I just got this top by Kori America from The Style Palette and it's thick and soft. Great quality and for $32 shipped!

You'll see a good variety of boho, edgy, classic, romantic, athleisure, and glam options on all of these sites. They might lean a little toward boho, but you know I don't mind.

Perhaps you've found some alternative shopping sites yourself, I'd love it if you shared a link in the comments below. I'm almost certain I found these favorites by suggestion. Shopping is always better with friends!

Happy Shopping!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. I love Amazon Prime and think you will, too!

Like Christmas Morning: Stitch Fix Unboxing Video Review

You may have seen a recent post I wrote with last minute gift ideas for Christmas. Of course, I couldn't leave Stitch Fix out, it's like Christmas morning for adults! What better time to give the gift of good taste than Christmas?! Other than that, I haven't written about Stitch Fix in quite some time because I've put my subscription on hold. Despite my neglect, the affiliate blogging team sent me a Christmas gift, a blanket scarf to wrap myself in all winter long! I'd been eye-balling these scarves since working as a Stitch Fix stylist but never treated myself to one. I wore it to church last Sunday, I love it!

They also offered to waive my next styling fee, who can resist a free box? I mean, $20 is peanuts compared to time wasted shopping with 4 kids who hate shopping, but still. I scheduled my Fix right away and updated my style profile.

I kept my requests simple, and as usual, they gave me exactly what I asked for! I guess you might say they gave me the VIP treatment......no seriously, I'm a VIP. Check out this video and see for yourself!

This is my first ever unboxing video, with the help of my teenage daughter. Be kind, it was very impromptu and late at night. I thought it might be nice for those of you who haven't given it a whirl yet to see what's in the box. Of course, no 2 boxes are ever the same, but you'll get the idea.

In the end, I'll likely keep just the jeans. It's so incredibly hard to find a good fitting pair and I love these! The tops and I didn't get along, but this didn't surprise me. I'm pretty hard to please since finding tag boutique, Style Palette, Off the Hanger, Skivvy and Lularoe (message me if you want to be added to the Facebook groups I'm in).

I realize though that not everyone has as much time as I do to shop around. I love that Stitch Fix is tailored to my fit, style & lifestyle and gives me the opportunity to try new things from the comfort of my home.

If you are thinking about trying it or want to give someone the gift of style, I hope you'll use my affiliate link!

Thanks for stopping by to watch my video. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!