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 #5 May 2015

I can't believe I am reviewing my 5th Stitch Fix box!
This is also my 5th box with my Traci, my personal stylist,
and I am constantly impressed by her ability to fulfill my requests
while also surprising me.

If this is the first you've heard of Stitch Fix,
it is a subscription box clothing service for women.
While they do offer a monthly or bi-monthly subscription,
you may choose to try just one box, no commitments!

For just $20 a box (styling fee) you are matched with a personal stylist
who reviews your style profile, sizes and special requests
and puts together a box of 5 goodies.

Shipping is free. You keep what you like, and send the rest back
in the provided pre-paid envelope via USPS!
The $20 styling fee is deducted from your total if you decide to keep anything.
If you keep it all (like me) you get 25% off your total!

Stitch Fix offers tops, pants, dresses, skirts and all sorts of accessories.
For May I requested more tops and/or cardigans similar to the
Amil V-Neck Blouse and Brixon Ivy Pinson Drape Cardigan from my last few boxes,
and maybe a casual, midi dress. Traci nailed it!

I loved everything so much, I didn't know what to try on first!
For some reason I gravitated toward this.

Just recently I found out that Stitch Fix sends a camisole with sheer tops like this one.
Isn't that nice? This is the Sweet Rain Lucio Blouse in purple.
Pardon my silly face. They keep the photo sessions light with the photographer.

Love the colors, pattern, and style of this top! It reminds me of confetti.
Had to show you a close up since the other photos just didn't seem to be doing it justice.



Unfortunately the seam at the bottom of the top had zero give, which resulted in
a sort of parachute effect at the waist. I sold it in my facebook buy, sell, trade group
in less than 10 minutes.

I was a little sad, but the other 2 tops worked out perfectly!
I am particularly fond of this Pixley Ivy Petal Print Blouse.
This is one of my favorite color combinations: navy, coral and white.

This is the perfect solution to my floral print problems.

I want to love florals, but sometimes they look like they belong in a museum.

I think it's really more geometric than floral.

I wore it for mother's day. I realized after seeing these pictures

I cannot wear it with my favorite jeans.

I wore it with some orangey-red boot cut corduroys I had from back in the day,

but they were too matchy and yet way off.

So, it being mother's day, I ordered myself some white jeans.

Yes, I said white. I can't take it anymore, everyone else is doing it!

They go with everything! I ordered my usual Loft, curvy (also love modern) straight jeans.

I'm sure you'll see them in many pictures in the future.

I told Traci I needed a long sleeve navy cardigan and I got the same one my Mom had in her 2nd fix!
She says she regrets sending it back, so even though I am not sure I love it, I am holding onto it.
It's just a little tiny bit long.

This is the 41Hawthorn Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan.

 I do love the drape, it lays perfectly. And it definitely works with my next top!

If it were any shorter the "tail" would stick out,

which I didn't realize until I looked through my photos.

The cardigan also passed the "over-the-sleeve" test.

Who needs a cardigan that looks like a sausage casing? Not me.

This one has plenty of room, without feeling baggy.

Enough about the cardigan, isn't this Skies are Blue Avila V-Neck Blouse cute?

There are so many reasons this works for me.

It's light colored, which usually washes me out, but it has enough print to balance it out.

I love the pops of color, and the long lines are flattering.

It fits perfectly, and it's a great weight for summer.

It works with the Pinson drape cardigan, too, don't you think?

I wish I'd had as much luck with this Le Lis Nene Striped Midi, but the sizing was off.
Regardless, the stripe wasn't bold enough to offset the white, and I looked extra pasty.
I don't think the length is particularly flattering, but I did ask for it.

I love the concept.

It would have looked great with a bright belt or cardigan

or some cute red shoes.

And if you can pull it off, it's a great length for moms (always bending over)

It was easy to sell, I had several offers.

Altogether I was very pleased with this month's box of goodies!

The prices were reasonable, especially after the 25% discount for keeping it all.

If you'd like to try Stitch Fix I'd love it if you used my referral!

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

I receive a small amount of money if you order a box using my link,

which I will happily turn around and spend on Stitch Fix next month!

Please feel free to pin my photos to your style boards on Pinterest
to share with your Stitch Fix stylists!

If you'd like to read about my past fixes or other subscription boxes click here.

Be sure to leave your comments below.
I'm considering a Stitch Fix giveaway, what do you think?
Who wants to try Stitch Fix for freeeee??!!

Stitch Fix Review #4 April 2015

I'm so excited to share my 4th Stitch Fix Review with you!

I think you are going to be pretty thrilled as well when you see what they sent me, and by thrilled I mean jealous.

It's funny, because I'll see rants on the Facebook B/S/T group about how bloggers get special privileges when it comes to Stitch Fix. Well, maybe my stylist,Traci, wants to see her name in lights. I definitely feel spoiled, and you can be, too!

Here's a sneak peek at my fix. Can you guess what's in the box?

For those of you considering Stitch Fix, you've got to try it!

There's very little risk involved. It's free to sign up, check out the website & create your own style profile. When you're ready, schedule a fix. When your box is put together you're charged a $20 styling fee.

If you decide to keep any of the 5 gorgeous items they send, the $20 styling fee is deducted from the total. Also, shipping is free both ways. And you can earn Stitch Fix credit when you refer your friends! Help me get free clothes:

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

Fortunately for me, my stylist always looks at my Pinterest Board
to see what I'm looking for, which is where she saw this.

That's right ladies, I got the ever coveted Brixon Ivy Pinson Drape Cardigan in light grey and pink.

It goes perfectly with the Skies are Blue Amil V-Neck Blouse from my last fix!

I have a longer draped cardigan like this I bought awhile ago. The problem with that one has been that it's always dragging across the table or hanging in my dishes. Also, my cardigan has a pattern, making it very hard to pair with things. The Stitch Fix Pinson is the perfect length, cut & color. I was just telling my mom that I was hesitant about this sweater at first, as I gravitate toward dark colors. But I have a ton of dark tops, and the lighter neutral is a great contrast over them.

That's the thing about Stitch Fix, they send you things you'd otherwise never have tried!

And now I have a new favorite sweater! This picture doesn't do it justice, but I know how you ladies love to pin, so here's one without me in it.

My stylist, Traci, is very attentive to my requests. I was looking for a pair of straight leg jeans with a dark wash, and she delivered. These are the Liverpool Collen in navy. They have a lot of stretch which is great for problem areas. The lightweight material is just right for spring and summer. Unfortunately, the rise hit me in the wrong place, but I hope to try another brand in my next fix!

Next up is the Market & Spruce Corinna Striped Dolman Top in light green and grey.

While I hadn't pinned this exact dolman, I did pin a dolman style striped dress. I also mentioned that I was looking for tunic length tops and boatnecks.

I'm also thinking that the Corinna dolman was recommended because of the coloring, sort of that space dyed or heathered look I pin a lot. Here's a close up of the detail.

These Market & Spruce Dolmans are a hot commodity in my B/S/T group.
The length wasn't working for me, and like a dork I sold this before trying it with leggings as Traci recommended. But at least I made someone's day!

These were the leggings I was supposed to try it with, another requested article.
Stitch Fix calls them the Rune Porter Leggings.

Well I just chased a rabbit trying to figure out why they'd call them that. Back to the clothes.

Great length and material. I took a picture of the tag for those wondering.

Here's what the waistband looked like. No muffin top :)

I'd like to throw out there that these shouldn't be worn with a short top,
more as a layering piece under a tunic. Not see through, just not pants.
The only reason I didn't keep these was that I have a great pair of black leggings just like these.
I'm saving my money for next month's pretties!

Last but not least, I asked for a conservative maxi.

This little gem is called the Gilli Astra Sleeveless Maxi Dress.

When I pulled this out of the box, I was immediately in love with the color and wanted to swim in the fabric. I'm trying to decide on a color name. Stitch Fix calls it purple, but it's almost blue. Indigo? The camera couldn't really capture it, or my screen can't interpret it...It's an enigma.

I desperately wanted this to work. Unfortunately, after having 4 kids, it wasn't doing me any favors.
I might have revisited the idea, but I couldn't keep everything this time around so I sent the dress off to another lovely lady.

I definitely see dresses in my Stitch Fix future. And I really, really hope to see more of this color. I just hope this doesn't turn out to be "the one who got away," if you know what I mean.

I'm also thinking about requesting another necklace. Not getting one this time around I realized how much I enjoyed it. I wear the chevron pendant from my last fix 2 or 3 days a week!
Stitch Fix has phenomenal accessories, including scarves and handbags.

Here are the style cards they sent with a few recommended pairings.
A lot of the ladies who do Stitch Fix save and file these cards and pull them out for reference when they need styling ideas. You can also email customer service and they will send you a digital file of the cards. I wouldn't have thought to put most of these things together.

I know when I was considering Stitch Fix I was most concerned about the prices. Here's my invoice. In case you were wondering why I sell the pieces I don't want to keep instead of sending them back to Stitch Fix (which is absolutely free), it's because of the discount when you buy all 5 items, 25% off!

For reference, my price points are all set at the lowest possible.

Here are the links to my previous reviews.

Stitch Fix #3 March 2015
Stitch Fix #2 February 2015
Stitch Fix #1 December 2014

Last month when I scheduled this fix I decided to have Stitch Fix send me monthly boxes. Previously I was ordering them willy nilly. I was excited to receive an email immediately after checkout about my next scheduled fix! Now let's see if I can wait that long and not reschedule for an earlier date!

Thanks for reading, have a stylish day!

While You Were Sleeping: Stitch Fix Review #2 February 2015

One of my favorite things about Stitch Fix is trying on clothes in the privacy of my own home. I tried this fix on while the baby took a nap nearby.

For those of you just joining me, Stitch Fix is an online clothing subscription box. You simply create a profile of your sizes and style preferences, write a note for your personal stylist, and schedule a date to receive your first fix. They send you 5 surprise items, you keep what you love and mail the rest back. The cost is $20 per box, but if you decide to keep an item this goes toward it. Shipping is free both ways. You can select the type of items you want to receive, such as tops, pants, purses, etc.

My first fix was so great I kept everything, which qualified my order for 25% off the grand total. You can read about it here.

I receive a little store credit if you click here:
https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/melanierhoades?sod=w&som=c

For my second fix I decided to be a little more adventurous. I scoured the web looking for cute clothes and pinned several to my pinterest board. I shared it with my stylist and I could tell she had thoughtfully considered it. You can view my board here.

Now for the reveal, and this time I took pictures of myself wearing the clothes. Be kind!

Renee C. Top & Mystree Cardigan

Renee C
Tucker Split Back Blouse $54
Size Just right
Price Just right
Style Like it
Fit/Cut Love it
Comments: Almost too short. Color slightly off. Odd to find polyester that wrinkles. I'm afraid to wash it. Can't figure out what to wear it with except ponte dress pants. Too shiny/dressy.

Back Renee C Blouse

Renee C material

Mystree Cardigan Close Up

Mystree
Esperanza Open Stitch Cardigan $68
Size Just right
Price Too high
Style Just ok
Fit/Cut Like it
Comments: Wish it were more navy or gray. Wish it had pockets. Was see through, cold. Hard to stuff sleeves in and pair. Crochet made me feel old. Flare and shape was great. Too fragile to wear with kids.

Liverpool Jeans

Liverpool
Mira Skinny Jean $78
Size Just right
Price Too high
Style Just ok
Fit/Cut Hate it
Comments: Had a hole. Fit but overemphasized my thighs. Too thick to wear as leggings. I have to cover my butt. Color odd. 

Liverpool Jeans Close Up

Daniel Rainn Tunic

Daniel Rainn

Bilson Pleat Detail Tunic $74
Size Just right
Price Too high
Style Just ok
Fit/Cut Like it
Comments: I can't wear pale colors, except gray. Pleats weren't flattering, ended at baby bump. Made me feel old. The material is good. Had the casual comfy feeling I want. Please try similar again.

Daniel Rainn Dress

Daniel Rainn
Aretha Abstract Print Dress $108
Size Too Big
Price Too high
Style Like it
Fit/Cut Just ok
Comments: I realize I more or less asked for this, but it didn't work on my pear shape. I didn't like the small patter or color. Too formal.

Daniel Rainn Dress Material

Other comments: I like navy, gray and black. I love tunics. I love open cardigans but they have to fit over clothes. I need mostly casual clothes, for layering. My clothes need to be practical, sturdy, was easy. I'm more likely to keep items under $50.

I only kept the Renee C blouse, but it was more a budget issue than anything else. I will definitely do Stitch Fix again soon. I really love my stylist (Thanks Traci!)

If you decide to try Stitch Fix I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks for sleeping baby!