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! 

How to Get Your Best Fix, Tips & Tricks

I'm not sure why in all these Fixes it never occurred to me to do a "How to Get Your Best Fix" post. I suppose I didn't feel altogether certain I had it all figured out. Turns out, it's not quite the mystery I thought it would be! In fact, most of these facts about Stitch Fix were shared by the company itself on the Stitch Fix Blog, I've just put together the bits and pieces. Whether you are thinking about trying Stitch Fix for the first time, or a seasoned Fixer, I hope to share a few tips to improve your Stitch Fix experience.

Fill up the box.

No, I'm not talking about the Stitch Fix box, although people do love to photograph their boxes with everything from babies to pumpkins.

If you haven't tried Stitch Fix yet, I'm talking about your style profile, specifically, the little box at the bottom. When you head over to the Stitch Fix website and register for the first time, you'll fill out a questionnaire with everything from your shoe size to your fit preferences. Don't get me wrong, these questions are really important.

Still, that little bitty box for your "Final Thoughts" is your greatest opportunity to tell your stylist what makes you YOU. Stitch Fix is a lot of things to a lot of people (a LOT). What's it to you? The Stitch Fix Blog recommends adding a few notes about your body shape, your style icons, or your favorite stores to shop. I would add to that your lifestyle, favorite colors to wear, and specifics about sizing (such as inseam, or sizes you are between).

You have another opportunity to tell Stitch Fix more about yourself just before your Fix gets styled. You'll receive an email with a link to yet another box where you can tell your stylist what is on your wardrobe wishlist. Or you can click here: Last Minute Requests.

Here a couple of the notes I've written for myself the past:

"I need tops I can throw on with casual jeans, dressy t-shirts, tanks or henleys, something durable/kid friendly. Also need a top to wear with my navy wide leg trousers for a patriotic concert, maybe red/white stripes, or all red. If you send a dress, maybe fit and flare, knee length, ponte has always worked best for me. Was tempted to just say "surprise me" this time!"

"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, wash easy. I'm more likely to keep items under $50."

Share a Picture of Yourself

The easiest way to do that is via profile picture on the Stitch Fix App.

Did I just lose half of you? It's really not a big deal if you don't have the Stitch Fix App. I didn't download it at first, I didn't have room on my phone thanks to "Subway SurferS" and "Dragon City". I just wanted to make sure everyone realized you can share a profile picture there. You can also view what's coming to you after it ships, giving you more time to admire their prettiness, and think about how they'll mix and match with what's in your closet.

There are a few other ways to share a picture, such as uploading a selfie to your Pinterest board, or linking up your LinkedIN profile. You can wear your favorite Stitch Fix pieces, or wear a leotard. You can put a paper bag over your head, or take a picture with your pet alligator. Whatever floats your boat. Whatever you choose, it really makes for a more personalized experience.

I'm thinking of changing mine to this. Does this say, "I like casual, boho styles. Nothing too fancy, because babies are going to spit on me" ???

Tell em What You Think

After you checkout, take a minute or 2 to tell Stitch Fix what you loved and what you didn't love about the pieces you kept and the ones you sent back. Too long? Too furry? Perfect color? Best Fix Ever? When they sent me the Brixon Ivy Pinson Drape Cardigan I wrote "Do this again!" It goes with everything, which I never would have expected from a blush and oatmeal color combination. How do you do it Stitch Fix, how?

Leave a Little Room for Mystery

People often compare receiving Stitch Fix to Christmas morning. I'm not going to lie, I still feel that way 15 Fixes in! I'm always wondering when I'm going to find my next favorite ever piece. And often, it's the one I least expected. I kept my entire 1st Fix, and the Evie Drawstring Funnel Neck Sweatshirt was initially my least favorite. Now I wear it all the time! Here's a flashback to me wearing it when #4 was still tiny.

Don't fret too much about writing the perfect note or finding the best profile picture. Keep an open mind and have fun with it!

If you'd like to try Stitch Fix, I'd love it if you used my affiliate link: Sign Up Here

Stay tuned for my next Reveal! Here's a sneek peek from my iPhone:

Golden Tote Review June 2015

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised to find Golden Tote on my doorstep, just 1 week after ordering!

This is my 5th order, and it just gets better every time! Isn't this month's palm tree design beautimous? Perfect for the beach this summer!

If this is your first time hearing about Golden Tote, I'm glad you stumbled upon this review! Golden Tote is a unique online shopping experience offering both boutique women's clothing and accessories, as well as personally styled totes full of clothes. If you ask me what sets Golden Tote apart from the rest, it's the incredible value, fresh new styles every month, and a one of a kind facebook trading group.

If you like options, Golden Tote's got em!

1. $49 Small Tote: Choose 1 item, receive 1 surprise item
2. $149 Large Tote: Choose 2 items, receive 4 surprises
3. $99 Surprise Tote: Receive 4 surprises
4. Boutique Orders: Shop online, no surprises
You can also add items from the boutique to tote orders at discounted prices!
5. Mystery Totes: Annual sale, amazing price!

This month I went with the large tote; at just $25 an item, why not!

Shipping is free for orders over $149, and I love picking out a few things and being surprised with the rest. I can't wait to see what you think!

First up, my sisters pick. Size twins = tote sharing :)

We are not really twins, this is me. I am holding her clothes hostage! 

She has great taste, I loved this one, too. It's a great cut and color for summer.

Golden Tote calls it the Fun & Fresh Tank, brand Oat & Fawn.

Can you spot #3 in this picture?

This came in 2 other colors, including a really cute elephant print on black

and a multicolored geometric floral pattern which I almost snagged.

You'll see, once you decide to give it a try.

It's nearly impossible to pick just 2!

I haven't quite graduated to buying 2 totes at once, but I'm all for add-ons, like I did this pretty pleated blouse by Naked Zebra. You may recognize it from my Dailylook Elite Review.

I loved it, but for $50 I just couldn't keep it, and Dailylook Elite and I broke up. So, I added it to my Golden Tote for just $30, score!

It's perfect for Maxi skirts!

I think next month I'll pick up another, it comes in a gazillion colors.

Next, my chosen item, the Nautical by Nature Dress in navy and white by Esley.

This was sort of an impulse buy when the Puella swing I wanted was sold out. Somehow I pictured it differently in my head.

  

Obviously, this dress didn't work out for me, which is okay. I really wanted to try something out of my comfort zone, and in all fairness, Golden Tote did describe it as bodycon fit. It's a really cute dress, just not on me! I had no trouble selling it in the trading group.

Next up, my surprises! This time around, I tried to be a little more open minded with my style profile. I chose casual, classic and feminine as my favorites, and asked for long, loose fitting tops, casual weekend wear or clothes for wearing to the park with kids.

When I saw this Peach Love top, I immediately thought of my sister!

She recently adopted an adorable little critter named Dojo. He's not a dachshund, but we actually grew up with one. When I sent her a picture of this, we both had a good chuckle!

Unfortunately, it's just not her style, or mine. I posted this for sale and immediately someone responded with a picture of themselves with their dachshund! Our GT trading group is full of creature lovers, and they carry quite a few critter prints for that reason!

Since I already have a big smile on my face from thinking about my old dog, that poor poor blind, deaf old dog, I thought I'd share this next surprise. This also took me back!

This lime green top is from Pink Note and has really interesting mesh detail at the shoulders.

It's super soft and definitely my casual, throw it on with some jeans style.

I guess my sister and I can duke it out over this one.

We just have to figure out what to wear under it.

I think it would be cute over a bathing suit at the beach.

Here's another beachy surprise, definitely a California girl feel about it.

Don't be jealous. Yes, they sent me the Priddy by Puella Swing Tank.

I'm also wearing the Rose Gold Arrow Glasses I added to my tote from the boutique for just $9!

 People will not stop messaging me about this tank!

Unfortunately, it's just too big on me, and "oat" is just too close to my skin tone.

If only the colors on the back were the main event, and not the party in the back!

Here's the last surprise, which I'm still on the fence about. It's from Skies are Blue, one of my favorite brands. I have several of their items from Stitch Fix, another great styling service. But I'm unsure on the fit. I'll let my sister try it on, too. Because, well, if it looks good on her then I have to keep it for myself! Just kidding, she deserves it.

I styled it with a belt, it has a simple elastic waist. I love the colors and the pattern! Reminds me of a few Gilli maxis I've seen for twice the price.

 If you like what you see and want to request it, I will pin these all later. Follow me here: https://www.pinterest.com/moderntypo/

All in all, I think Golden Tote is doing a really good job of picking out clothes for me and I really look forward to every box! If you want to give it a try, I'd love it if you used my referral! As you can see, $10 goes a long way with Golden Tote!

Here it is:

http://www.goldentote.com/index.php?route=common/referral&referral=176e8084e079478b

Be sure to follow me on Facebook to get updates and spoilers:

https://www.facebook.com/moderntypographyblog

The July chosen items will go live July 6th at 9am PST!

Be sure and register ahead of time and get started on your style profile!

Have a golden day!

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!