Showing posts with label feminine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label feminine. Show all posts

Monday, February 27, 2017

Bloggin Ain't Easy

Let's talk about blogging for just a minute, shall we? I know, you came here for the pretty things, and I promise there will be plenty of that.

But can I just stop for a minute and tell you how difficult it is to find the time to blog? Thanks for following, though the posts be far and few between.

The good news is, faithful followers, that I only blog when I have something really good to share, like the amazing new collection from Chloe + Isabel for Spring!

Pastel Wrap Bracelet

The colors, the shapes, the stones, the versatility. It's all the things I hoped for.

Sunset Vista Convertible Necklace

Every piece I put on is my new favorite piece.

Braided Bracelet

An unexpected favorite, Turkish Delight.

Turkish Delight

I might be just a little obsessed with styling my Chloe + Isabel pieces with my new Fossil Watch.

Fossil Watch

I can't wait to play with this one, headed for my mailbox now!
Multiple lengths = my cup of tea

Parisian Belle

I also had to have the new open ring, because adjustable means so many ways to style!

Sunset Vista Wrap Ring

View the entire collection here:

Are you interested in learning more about our brand and the opportunity?


Happy Monday!

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

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:

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:

I'd love to hear what you thought about this Fix. Leave a comment below!

Happy Tuesday!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Dailylook Elite Box Review #3: Free Trial Offer

I just received my 3rd and final box from Dailylook Elite.
Click to read about my 1st and 2nd boxes.

Even though I didn't keep anything from my first 2 shipments,
I decided to go ahead with the 3rd box, given the styling fee was waived for the 3 month free trial offer. I had nothing to lose (except maybe all the time I spent taking pictures & blogging about it).

If you're new to the idea, basically Dailylook Elite is an styling service similar to Stitch Fix or Golden Tote. I plan to put together a graphic soon comparing and contrasting these various services.

For now, here are a few differences. In my humble opinion, Dailylook is a bit edgier than it's competitors, appealing to a younger audience, and likely professionals with more leeway as to what they can wear in the office. They do carry a ton of feminine, boho and classic pieces, but often with a bit more bare skin.

You have the opportunity as a Dailylook Elite box subscriber to shop the site
with free shipping both ways.

Last, you have the opportunity to add items from their collections to your online "closet"
and request specific items in your box.

Here's what came in this May's box.


Before I even took the clothes out of the bags, I was already a thousand times more excited about this box than the 1st and 2nd. Patterns, colors, and a purse!

I wasn't truly caught of guard, because 1, I'd already peeked online
(just click the link from the email about the box leaving the warehouse) 
and 2, most of the items were from my "closet", items I'd picked out.

I'm sort of okay with having complete control over what they send. But then it doesn't feel like a styling service. Still, I liked the clothes MUCH more this way.

First thing I tried on was the Pleated A-Line Midi Dress.
As you may recall if you follow, I got this dress last month in a small and it was so
tight I had a hard time getting out of it. It appears Dailylook is not a fan of functional zippers.

This month my stylist decided to send me the medium.


I like the dress, and my daughter said it looked good.
But I think I'm uncomfortable having so much exposed skin in the neckline and arms.
I know I could wear a cardigan with it, but it's just a plain old black dress.
For $65 I think I could do better.

Next I tried on Zippered Woven Shift Dress in Royal Blue.


I toiled over this dress all weekend before deciding to send it back.
Unfortunately, it was too short to wear without tights (my shapewear was showing)
and it's too hot here to wear tights and boots now.



I really, really wanted to need it, because it was only $30.
But it was like 90 degrees when I tried it on, and it's pretty thick.

Thinner wouldn't have necessarily been the answer, as proven by the next dress.
I think the name says it all, "Brick House Bodycon Dress" in ivory.


To the lady who felt inclined to write a rude comment on my last Dailylook review,
I'm giving you another opportunity here.
And I'd deserve it, because I actually added this atrocity to my "closet."

Cute pattern though.




(Sigh) The next item I dreadfully regret to share having sent back
is the Fenner Top from Jack by BB Dakota.


Why, Dailylook, why? Why must I love this shirt so much but have no use for it?
The only thing I could get it to work with was this pencil skirt.

 

It's so long, ughh. I wish it were shorter so it would work with jeans.
But it just wouldn't, and I don't have $65 to spend on stuff I can't wear everyday.
I REALLY loved the color, and I REALLY loved the fabric.
I already regret sending it back.

It was downhill from there.


Just no.


This wrinkled mess is called the Faux Wrap Woven Blouse in sky blue.
And no, I didn't put it in my closet.
It is budget friendly, just $30.

Pears, beware. This style doesn't work. It just adds to the hips.
My stylist probably sent it because I did add this to my closet.
I wanted to give another Naked Zebra blouse a try, as I liked the one from my last box.


It seems broader in the shoulders, and between that and the wrap,
I thought it might create more of an hourglass shape. But it was just all wrong for me.


Part of the problem is that the sizing is a little off.
Both the blue and the black were mediums and felt too large.
I have "size up if unsure" in my notes, but I feel like my stylist
really isn't considering the style at all. She sent a small in the
Fenner top which is more fitted, and a medium in these looser styles.
I have a feeling it just has to do with what's in stock.
But if you want to sell me clothes they have to fit.



I did like that it was a sheer, lightweight material because I always wear a camisole,
and that way I could stay cool on hot days.
I'd say if it were a small I might have kept it,
but again I don't find it pear flattering. And for $50, it's got to be right on.

This one would have been nice for the same reason, lightweight and great with a camisole.
But she sent a medium, again. And the color just washed me out.


I would have thrown on some jeans with it to try as an alternate look,
but the natives were getting restless.

By the way, the skirt is one of my all time favorites from Loft, years ago.

I tried to keep things civil by including some "friends" in the photoshoot.


Here's a close up of the material.


I didn't take many Tres chic photos of the bag because I didn't want to fully unwrap it
because I had no intention of keeping it.


It was in my closet, and I loved the size (not to big, not to small)
but vegan = stinky.
For reference, it was $70. Not bad, but not that good when I consider
that I've seen this brand at Marshall's for half of that.

I think if I'd received this box a year ago, when I was dressing up 3 days a week
for work and surrounded by my super fashionable Dietitian friends, I might have kept half of it.
In fact, Dailylook did offer me a coupon this time around.

But I don't want to be that weird Mom standing by the school bus who's always ridiculously overdressed to pick up her kid from Kindergarten, or the frumpy Mom who settled on clothes that hid her tummy.

But maybe you see a gem here, need more clothes for work, or want to try Dailylook's edgier items.
In that case, I do have a referral link, should you decide to give it a go.


Keep in mind, you don't have to subscribe to Dailylook Elite Box to buy the clothes.
But as a subscribers, they will ship for free, with free returns.

Love it? Hate it? Leave a comment below.
I really appreciate your feedback, both here and in our Facebook groups.

Help me decide if I should try it again, without the free trial,
or put Dailylook Elite on hold.