My Latest Obsession: Stella & Dot

The cat's out of the bag, I'm officially an independent Stella & Dot stylist!

In case you missed my last blog post, Chloe + Isabel announced the closing of it's doors. It took me a little time to move on and jump in to the next thing, but one day of friend of mine said, "Melanie, you've just got to do it, what are you waiting for?" That same day I started proudly talking about my new love and I'm now 100% fully immersed in Stella & Dot. I'm not gonna lie, I am completely obsessed! Come see why:

The Jewelry

I mean I'm a jewelry girl, are you a jewelry girl? I come from a long line of jewelry loving people. Even my Daddy wore jewelry. I love how eclectic Stella & Dot jewelry is. They've got all my moods covered from casual chic Monday to ride or die Saturday. My first head over heels piece so far is this rose gold necklace called "Fleur", gasp! I can't get over the $59 price tag, what a steal!

Apparel, Accessories, Handbags + More

I'd be happy with just the jewelry. But when you find a company with the style you're going for and then realize they've got your whole look covered, your heart skips a beat. Scroll back through my blog and you'll see this collaboration was meant to be.

9 out of 10 people I tell I'm moving to Stella & Dot say, "I love their handbags!" Naturally, I had to see for myself. I picked up the gorgeous "Crisscross Hobo" from the sale section. It's so perfect! Flat bottom, comfortable strap, pocket inside, pocket outside, neutral. You need this!

PS The glasses are S&D, too! Very lightweight, comfortable and stylish.

Value

Disclaimer: Almost 40 year old me is still somewhat stuck in the 90s. Remember when gas was 99 cents a gallon? Sometimes I still think I can run to JcPenny and find the perfect pair of earrings for my mom for $10. Those were the days, but let's get real! We were all shrouded in polyester and our jewelry looked like Barbies. My point is times have changed, thankfully! 2019 me wants ethically sourced, timeless jewelry that is not mass produced, and you get what you pay for. I think the value at Stella & Dot is exceptional given our in house, unique designs.

Speaking of value, our engravables are top notch and very reasonably priced. Hurry up and get this "Signature Engravable Hexagon Necklace" before it sells out like it's rose gold counterpart. It's super luxe. I was pleasantly surprised it was engraved and shipped the next day!

Value Added

There's so much more to it than a great product. To get back the "why" I do this, ultimately I value my time with family above all else. It's incredibly refreshing to find a company that empowers me to support my family by providing all that I need to successfully run a business from home. I realize a lot of women reading this are thinking about branching out into the world of entrepreneurship, but it's really quite scary. Why not let Stella & Dot assume some of that risk for you?

What will that mean for those of you coming along as customers? You can support my small business, but have all the benefits of shopping a stable, reputable, successful brand. I know you'll enjoy the fast and furious shipping and ease of returns and replacements. Did I mention killer host rewards and Style Club offers? We are going to have so much fun.

Community

And it IS fun! Is there anything better than shopping with friends? In my 3 years with Chloe + Isabel I learned that what keeps you going, gives meaning to what you do is not what you do but who you do it with. I am so happy I've found a new home in Stella & Dot.

Won't you come along with me? It just wouldn't be the same without you! Come check out my new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Melanies-Style-Lounge-106340404041143/

Please use it as a jumping off point to shop, find my VIP community, reach out to me and learn more about Stella & Dot.

See you there!

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! 

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!

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!

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:

Subscription Box Reviews

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:

Modern Typography on Pinterest

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

Happy Tuesday!

Last Minute Gifts

Hey you! Yes, I just used my impersonal greeting on you. I Feel like I'm doing that a lot lately, as I can't seem to remember anything.

I know it's Christmas crunch time and you are busy but did not want to forget to tell you what to buy me for Christmas. I won't even know you waited until the last minute if you print it out yourself!

Here are a list of other people who just might want a Stitch Fix gift card (besides me):

Mom
Sister
Cousin
Coworker
Boss
Neighbor
Teacher
Coach
Petite Friend
Pregnant Friend
Tall Friend
Friend in Exercise Clothes
Friend in Fashionable Clothes
Friend Seeking a New Job in 2016
Working Friend
Stay at Home Friend
Postwoman
Daycare Provider
Barista
Accountant

I have a feeling you just remembered someone you forgot to buy a present for. That's okay! Just click this link and before you know it, you'll be done with your holiday shopping: http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-7776374-11958005-1445467985000

And, I wanted to make sure and say Merry Christmas to you, and yours! Thank you for making 2015 the year I got to quit my away from home job and focus on my family, small business and fashion! You're the Best!

Evereve Trendsend Review: A Subscription Box for Moms

I'm always on the lookout for new subscription boxes and was really excited to find an online personal styling service dedicated to moms, Trendsend by Evereve. If you are anything like me, time is limited when it comes to shopping for clothes, and things don't fit like they used to. Even if they do, they went out of style years ago. My clothing needs have changed, too. Trendend's response? "Take care of your family, we'll take care of your fashion." Brilliant.

In browsing the Evereve website, I was very impressed by the brands, fit and style of the clothes. It took me about 10 minutes to fill out a very detailed style profile and fill out my special requests. I pinned several of my favorite Evereve pieces and linked my Pinterest style board to my profile and requested a box!

Trendsend promised a 14 day turnaround and they delivered! My box arrived 11 days later via UPS. The service is free, no styling fees or shipping charges. What more could a mom ask for?

I have to admit I peeked at what I would be getting when I received my shipping email. If you are wondering how to do that, just click on the "leave feedback" link. I was intrigued by the pieces they'd chosen! I don't normally peek, but I knew I'd be busy when the box arrived (as it came on the same day as half a dozen other things) so I wanted to wrap my head around it.

When the box came, I quickly unwrapped it to find all of the clothes neatly wrapped in tissue paper, held together by stickers with cute little sayings. The box also included an invoice, a letter from my personal shopper with styling tips, a shipping envelope and a prepaid USPS sticker.

I was so excited to see some items for fall! Now if the weather would just cooperate. It was around 100 degrees when I tried these on, but I didn't care. I felt like fall Barbie playing fashion show!

This was my favorite outfit out of the box, both off and on. Trendsend calls this top Under Skies Tab Sleeve Plaid Top or Plaid Button Down Top in red/navy.

The tag read Skies are Blue, one of my favorite brands! $58 seems reasonable, but I do occasionally have time to shop and just picked up a similar shirt at Costco for $12. This one definitely has more finesse, but I decided I can only do so much plaid. Here the Costco version, which came in several colors. It has more of a western feel, snap buttons and such.

The jeans are Kut from the Kloth and were described as straight leg jeans on the invoice, but in reality they are the Dianna Skinnies and are just that. Therefore they are the exact opposite of what I asked for. Does any retailer (besides Stitch Fix) carry anything but skinnies anymore? I may have tolerated them, as they look great with boots under long tops, however I looked (and felt) like I'd just finished baking in the oven. I'm wearing them in most of these pictures.

This next top is the Braeve Charcoal Tunic or Washed Ashore Tunic for $58. It is really thick, and the hem has a raw edge which I like.

I love everything about this top, but it just doesn't love me back. The scoop neck and oversized fit didn't work well with my shape.

The next top had similar issues, and was even more unflattering because the fabric was very thin and unforgiving.

I genuinely dislike this hi lo trend. I don't need mud flaps. The color was beautiful though on this Free People Ventura Thermal. But $68? No.

This trench had great potential. It's the Ellison Oversize Trench or Holden in pebble for $78. Turns out pebble isn't my color, and I JUST bought another trench. The one size fits all didn't work out too well for me on this one anyway.

The sleeve looked much better tabbed, but were tight (and I have narrow arms).

I didn't think the drape was very flattering either. But this must be working out for everyone else, because Evereve called it a Best Seller.

I thought these Lysse Center Seam Ponte Leggings for $78 and the Peyton Jensen Cambridge Boyfriend Cardy for $48 were the last 2 items in the box. Did I mention I was really hot and received half a dozen other things that needed photographed? I was getting a bit delirious and threw these on haphazardly with this less than desirable surprise top from Golden Tote. I'm sorry.

I genuinely loved the space dye and coziness of the fabric on the sweater, but it felt shapeless. Still, I actually kind of regret sending it back. It's very on trend and would probably go with everything.

I desperately wanted to keep the leggings but just couldn't justify another pair - so similar to what I already have - for that price. Besides, Stitch Fix just started carrying these <3

Turns out I missed a shirt in the bottom of the box. Another plaid shirt, from Lovestitch, the vintage wash plaid shirt for $39.99 on sale. It was really warm. And a tad tight. Love the material and pattern though! Wish they'd had the size up to swap.

So I didn't keep anything, which is weird because everything pretty much fit. I think it was just bad timing with the hot weather, half dozen other things, and new job stress. I am REALLY impressed with what they picked out for me on the very first go round. I would definitely do this again in the future! At the very least, I'll shop the sale section of the Evereve store.

For your knowledge, no discounts were offered toward multiple purchases. And as far as I can tell, there is no referral system in place at this time. I hope they offer both in the near future!

If you'd like to try Trendsend, or just shop Evereve, I'd love it if you used my affiliate link:

Free Shipping on orders $50+

While I will receive a small commission for referrals, clearly my opinions are all my own. If you do try, be sure to let me know what you think!

Happy Trendsending!