Stitch Fix – June 2014

Well folks, I got my second Stitch Fix this week! I was so excited when I arrived home from another long day in corporate zombieland to see that lovely little box on my doorstep!

If you don’t know what Stitch Fix is, it is an online personal shopping service. You complete your style Profile, link to any Pinterest Style Boards you may have, and their personal stylists handpick a monthly “Fix” of five items based on your tastes and budget. You can buy what you like and return the things you don’t. If you buy at least one item, they waive the $20 styling fee and if you buy all five items you get 25% off the entire Fix!

I got my first Fix last month, and I liked it enough to see what month two would bring. As you dear readers may know, I am in the process of finding my new life rhythm – new recipes, new projects, new ideas, new styles – and hopefully a little new self-esteem boosting along the way. And as long as we’re being honest here folks, a few monthly subscription boxes are a heck of a lot cheaper than therapy! Just sayin.

Opening the pretty box is almost as fun as seeing what’s inside!

 

Here’s what I got in this month’s Fix:

1. Danya Beaded Stretch Bracelet in Navy by Jill Michael
2. Tony Cotton Cargo Skinny Pant in Black by Sanctuary
3. Suzie Stripe & Dot Knit Shirt in Navy by Kensie
4. Ace Swiss Dot & Floral Tie-Waist Blouse by Daniel Rainn
5. Palermo Knit Tank in Cobalt by Sanctuary

So how did it all turn out? Grab your vino and let’s find out!

The bracelet.

Well folks, I need more bracelets as much as I need more wine, scarves or cardigan sweaters. But I also know and embrace my weaknesses. I didn’t need this, but once I tried it on I had to have it. The stones are a beautiful deep navy blue, are a nice weight and high quality, and really pop with the dainty links of sterling silver. It is great alone or stacked with my go-to Alex & Ani bangles. I had never heard of Jill Michael Jewelry, but her work is beautiful and I think I may just have to add this little number to my collection next. Status = KEPT.

The cargo pants.

I was excited and nervous about the pants – as any woman is about trying on pants in general. I was in need of some good summer casual pants, but you just never know how pants will (or won’t) fit. I was simply amazed that these fit perfectly and are actually kinda flattering for cargo pants! They are nice and light, super soft and will be great dressed up or down. The price was a little higher than I would have liked at $88, but when a girl finds pants that fit and flatter… Status = KEPT.

The knit top.

I so wanted to love this one! The material was so soft and I just loved the stripe and tiny dot print. It was really comfy, but just so-so and a little sloppy in its fit. I just couldn’t justify the $38 price tag. Status = SENT BACK.

The dot and floral blouse.

I really wanted to love this one as well. The fabric and the pattern were just too pretty. Sadly, the top arrived missing a button (which I did find hiding in the box). while it was kinda cute and I could have sewn the button back on, I would have had to layer it with another tank underneath because of the spacing of the buttons. I was on the fence, but in the end couldn’t justify the $68 price. Status = SENT BACK.

The knit tank.

I’ll be honest here folks, I pretty much knew that this was going to be a no-go when I took it out of the box. The color was amazing, but the weave of the knit… um, welcome back 1988? Tank meets friendship bracelet? Bleh. And then there was the fit (and the reason there is no picture of me in this top). It was just not right. Status = SENT BACK FAST.

So, overall my second Fix wasn’t as great as I would have liked, but it was still worth it. I ended up with new pants and a new bracelet – one item I needed and the other that I just wanted! Not to shabby. I cannot wait to see what I get next month. Stay tuned and I will let you know how it goes!

And if you have wondered about Stitch Fix, you should at least give it a try – I think you will like it. I am in no way sponsored to share my opinions and you are by no means obligated to follow the referral links in this post. But if you do I will be incredibly grateful for the credit and will send you virtual thanks and hugs!

Cheers!

Gwen

 

Sometimes a girl just needs a new pair of shoes…

Just sayin.

Franco Sarto Cait. Not my typical purchase, but I fell in love. And you can’t second-guess shoe love.

My First Stitch Fix!

Well, it finally arrived! I got my first Stitch Fix this week. For those of you who don’t know what Stitch Fix is, it is an online personal shopping service. You simply complete your Stitch Fix Style Profile, link to any Pinterest Style Boards you may have, and their personal stylists handpick a “Fix” of five items based on your tastes and budget. You can buy what you like and return the things you don’t. If you buy at least one item, they waive the $20 styling fee and if you buy all five items you also get 25% off!

I signed up a month ago and received my first Fix this week. Sydney the cat inspected things first, just to make sure the Fix was safe to open.

Opening the box and unwrapping the surprise inside was so fun – I felt like a kid on my birthday. Yes, I know. I PAID for the present, but what the hell, I am worth it! Play along here people.

Here are the 5 items I got in Fix #1.

1. Lucille Cascading Pearl Collar Necklace by Pixley
2. Caius Straight Leg Jeans in Light Blue by Level 99
3. Duboce Straight Leg Jeans in Hot Pink by Margaret
4. Melita Eyelet Detail Button-Up Shirt in Navy by Under Skies
5. Remmie Multi-Color Chevron Print Maxi Skirt in Turquoise by Papermoon

Why two pair of jeans, you ask? I specifically asked for new spring/summer jeans in my initial Fix request, so the good news – they might just have customer service that listens to the customer! Imagine that.

And drumroll….. the verdict:

1. The necklace. Upon opening this Fix, I didn’t think I would like it since pearls are not really my thing and let’s be honest, I am hopeless with accessories so I set it aside at first and moved on. MORE TO COME.
2. The light blue jeans. Were just plain awful. Although the fit was okay, the thin fabric was not forgiving. AT ALL. And the color was just off – like it wanted to be cheery but just ran out of energy somewhere between aqua and light blue.  RETURNED.
3. The hot pink jeans. At first glance I knew that the color was likely not for me. I mean really, it takes some guts to pull off hot pink pants. But once I tried them on the fates were sealed – and not in a good way. They were like bad cheap jeggings (yes, I said jeggings) with a hefty price tag. No bueno. RETURNED.
4. The navy button down. I was starting to get discouraged after the bad jean experience, and when I first saw the button down shirt it seemed just kinda ‘meh’. But then I tried it on. Normally I don’t like button down shirts since I CANNOT STAND to iron, but this one is made of a nice knit overall except for the top eyelet detail, pockets and collar. I was on the fence at first but it grew on me – and then I revisited the necklace with the top and I was sold. KEPT THEM BOTH.
5. The maxi skirt.  I so wanted to love this. The print, colors and fabric were perfect. But the fit was just plain lousy. I mean really lousy. I get that maxi skirts are supposed to be long and I am only 5’3″ but this was just silly. I pulled it up over ‘the girls’ as a dress and only then was the hem was at the right place. Since I couldn’t justify spending the dollars only to have to tailor it, no go. RETURNED.

Here is a pic (a bad one, I know) of the two items I kept. I actually wore them later in the day to a party with my Joe’s white skinnies and Boden sandals. I felt pretty, which as you girls all know isn’t always an easy feat, so yay me! Yay Stitch Fix.

Regarding the pictures, sorry folks. I should have confessed out of the gates that I am a crap photographer. This is further complicated by my lack of a real camera, hopeless selfie capabilities and lack of a full length mirror. I will work on it. Promise.

Overall, I was pleased with my first Stitch Fix. I would have loved for more to have worked out, but this was a decent start. You get to offer very detailed feedback and comments on each Fix so that your stylist knows exactly what you did/didn’t like and why so that they (hopefully) continue to learn and customize to your style. My next Fix is scheduled to arrive June 25th. Will let you know how it turns out.

Cheers!

A quick disclosure. The links to Stitch Fix in this post are referral links. For any referrals you make to their service you get a $25 credit. While I would certainly appreciate the credit, I don’t expect it by any means, so if you want to check out their service on your own, just go to their site and enjoy!