Fashion - Pocketful of Joules

The Wantable Accessories Box

Remember a couple months ago when I tried out the Wantable Intimates box? Well, when I was filling out the survey for that box, I noticed that they also had an Accessories box. Since I haven’t chosen to get any accessories in my Stitch Fix boxes, I thought it might be fun to see what someone else would pick out for me.

Once again, I filled out their survey which asked me all sorts of questions to determine my style. They also ask what types of accessories you’d like and you can choose from: earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, watches, sunglasses, scarves, and hair accessories. Since I always wear the same watch, rings and earrings (and have a crap-ton of scarves already), I decided to ask for bracelets, necklaces and sunglasses.

The cost of the Wantable Accessories box is $36 if you subscribe (monthly boxes, you can cancel at any time) or $40 for a one time box. Each box will include 3 – 4 boutique accessories that are handpicked to “perfectly match your preferences.”

I filled out the survey and within a few days a box arrived at my door. Here’s what I received:

Princess Madrid Sunglasses – I love these glasses. The teal is fun and the rhinestone details add a bit of sass without making them look cheap. Also, they look good on everyone, see!

I don’t think Jack is purposefully doing a pouty lip in that picture. I’m pretty sure his mouth was stuffed with pretzels…

Here’s the next item from my box:

Natalia Bracelet Set – It’s hard to get a good picture of these bangles, but they are multi-toned and really pretty. I wouldn’t be able to wear them to work because they would make typing annoying as all-heck, but they are perfect for throwing on with a pair of jeans and cute top on the weekend. I also like that they are simple and could totally go with a cocktail dress too. Not that I wear a cocktail dress often, but I do have a couple weddings coming up!

Lotus Bloom Necklace – Okay, I love my statement necklaces… but even I was like “HOLY STATEMENT NECKLACE, BATMAN!” when I opened this one up. But then I tried it on with a couple different tops and now I kind of love it. It’s different. It’s not something I would have picked out myself. It won’t be worn by 10,000 other girls. GREAT CHOICE, WANTABLE!

Look, I even wore it to work yesterday:

I feel a bit like a pretty, pretty princess… but who DOESN’T want to feel like a princess while working? I mixed it with my new striped dress from Target (a super STEAL at $28) and a black blazer. It totally works, right?!

Or are you thinking I should learn the Miss America wave and start walking slowly through the halls with a sash?

I have absolutely no complaints about this box and really liked everything I received. If I HAD disliked something, Wantable allows you to get your money back (and will even send you a shipping label). I don’t know of any other subscription box that lets you do that! Wantable boxes would be a really good choice for someone who wants to dip their toe into the world of subscription boxes without having to live with something – and pay for something – that they don’t actually like.

What do you think, would you try the Wantable Accessories box or do you prefer to pick out your own accessories? Do you like the crazy, over-the-top white necklace or do you think I need to step away from the statement necklaces for a while?

Disclaimer: I paid for my own Wantable Accessories box. If you choose to purchase a box using my special referral link, I will receive a small referral bonus toward future Wantable purchases. Thank you to anyone who uses my special link and supports my shopping addiction.

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Reviewing Fair Ivy

You guys know how I’m kind of a softy for subscription boxes, right? Well, I recently saw one from a company called Fair Ivy that I just had to try.

For $25 each month, you can receive one handmade jewelry gift. You can also upgrade to the “Duet” box for $35 each month and receive a variable item in addition to your jewelry item.

After checking out their Past Surprises link I decided to go with just the jewelry item and was looking forward to something handmade and original to add to my collection.

Only a week or so later, this cute little box showed up at my house.

Inside the box was this:

A little hammered metal charm on a delicate necklace by Grey Goose Gifts (you can check out their etsy shop here).

The necklace is quite pretty, however it is really very tiny. I probably wouldn’t wear it alone, but would layer it with one or two simple necklaces I already own.

It seems as if most of the necklaces sent as a Fair Ivy surprise are delicate and simple, like the one I received. I liked many of the ones on the Past Specials section a bit better though — they just seemed more… I don’t know… special? A lot of them had mixed metals with a homemade imperfect feel. Maybe I’ve just grown used to the clunky statement necklaces I’ve been wearing lately, but I’m not sure I would have wanted to pay $25 for the necklace I received (as it was, I received a special blogger discount to review the service).

I really like the concept behind Fair Ivy though and have signed up to receive one more box next month (and I’m paying full price).

What do you think? Do you love the simplicity of the necklace or would you have been disappointed with the surprise?

If this is something that you would like to try for yourself, you can use the code FAIRIVYFRIEND to get $5 off the first month of any of their subscriptions.

Disclosure: I received my first Fair Ivy box at-cost and paid less than the $25 subscription fee in order to review the service. However, I will be paying for the second month at the full price.

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My February Stitch Fix of LOVE

Grab your tambourine and shake it all around because it’s time for my February Stitch Fix, which is #6 if you’re keeping track. It seems nuts, but the last six months of Fixes have flown by (you can check them out here). I’ve considered stopping the service, or holding off for a month or so. However, I’ve been buying only one or two items per Fix, so it’s been pretty reasonable so far.

Will this month break me?

For my February Fix I asked (once again) for the 41Hawthron Moni Stud Detailed ¾ sleeve blouse. I see it ALL OVER Instagram and other blogger reviews, so I have NO IDEA why they won’t send it to me when I’ve asked for it for the PAST FOUR MONTHS! Well, I didn’t get it again this month so I emailed Stitch Fix to figure out what’s up. I’ll keep you posted!

Anywho, in addition to the (apparently) forbidden shirt, I also asked for some more casual pieces. I have the issue that I can totally pull myself together for a great work look, but as soon as I have to dress myself up for the weekend I look pretty schloompy. I just don’t have any ‘in between’ clothes – I have work wear and I have yoga pants and oversized t-shirts. So with this month’s Fix I was hoping for something cute that I could wear on the weekends and still be comfortable. Also, Jack’s birthday party is on Sunday so I really wanted something I could throw on with jeans and look fashionable (but not too dressy).

My stylist for this Fix was Meagan, who I’ve never had but in her note she said how helpful it was to check out my Pinterest and previous order’s feedback, so I like her (last month was Adrianne and the two months before that was Claire). I apologize in advance for the photos, I was rushing to get them done before Travis and Jack got home and didn’t realize they turned out kind of icky until I was in my pj’s with no makeup on.

Here is what I got:

Item #1: Louisville Boat Neck Cable Knit Sweater, $68
When searching online before my order arrived, I struck out in finding this sweater anywhere. I had some concerns though about the “boat neck” because that style tends to not be so flattering on busty girls. I could really use a cool casual sweater though, so I waited with bated breath… and was disappointed.

Do you SEE the look on my face? This is probably the most unflattering sweater I’ve ever tried on. The color looks terrible on me and the shape of the sweater is oddly boxy, yet short. So short, in fact, that if I raise my arms I will show off my tummy. I’m 36. I don’t WANT to show off my tummy. Obviously I could wear a cute tank top underneath, but the sweater would still be horrid. Verdict: It’s already sitting in the return bag waiting to leave my house.

Item #2: Gilda Abstract Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse, $28
Here’s another piece that I felt was priced really well and I totally crossed my fingers that I’d like it. I mean, $28 for a top that isn’t a t-shirt is right up my alley and I usually LOVE tops with tab-sleeves.

I like it. The fabric is nice and the tab sleeves are pretty darn cute. I’m just undecided on the pattern. Normally I’m drawn to black and white patterns, this one just seems kind of ‘eh’. I don’t know. This could be cute with jeans for Jack’s party. Also, I have a lot of work events coming up in the next few months so this could be really nice under a blazer AND it’s only $28. Verdict: Undecided. What do you think?

Item #3: Mission ¾ Sleeve V-neck Blouse, $48
I also couldn’t find this item online before my order came, so I’m thinking that they are finally sending out a bunch of new stuff (instead of just sending the same things to everyone). Initially the description sounds good, I love v-neck shirts and am totally down with ¾ sleeves… so there is hope.

I really like this shirt. It’s just a simple black top, but the fabric is silky and forgiving. I feel like the cut is quite flattering on me. The ¾ sleeves and neckline give it a bit of interest and it can be thrown on with anything in my wardrobe from jeans to work trousers. Verdict: Undecided. I like it but is it TOO simple? What do you think?

Item #4: Jonni Lace Hem Detail Dress, $34
When I peeked online at this dress before receiving it, I thought it looked a bit like a hippie and a cowgirl made a baby. At a price of $34, I was willing to keep an open mind to see how it fit in person.

If you follow me on Facebook you will know that it DIDN’T fit in person. I tried it on like a good Fixer and got stuck.

Like really, REALLY stuck. The dress was weirdly tight on my upper arms (apparently my biceps are amazing) and looked like a maternity dress once I had it on. I considered taking a picture of me wearing it but then thought about the fact that the horrible picture will be on the internet forever and passed. When I went to remove the dress, I got it halfway over my head and was stuck. You know that feeling when you get stuck in a piece of clothing – you get kind of sweaty and freaked out? Well, I was there. And I was totally stuck. I tried to breathe normally and not freak out but I truly thought I was going to have to either cut the damn thing off me or wait until my husband got home to help rescue me. The thought of the look on my husband’s face (and the teasing that would go on for the rest of my life) forced me to try one last time and thankfully I was able to break free. Verdict: NO

Item #5: Rylin Pintuck Detailed Silk Blouse, $78
Typically when I see the words “silk blouse” I don’t think casual. I mean, my non-work days include a 2 year old and a dog… so silk isn’t exactly the best choice in fabrics for my REAL life.

Do I seem a bit pink and disheveled in this picture? I tried this top in right after I finally broke free of the torture dress. I LOVE this top. Now, silk isn’t something that I would wear for a CASUAL day, but it will go great in my work wardrobe. The silk is so soft and the top is nice and blousy so I can do the half-tuck that I’m addicted too. I’m also in love with the neckline and gorgeous pintuck detailing.

THIS shirt is the reason that I use Stitch Fix. However, it’s 8 degrees outside and February so this might have been a better pick to send me in the spring. Just saying. Verdict: LOVE IT and I’m definitely buying it.

Here is the fun part… what do YOU think I should buy? I’m absolutely getting the silk blouse, but I’m on the fence for the other two tops. I have a couple days to make my decision so please leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

For my next fix, I’m going to request Meagan again. I feel like she got closest to my personal style and I’m curious how it will be working with the same stylist twice in a row. I’m planning to request a blazer for work, an interesting cardigan and try again to ask for some casual tops.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix, I pay for the $20 styling fee and any clothing I purchase with my own hard-earned money. I do have a special referral link though and if you decide to click through and sign up I will receive a small referral reward. Here’s my link. So thank you for anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction.

2/13/14 Update: Thank you all for your feedback! I ended up purchasing both black tops from this Fix. I was going to get the patterned top too, but decided to skip it because Katie is right… the pattern totally looks like static!

Psssst…Do you love checking out what other people received in their Fixes? I added quick links to every single one of my reviews on my Stitch Fix Reviews page!

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