Wow, I think that this is just going to be a full DIY week.
I had the GREAT REVEAL of the DIY Challenge yesterday, three of my favorite blog friends (aka the Glue Crew) also posted their DIY Challenge results, and then I have today’s subscription kit…which happens to be called Project DIY!
YAY for DIY and being crafty. Not the sneaky kind of crafty though… the kind covered in glitter and glue.
M&J Trimmings sent me their Project DIY: Joan of Arc Collection box which included their starter kit of tools, as well as everything I needed to make a Joan of Arc inspired cuff and necklace.
The first thing I noticed was that the quality of the kit was quite impressive. The chain, bracelet cuff and all the details were quite heavy and well-made. I was initially disappointed that the instructions were online (and not provided in the kit), but once I visited the link I found the instruction breakdown and images really helpful.
The first project was the Joan of Arc necklace:
Here are all the pieces that need to magically come together into a necklace…First phase done, the pendant and tube beads are attached to the chain mail.I tried a few different variations until I came up with my favorite… and then changed it again when I broke out the glue.Look, I’m gluing. You guys smile when you’re gluing right? Maybe not Katie though, who has a history of glue gunning stuff to her face.My finished masterpiece!I let it dry for 30+ hours and here’s the finished look!
Then, I tried my hand at the Joan of Arc cuff bracelet:
Only a few pieces needed for this project. YAY!Once again, I tried out a few different designs only to change it all once I started gluing.It’s like Wonder Woman’s cuff — don’t mess with me!
I think that this kit was definitely high on the ‘coolness’ scale. Each collection is based on runway and street styles, so this would make a great fit for the crafty fashionista friend that is hard to buy for.
I also really like that they included a starter kit with needle nose pliers, a wire cutter, chain nose pliers, a jump ring opener, assorted clasps, earring hooks, jump rings and chain extenders. It’s a nice little package of everything you really need to start with this type of jewelry work… and much better than trying to wrap the wire around a pencil or wrench or something.
If you are interested in trying out a subscription for yourself or purchasing one as a gift, check them out here .
Disclosure: I was provided a Project DIY kit to review; however all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own. I am not rewarded or compensated in any way if you click through to purchase a Project DIY kit.
I can’t believe my THIRD Stitch Fix is finally here. I feel like I’ve been looking forward to this Fix as soon as I scheduled it. That’s how they suck you in, right?!
Claire styled this month’s fix and I think overall she did a really great job. It’s actually my FAVORITE Fix so far… even better than last months Fix. Which is why I really need your help in deciding what to purchase!
They updated the styling cards that come with the Fix so that now the outfit suggestions are all on one sheet of paper. I actually really like the new design because you don’t have a big laminated tag poking you while you try on the clothes. I also like that I have all the outfit suggestions in case I want to mimic any from my own clothes.
Here’s my first item, which is the only one that wasn’t a winner AT ALL. I really like the color of the shirt… but there is no way that I’d ever pay $78 for a extremely thin short-sleeved blouse. You can’t see it in this picture, but it’s so thin that you can easily see my bra. As you can tell by my face, Joules no likey and this isn’t even included in the voting.
So I need your opinion on this top. It’s a Dolman Sleeve Jersey top, which means that I kinda look like Batgirl when I lift my arms. Is this a good thing? Do I WANT to be Batgirl? I thought it looked cute as a date night top (even though I accidentally cut my head off in the picture…) and maybe for a more casual work outfit. What do you think?
I really like the feel of this sweater, but the color and shape doesn’t really do anything for me. Thoughts? The jeans are also from this Fix (also worn in the last picture) and I love the way they fit…however I JUST bought an identical pair of jeans a month or so ago.
When I pulled this jacket out of the box I was like, “UM…didn’t I JUST leave feedback on how awful asymmetric jackets look on busty girls?!” and kind of glared at it for a while. I really didn’t even want to try it on because I was convinced that I’d look like a busty heifer. I was pleasantly surprised though that when I actually tried this top on…it looks kinda cute. Right? Or am I fooling myself? I like that the two zippers on the front are working zippers, so you can wear the jacket zipped asymmetrically or straight up the middle. I think this could be really cute as a more badass version of a work suit jacket. Do you think I should buy this one?
After trying everything on with my clothes, I’m strongly considering purchasing the black and white dolman sleeve top and the asymmetric jacket. I have until Friday to make my final decisions though… which is why I’d love to know what you think. Feel free to use this snazzy voting tool or just leave your comments below.
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.
11/21/13 Update: Thank you so much to everyone who gave feedback! I ended up purchasing the black and white BATGIRL top from this Fix. I was on the fence on the asymmetrical jacket… but after trying it on for the 10,000th time, the zipper stuck and I figured it was a sign that I should pass. I already scheduled my next fix for December and requested a holiday party dress and all fun tops!
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!
Okay friends, I had high hopes for my second Stitch Fix box. Hiiiiigh Hopes (yes, let’s break into song now…).
High Apple Pie in the SKY hopes.
After receiving and reviewing the first box, I was pretty excited because the stylist then looks at your feedback when selecting the items for your next box. I also added to the notes section that I’d love some “fall transition pieces” since I will be going on our anniversary trip to Hershey Park and wanted to look kinda cute while chilling out with my boys.
Oh and in case you aren’t familiar with the concept, you can read my first Stitch Fix review here. The short version is that Stitch Fix is your own personal stylist that picks 5 items that she thinks you’d like and sends them to you. You try them on in the comfort of your own home (with your own stuff from your closet) and send back whatever you don’t want.
Here’s what I got in my October Fix:
Street Level Kirkham Crossbody Tote with Side Pocket – $66.00. And yes, that is Ollie’s face in the corner, just checking things out.
Street Level Kirkham Crossbody Tote with Side Pocket – $66.00. If I were in the market for a cute tote and purse, I would have totally have purchased this cobalt blue set. However, I already have a purse that I love so I don’t need this one.
RD Style Genoa Seamed Ponte Knit Pant – $58.00. As you can see, I’m not wearing them and there is a reason for that.
RD Style Genoa Seamed Ponte Knit Pant – $58.00. I liked the color and weight of these pants, but just did not dig the style. With the seam running down the front of the leg and the elastic sides on the waist, it just reminded me too much of the under-the-foot leggings from the 1980’s. I tried them on, but totally hated the way they looked. If this were a pair of skinny jeans in this color, or even a pair of work-appropriate trousers in cranberry, I would have kept them in a heartbeat. As they are, they went back into my return bag.
Under Skies Elissa Terry Cloth Moto Jacket – $68.00. It’s grey, but it’s kind of a beige-taupe-grey.
Under Skies Elissa Terry Cloth Moto Jacket – $68.00. I like the IDEA of this jacket, kind of rocker-cool in a soft snuggly fabric. Unfortunately, the problem with asymmetrical zippers is that they tend to make a busty girl look even more broad and busty than she already is. And not in a va-va-voom way, in a chunky-chunky-monkey way. Back in the return bag it goes!
Sanctuary Pfister Crochet Detail Sleeveless Top – $48.00. Here is the close-up so you can see the pretty detailing.
Sanctuary Pfister Crochet Detail Sleeveless Top – $48.00. This one ALMOST ended up in my closet. I love the crochet/lacy detail on the front of the shirt and of course I love a nice black top that I can dress up for work or dress down for play. Unfortunately, this top had two things going against it – first it was see-through, so I’d have to wear a tank underneath it. Yeah, a tank under a tank.
That was actually do-able. It wasn’t until the second time I tried it on (for the pictures) that I noticed that one of the middle buttons was straining just a bit. So since the fit was a teeny bit off, I decided to send it back.
41Hawthorn Abrianna Long-sleeved Knit Cardigan – $48.00. Outfit experiment #1, I did a double-knot in the cardigan and put it over a red dress from Banana Republic. And yes, you can totally see the back view in the mirror.
41Hawthorn Abrianna Long-sleeved Knit Cardigan – $48.00. It’s so funny that they sent me this sweater, because I pinned it on my pinterest board from the Stitch Fix blog. I really liked how they showed four different ways to wear an open front cardigan and I was planning to try their tips with a short-sleeve one I have.
Here it is in outfit experiment #2, I left it open and put it over a taupe-colored tank top and a pair of black skinny jeans.
Now that I’m looking at their tips again, I wish I had taken a picture of this cardigan belted. Oh well – I did try it both open and tied in a double-knot over a dress. What you can’t see in the pictures is that the cardigan is so incredibly light AND super soft, without being see-through. So I love it and am definitely keeping it.
So, once again I’ve ended up buying one item out of the five that Stitch Fix sent me. I ALMOST bought two though, which is why I think they’re getting warmer when it comes to sending me stuff that I love. I’ve decided that for next month’s box I’m going to ask for: a pair of work appropriate pants, a dress or two, a skirt and the rest tops. That way I can give them an idea of what I want (no purses) but still give them full control of surprising me!
Also, just so this is perfectly clear this is not a sponsored post. Stitch Fix did not pay me or reward me in any way to blog about them. However, if you do decide to give Stitch Fix a try and use my special referral code, I will receive referral rewards. Here’s my link. So thank you for anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction.
What do you think, did I choose wisely? Have you tried Stitch Fix? If so, how long until you got that coveted five items box where you purchased everything?
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!
The first thing I noticed was that the quality of the kit was quite impressive. The chain, bracelet cuff and all the details were quite heavy and well-made. I was initially disappointed that the instructions were online (and not provided in the kit), but once I visited the link I found the instruction breakdown and images really helpful.
I also really like that they included a starter kit with needle nose pliers, a wire cutter, chain nose pliers, a jump ring opener, assorted clasps, earring hooks, jump rings and chain extenders. It’s a nice little package of everything you really need to start with this type of jewelry work… and much better than trying to wrap the wire around a pencil or wrench or something.
