March Stitch Fix: Fixin’ for Spring

I’m not really sure how Stitch Fix does it, but somehow as soon as I send back each month’s Fix, I’m already excited about my next one. I’ve been thinking about skipping a month, but I just simply cannot deprive you of my awkward modeling pictures, right?! And um… I’m kind of in love with having clothing delivered right to my door.

My March Fix is #7 if you’re keeping track (you can check them all out here). Each month I’ve only purchased one or two items, so it’s not really breaking the bank. Stitch Fix may actually be SAVING me money because I’ve pretty much stopped most of my impulse purchases from cheapo stores like Target or Old Navy. Instead of buying a bunch of inexpensive items that will inevitably pill up or shrink oddly after just one washing, I’m buying better quality pieces that I actually love.

Speaking of love, let’s talk about this month’s Fix!

When I sent in my request, I asked for the same stylist that put together my February Fix (Meagan) since I felt that she was on track with my personal style. I requested a blazer for work, an interesting cardigan and tried again for some casual tops. Unfortunately, there weren’t any interesting blazers available in my size for this Fix… but Meagan still knocked it out of the park!

Here’s what I got:

Item #1: Kayla Skinny Jean, $108
When I checked my account after the order was sent and saw that I was getting a pair of $108 skinny jeans, I laughed. Um… a pair of jeans for more than ONE HUNDRED dollars is not my typical purchase! Last night, I opened the box and saw a pair of Orange-Red skinny jeans and snickered a little. Then, I put them on…

Joules - Kayla Skinny Jean

First off, let me just say that my butt would NOT have fit in these jeans before I did the DietBet. They are obviously magical skinny jeans – they have just the right amount of stretch, the fit is PERFECT and I don’t even have a muffin-top! Is it possible that I like BRIGHT RED skinny jeans?! Actually, I kind of love them. I was worried that they wouldn’t go with anything in my wardrobe, so I styled them three different ways using clothes already in my closet. What do you think: keep or return?

Oh, and to ensure that you are making an informed decision, here is the back view:

Joules - Kayla Skinny Jean - back

Item #2: Healdsburg Loose Knit Open Cardigan, $68
At work, I pretty much live in cardigans. With crazy temperature fluctuations between outside, crazy office air and running around all day, I like to have the option to take off a layer. I also like a more casual-type cardigan for home to throw over a t-shirt and pretend that I look like a grownup.

Joules - Healdsburg Cardigan

I’m not sure about this cardigan though. It’s a nice, neutral color and has an interesting open weave… it’s just not wowing me. Since it doesn’t have any buttons in the front, I tried it two different ways – first a work look with a skirt, blouse and belt, and then a ‘heading out to Target’ look with jeans and a top. What do you think: Keep or return?

Item #3: Moni Stud Detailed ¾ Sleeve Blouse, $58
Holy guacamole – after MONTHS of requesting this shirt and basically drooling over it every time I would see someone post it on Instagram, the WHITE UNICORN of Stitch Fix arrived at my door!

Joules - 41Hawthorn Moni Studded Blouse

Perhaps I should have said RED unicorn, because this blouse is a gorgeous shade of red. I love it SO MUCH – the fit is perfect, the color is great and the little studs are just enough interest that I don’t need to add a necklace. I’m definitely getting this blouse and wearing it at least once a week!

Item #4: Cherise Cotton Tab Sleeve Henley Shirt, $58
YAY, a cotton shirt! I was hoping for a simple, yet awesome, cotton shirt when I asked for some casual tops.

Joules - Cherise Cotton Henley Shirt

This top is super soft and a neutral color that can pretty much go with anything, including bright red pants. I’m not sure about the cut though. It’s kind of swoopy in the front and back, which makes it great for butt coverage. Hmm… I really need your feedback on this one. Keep or return?

Item #5: Downing Striped Knit Shirt, $44
Another cotton shirt, wheeheew! Now you may be thinking, “Joules” if you wanted a normal old cotton shirt you should just visit Old Navy or the Gap… and I totally agree. What I wanted was an INTERESTING and well-made cotton shirt that I wouldn’t see on every single girl I know.

Joules - Downing Striped Knit Shirt

This top is super cute in person with the orange stripes and ¾ sleeves. It also has a curved side to it, but a bit less extreme than the grey top. I think it would look really cute with a pair of cutoff jean shorts in the summer. But now that I look at the picture, I’m wondering if this isn’t that flattering either. What do you think: Keep or return?

When I tried everything on last night I thought I had finally gotten a box where I’d keep EVERYTHING, but now I’m not so sure. I LOVE a few things and like a few things. The kicker is that if I do decide to keep everything, I get 25% off of the total cost which is pretty much like getting the sweater and part of a shirt for FREE.

Now here’s the fun part… what do YOU think I should buy? My mind is totally made up on the red top, but everything else is up in the air. I have a couple days to make my decision, so please leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

 3/21/14 Update: Thank you all SO MUCH for weighing in with your thoughts! After much, much, MUCH consideration I decided to just buy what I was in love with, since I have plenty of stuff already that I just kinda like. So, the red Moni Studded top and the orange-red skinny jeans will now live in my closet… and hopefully I’ll get lots of wear out of them!

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.

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!

Like what you see? Share me with your friends!

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.

Boatneck Cable Knit Sweater

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.

Gilda Abstract Print Tab-sleeve blouse

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.

Mission v-neck blouse

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.

Lace hem dress

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.

pintuck silk blouse

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.

pintuck silk blouse - close up

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!

Like what you see? Share me with your friends!

Stitch Fix-ing in the New Year: Help Me Decide!

That’s right guys, to continue along with our Fashion week…it’s Stitch Fix #5! If you’re interested in checking out my thoughts on my last four Fixes, you can find them here.

This month I asked specifically for a 41Hawthorn Moni Stud Detailed ¾ Sleeve Blouse that I’ve seen other people get and I’m dying to try it out for myself. I also asked for a work-appropriate dress and maybe even a flannel shirt.

Once again I was a Peter-Peter-Bo-Cheater and looked at my account as soon as I got an email that my Fix was shipped to me. I then googled each item name to see what it looked like, because I wanted to write down my first impressions before even seeing them/trying them on in person.

I had Claire as my personal shopper for the past two fixes, so I was surprised to have Adrienne for this Fix. I’m sure Adrienne is a really nice person, but I’m not sure if I’m a fan of her style…

Item #1: Alexander Aztec Knit Drape Front Cardigan, $68.00
Snap Judgment: Ugly. Ugly and not figure flattering at all. And um…hipster-ish. Do they think I’m a hipster? Should I put on a pair of supersized glasses and do a hipster pose when I get this in person? I’m sure I’m going to hate this and return it.

Alexander Aztec Knit Drape Front Cardigan - Joules

Actual Thoughts Once I Tried It On: Ugly and not figure flattering at all. It looks like I’m being devoured by an ugly Aztec blanket. I’m not sure if it’s more hideous coming or going… but it will be GOING out of my house in the pre-paid return envelope.

Item #2: Broadway Swing Skirt, $48.00
Snap Judgment: OH YAY, they must have looked at my Pinterest board because this looks like one of the skirts I pinned!  I hope this fits because I could totally use a plain black, swingy skirt that fits really well. Oh crap, I hope it’s BLACK and not some weird color that doesn’t match anything in my closet…

 Renee C Broadway Swing Skirt - Joules

Actual Thoughts Once I Tried It On: YAY, it’s black and it fits nicely. I feel kinda cute in a “New Girl” kind of way in the first picture. I’m not sure if it’s “special” enough to buy though. The twirly-ness is nice… so this is a MAYBE. Feel free to sway me one way or the other in the comments!

Item #3: Amiee Geo Print Belted Dress, $48.00
Snap Judgment: I couldn’t actually find this dress online when I was google-sneaking around. If it is a work-appropriate dress, that’s a pretty good price so I hope I like it!

Amiee Geo Print Belted Dress - Joules

Actual Thoughts Once I Tried It On: This is the most hideous dress I’ve ever seen. The only way it could be more hideous is if I paired it with the Aztec blanket sweater. The fabric is extremely thin, like an old handkerchief has been washed 8,000 times. The fit is TERRIBLE and clings to all the wrong places… actually; it clings to ALL THE PLACES, which is why I’m holding the dress and NOT wearing it in the picture. In this dress I look like a slutty Wilma Flinstone. I don’t know who would think that this dress is work-appropriate, but not in my world. Verdict: I cannot get this dress into the return envelope fast enough and even flipped the bird at it so it would know my true feelings.

 Item #4: Ivy Tulip Print Tab Sleeve Blouse, $68.00
Snap Judgment: Well, I guess they didn’t have the Moni studded shirt in my size to send me this time, which is super disappointing. However, this EXACT top is on my Pinterest board – and in my notes I said that I loved the tab sleeves, dark color and cute (but not too cutesy) pattern. I can’t WAIT to try this on! My guess is that I’m going to love this one and buy it.

41Hawthorn Ivy Tulip Print Blouse - Joules

Actual Thoughts Once I Tried It On: The first time I tried this one I wasn’t in love with the fit. Then, I tried it on again 12 hours later and decided I love it. I love it untucked with dark jeans, I love it with statement jewelry and a blazer and I love it tucked into the swing skirt. No need to vote on this one because it’s already hanging in my closet!

Item #5: Gulliver Cotton Gingham Button-Up Shirt, $28.00
Snap Judgment: This is the cheapest priced item I’ve ever received in a Stitch Fix, so that’s pretty awesome! Depending on the pattern, this may be super cute. I am a bit worried though, because according to other bloggers this shirt is cut small… so unless my stylist sized up it may not fit my… um… ample bosom.

Gulliver Cotton Gingham Shirt - Joules

Actual Thoughts Once I Tried It On: First off, there is a price difference between the checkout screen on my account ($28) and the invoice that comes with the clothes ($34). Obviously you pay the price on your checkout, but this is disconcerting and I’ll have to be sure to check any future orders for consistency. Not that it matters, because I can’t get this shirt closed over my boobs. Come on Fix peeps, if every person returns it and says it’s sized small…DO something about that and size up! Also, it’s not flannel… it’s a gingham button up shirt. Totally different. I guess it’s kind of cute open over a t-shirt. What do you think?

At this point, I’m definitely purchasing the tulip blouse and considering the swing skirt and maybe the gingham shirt. I have a couple days to decide though, so leave me a comment below and help me decide what to buy!

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.

1/18/14 Update: Thank you to everyone for your comments! I ended up buying the tulip blouse and the swing skirt from this Fix. My next Fix is scheduled for mid-February and I can’t wait to share!

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!

Like what you see? Share me with your friends!