My September Stitch Fix: A Sassy Birthday Fix

September is totally one of my favorite months. The combination of the whole back-to-school excitement in the air, a hint of pumpkin spice everything, and my September birthday all work together to make me a happy lady.

I purposefully planned my September Stitch Fix delivery to come a little earlier in the month so that I could treat myself for my birthday. I booked a babysitter for Saturday and can’t wait to spend the day with my husband, family and close friends at a nearby wine festival.

With that in mind, here is my stylist note for my September Fix:

This is my birthday fix, so let’s have fun! Maybe a couple showstopper tops, I’m going to a wine festival to celebrate. Transition pieces are good too — lightweight sweaters (no fitted crew neck tops), interesting casual shirts. I would love a business formal blazer in a color other than solid black, solid gray or b/w stripes.

{If you are interested in checking out all of my Fix reviews, you can click here. This Fix is #24… so I’m kind of a fan!}

Let’s see what she sent!

Item #1: Kensie Rebekah Contrast Detail Blazer – $88
For my marketing job, I give presentations on a pretty much weekly basis all year long. On presentation days I have to step it up from my typical business casual wardrobe to something a little fancier, so I usually throw on a blazer. I have your typical black version, gray version and a black and white stripe version… but I was hoping for something a little more interesting when I asked Stitch Fix to send me one to try. My stylist sent me this blue Kensie blazer, which has polka dots on the cuffs.

Stitch Fix Review - Kensie Rebekah Contrast Detail Blazer - Pocketful of Joules

I styled it with a pair of typical black work trousers, a floral blouse and a pair of pumps. The blazer is nice and fits well, however it isn’t really what I was hoping for. I mean, there isn’t anything ‘special’ about it, is there? And I was really wanting something more special.

Keep or Return: If you don’t already have some basic blazers in your closet, this is a nice one to add. However, I’m already all stocked up on basics, so it’s a return for me.

Item #2: Maggy London Izan Floral Dress – $158
I recently pinned this dress to my pinterest board because I really liked the shape and the darker take on a floral pattern. I was thrilled to open my box and see this in there, but wasn’t really loving the price.

Stitch Fix Review - Maggy London Izan Floral Dress - Pocketful of Joules

The dress is absolutely gorgeous though. It’s a little tight in the bust, but a minimizer bra seemed to take care of that issue. It would look fantastic for a fall wedding (please, someone invite me to one so I can wear this!) or dressed down with a sweater and booties for work. This might be a little dressy for the wine festival, but if the weather is nice it might work. I mean it IS my birthday…

Keep or Return: Oh my, I love it so. I do have a lot of dresses though, so I can’t say I really NEED this one…

Item #3: Market & Spruce Bran Embroidered Dress – $68
I was hoping for a couple cute tops to pick from for this weekend’s wine activities, but my stylist suggested that I try this dress instead. The embroidery at the top is really cute and the dress is nice and soft with an elastic waistband to give it some shape.

Stitch Fix Review - Market and Spruce Bran Embroidered Dress - Pocketful of Joules

I like the shape and design of this dress, but there are two things that are not working for me – the length and the fact that it is so casual I could never dress it up for work. When I invest in dresses I like to have the option of wearing them to a few different events and this one is just not that versatile.

Keep or Return: If this dress were a few inches longer (to my knees), I’d have to think about it a lot harder, but as it is I’m sending it back for someone shorter to enjoy.

Item #4: Renee C Gean Pullover Knit Top – $58
Last month I mentioned that if I were going to wear a sweater it would have to either be an oversized v-neck or a cardigan. Well, my stylist really delivered with this super soft pullover.

Stitch Fix Review - Renee C Gean Pullover Knit Top - Pocketful of Joules

I tried it on with a black tank top, my boyfriend jeans and Toms for a perfect Fall weekend look. The sweater is that exact right mix of being just big enough that it works for a casual outfit, but not so huge you look ridiculous (like the butt wings shirt from last week). It’s also a way for us ladies with larger busts to rock the stripes trend without making them awkward. I really like this sweater and I can see mixing it with a bunch of different bottoms — jeans, leggings, colored jeans, etc — but is it worth the $58 price tag?

Keep or Return: Yesterday when I tried it on I was convinced that this one was a keeper, but now I’m not so sure. What do you think?

Item #5: Daniel Rainn Waring Roll Tab Blouse – $68
Oh man, did my stylist get me on this top or what?! It’s got a moody floral going on, a flattering length, some really pretty pleating details and tab-sleeves. It’s like they might as well name it The Joules!

Stitch Fix Review - Daniel Rainn Waring Roll Tab Blouse - Pocketful of Joules

Here is how it works with my work trousers and heels. It even has a little split-back action going on, which I don’t hate. I also tried it with my circle skirt:

Stitch Fix Review - Daniel Rainn Waring Roll Tab Blouse 2 - Pocketful of Joules

And here is a close-up of the pattern and pretty pleated details:

Daniel Rainn Waring Roll Tab Blouse close up - Pocketful of Joules

Keep or Return: This one is a no brainer, it’s so pretty and I love it. I can imagine styling it a ton of ways and will totally be wearing this all fall, winter and spring!

Help Me!
Wow, my stylist really knocked it out of the park for my birthday fix! I’m really loving two of the items – the floral dress and blue floral blouse. I’m torn on the comfy sweater though. The embroidered dress and blazer are nice, but not the right fit for my lifestyle. So, here’s the fun part… what do you think I should buy?

Leave me a comment below and tell me what you think!

9/18/15 Update: I decided that I really liked the blouse, sweater and dress, so I listed the other two items on a Stitch Fix buy/sale Facebook group. The dress immediately sold, so I went ahead and bought the whole Fix for the 25% off discount. As of now, the blazer has not sold… but it’s growing on me so I may just keep it. Thank you all for your feedback!

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. If you enjoyed my review and decide to try Stitch Fix for yourself, the biggest compliment you can give me is by using my referral link. Thank you to 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 August Stitch Fix: Transitioning to Cooler Weather

After last month’s shopping bonanza, I went cold turkey for the month of August. I gave myself a little ‘no shopping for 30 days challenge’ and only broke it with a couple pairs of running capris I scored at the Under Armour outlet for a steal. My 30 day drought is over now, which coincides perfectly with my August Stitch Fix delivery!

{If you are interested in checking out all of my Fix reviews, you can click here. This Fix is #23… so I’m kind of a fan!}

We just returned from our last week at the beach, schools will be in session any day now and I’m kind of ready for fall. I know, I should enjoy the last dregs of summer because I’ll be complaining about cold weather soon enough, but I’d be totally happy if it just gets a teensy-tiny bit cooler so I can start wearing my jeans again.

I had the cooler weather in mind when I wrote my August note for my Stitch Fix stylist:

Let’s try another pair of jeans like the pair I pinned. Also, let’s start doing some transition pieces that can take me into fall — blouses, lightweight sweaters, etc.

Let’s see what she sent!

Item #1: RD STYLE Maureen Twisted Seam Elbow Patch Sweater – $64
For my first item, my stylist sent me this super cute sweater with elbow patches. It’s a great lightweight piece for fall and can totally be layered for winter too.

Stitch Fix Review - RD Style Maureen Twisted Seam Elbow Patch Sweater - Pocketful of Joules

My only issue is that I’m not really much of a crewneck sweater girl. When I do wear sweaters, I tend to go for oversized v-necks or the ever-present cardigan. It’s pretty darn cute though… just not me.

Keep or Return? I’m thinking I’ll let this one go back into the world for someone else to enjoy!

Item #2: Kut from the Kloth Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean – $78
Last month I asked for a pair of jeans similar to this pair that I pinned. I love the look of them, but not the $265 price tag. My stylist sent me a pair of jeans that were pretty good… but not exactly what I was looking for. So, I crossed my fingers for this month’s Fix to pan out. I styled these jeans two different ways – a summer look that I can wear now and also one for the fall.

Stitch Fix Review - Kut from the Kloth Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jeans - Pocketful of Joules

I’m in LOVE! I know that Kut from the Kloth usually fits my curves really well and these jeans feel like they were made for me. The distressing is just enough and the rolled part at the bottom isn’t stitched, so I can adjust it to my liking.

Keep or Return? As you can tell by the fact that I wore these jeans in almost every picture, I’m loving them and will wearing them a ton this fall!

Item #3: Le Lis Merryn Printed Dress – $78
I recently pinned this exact dress to my “Fix Inspiration” board because I liked the shape and felt like the pattern would work well with tights and a cardigan. My only worry was that the fabric might be too light to wear when the weather gets a bit cooler. However, when I received it I found out that the fabric is actually pretty a pretty substantial knit that wears great and won’t wrinkle. For the first look, I just added a pair of sandals for something I can wear now. For the second picture I put on a belt, bright cardigan and some closed-toe booties.

Stitch Fix Review - Le Lis Merryn Printed Dress - Pocketful of Joules

There is something magical about the way this dress fits and flares… because I look way thinner than I normally do. I’m in love with how comfortable this dress feels on and I’m so happy that it has a longer length that comes all the way to my knees. For reference if you decide to request this dress in your Fix, I’m 5’7″.

Keep or Return? KEEP, KEEP, KEEP! As soon as I took it off, I immediately hung it in my closet!

Item #4: RD STYLE Hollen Raglan Knit Top – $54
Here’s another sweater that I really like in theory, just not on me. I like the fit of this sweater with the open knit and interesting back, I just don’t think that the fitted horizontal stripes are doing my chest any favors.

Stitch Fix Review - RD Style Hollen Raglan Knit Top - Pocketful of Joules

And here is a close up of the pretty knit:

RD Style Hollen - Pocketful of Joules

Keep or Return: Honestly, if this were a bit looser and a v-neck I’d snatch it up. But it’s not, so I’m going to pass.

Item #5: Market & Spruce Elissa French Terry Moto Jacket – $74
Well, crap. I totally pinned this moto jacket to my pinterest page and didn’t realize until I saw the name of it that I ALREADY TRIED IT! That’s right, back in January I tried the exact same jacket in a striped fabric and decided not to purchase it.

I really love the look of this version’s fabric though, so I decided to keep an open mind and try it again. While it has the same name as the other jacket, it really does fit a bit differently with more of a cropped length.

Stitch Fix Review - Market and Spruce Elissa French Terry Moto Jacket - Pocketful of Joules

As much as I totally LOVE the look of this jacket when it’s open, I HATE how it looks zipped up. When it’s zipped tight, it is really apparent that the cropped look is not working on me. However, it looks so cute when it’s unzipped… Maybe I can just wear it as a casual cardigan-replacement-style and keep it unzipped forever?

Keep or Return: Okay guys, for this one I REALLY need your help. Should I buy it or should I pass?

Help Me!
Unlike last month when I had to return my Fix before I was able to get your feedback, I still have a couple days to make up my mind on what to buy. My mind is totally made up on the dress and jeans, but I’m torn on whether to buy the moto jacket. Leave me a comment below and tell me what you think!

8/27/15 Update: I decided to keep it all! Kind of. I posted the two sweaters on a Stitch Fix buy/sell Facebook page and sold them within a few hours. So, that gave me the benefit of the 25% off discount and I kept the other three items for myself! In fact, I’ve already worn the jeans twice and the jacket earlier today (you can check my outfit out here). Now I just have to count down the days until I receive my September “birthday” Fix!

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. If you enjoyed my review and decide to try Stitch Fix for yourself, the biggest compliment you can give me is by using my referral link. Thank you to 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 July Fix: Lucky Number 22?

It’s Stitch Fix time again and as always, I can’t wait to share what I received in my box. After last month’s fantastic buy-it-all Fix and some Anthropologie tag sale shopping, I’m actually doing kind of okay on clothes for now. However, I LOVE receiving my monthly Fixes so I went ahead and kept my July Fix on the schedule.

{If you are interested in checking out all of my Fix reviews, you can click here. This Fix is #22… so I’m kind of a fan!}

Here was my stylist note for this Fix:

I love the tops you’ve been sending me, but there has been a lot of blue… let’s branch out with some different colors! Keep the fun summer clothes coming and I’d like to try another cardigan since the last one was too tight on my arms.

Instead of being able to get your feedback on what I should purchase, I had to make a decision over the weekend and send the unwanted items back. So, let’s see if you agree what what I kept!

Item #1: Pixley June Polka Dot Skirt – $58
After trying another Pixley polka dotted skirt that I didn’t like, I was a little nervous to try this fitted version. However, I pinned it to my board anyways because I could imagine it being a really good work skirt.

Stitch Fix Pixley June Polka Dot Skirt - Pocketful of Joules

For the first look, I styled the skirt with the 41Hawthorn Colorblock Blouse from last month’s Fix and left it untucked. For the second picture, I’m wearing a blouse by Sweet Rain (item #5 in this Fix) and tucked it in for a high-waisted look. From the front, the skirt looks darn cute and I especially like the second look with the mixed patterns.

Unfortunately, the side view is not so great with the fit drawing extra attention to my butt and belly. This is my “ehhhhh, not so good” face, in case you were wondering. {I can’t believe I’m about to post this picture…}

Pocketful of Joules - nope

Keep or Return? This one definitely went back. I love the idea of the skirt, but on my curvy figure it just made me feel self-conscious. Also, when I took the skirt out of the box I realized the zipper was already broken. If I’d have loved it, I would have emailed customer service to see if they had a new one… but since it went back I just made a note when checking out.

Item #2: Market & Spruce Clove Twist-Back Striped Cardigan – $64
I’m not a huge fan of open cardigans, but the moment I took this out of the box I loved this one. The fabric is super light and incredibly soft. The sleeves are extra long – I only wish there were pockets and thumb-holes!

Stitch Fix Market and Spruce Clove Twist-Back Striped Cardigan - Pocketful of Joules

For the first look, I styled it with a t-shirt and jeans (item #4 from this Fix) for a typical weekend/home outfit. To dress it up, I threw it on top of a simple black dress, layered some necklaces and added my happy yellow sandals.

Ready for the best part? Check out the back:

Pocketful of Joules - back

Keep or Return? This one is a keeper! I can certainly wear it as a layering cardigan for work, but I really see me throwing it over t-shirts on weekends.

Item #3: Collective Concepts Moray Crochet Panel Top – $68
My stylist recommended pairing this super sweet crochet panel top with the pair of distressed jeans she included in the Fix. I love the mix of sweet and ripped up, but this top really isn’t doing it for me at all.

Stitch Fix Collective Concepts Moray Crochet Panel Top - Pocketful of Joules

It looks okay in the picture, but the top is fitting me really oddly – it’s kind of tight on the shoulders and chest, instead of the draped look it seems to be going for.

Keep or Return? I have plenty of similar blouses that fit a lot better, so this one went back.

Item #4: Kut from the Kloth Haiden Distressed Straight Leg Jean – $88
I’ve recently seen a bunch of fashion bloggers wearing a slim fit boyfriend jean from Rag & Bone that costs almost $200 (even with the Nordstrom sale). I LOVE the look of the jeans – they are pretty much perfection – but I just can’t deal with the price. I pinned them on my board and asked for a more reasonable pair, so my stylist sent these over from my favorite jean’s brand, Kut from the Kloth.

Stitch Fix Kut from the Kloth Haiden Distressed Skinny Jean - Pocketful of Joules

Here are a couple repeat looks from above – a typical weekend outfit and something more appropriate for casual Friday. I like the fit of these jeans, but I’m not loving the super-sized cuff. Unfortunately, it’s sewn in… so unless I snip the threads I can’t really play around with it.

Keep or Return? I went back and forth on this one because I think the jeans would look so much better with a smaller cuff… but I decided to go ahead and return them. Similar Kut from the Kloth jeans show up at Nordstrom Rack all the time for around $40 and I’m sure I can pick up a pair in the fall.

Item #5: Sweet Rain Hampton Split Neck Blouse – $44
I love the pretty coral color of this blouse and the fun pattern, which is little triangles. The fabric is lightweight and doesn’t seem like it will wrinkle. The back is also a little longer than the front, which looks really cute when it’s untucked.

Stitch Fix Sweet Rain Hapton Split Neck Blouse - Pocketful of Joules

I paired the blouse with the polka dotted skirt and loved the mix of patterns. I also tried it with the jeans for a more casual look.

Keep or Return? I totally would have kept this top if I had not recently bought two orange/coral tops at the Anthro sale. Since I already own this one and this one, I don’t really need another one with such a similar color scheme.

What did I buy?
My stylist did an excellent job on this month’s Fix, but only one item won my heart… the Market & Spruce cardigan! It’s quite similar in feeling to the asymmetrical zip cardigan I bought in December by the same brand, and I wore that one a ton on my work-from-home days and weekends. I’m sure I will get just as much wear out of this striped version and will definitely be bringing it to our last trip to the beach next month.

What do you think… did I choose wisely? Should I have kept more than just the cardigan?

 

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. If you enjoyed my review and decide to try Stitch Fix for yourself, the biggest compliment you can give me is by using my referral link. Thank you to 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!