Stitch Fix #12, 13 and 14

Here is an extra large review of my last three fixes!  I was waiting for my new blog design and got too busy to blog, so this is a good chance to talk about how the clothes have held up as well.

Fix #12

Market & Spruce Striped Shirt and Liverpool Madonna Legging

 The faux undershirt on this striped shirt is cotton, so it gets wrinkly and needs to be ironed almost every time I wear it, but this shirt is classic and easy and not too precious, so I have worn it a lot since getting it around Christmas.

The leggings were perfect when I first got them, but they shrink in the dryer and have a tendency to get saggy after wearing them more than once.  I air dried them the last time and they did better.  I have worn these a lot as well, but I am between sizes, so the fit can be frustrating at times.

Notice that Whimsy wanted to get in on the picture-taking.  She saw me set up the camera and ran for the wall where she leaned up against it and stood with Mommy, feeling pretty proud to be involved.

The dogs also joined the party because they thought their might be food dropped on the floor in the process. They were disappointed and lost interest.

41 Hawthorn Filbert Popover Blouse  with 41 Hawthorn Dina Printed Aline Skirt
(and previous fix Porter Leggings, still going strong) 

 I did not plan to keep this skirt at first, but Robb liked it, so I did keep it and I have worn it several times and enjoyed it.  It is very well made and is fully lined.  It is a wool blend, so only good for winter, but I love the plaid.  I'm glad I kept it because it's good quality and a classic pattern and shape.

The blouse is perfect.  I have worn this one a lot.  It has a lot of nice details and is easy to wear.  The only thing I wish was different is the fabric, which does not have much give.  It is a thin polyester which can get a little uncomfortable in the Arkansas heat.  I got caught in a rainstorm wearing this shirt and it went from soaking wet to almost dry very quickly, though.

Brixon Ivy Lawley Cable Knit Open Cardigan

This is the greatest sweater ever invented. Do you see those pockets?  You don't even want to know what's in them because I'm the mother of a toddler, but can I just say that whoever designed this sweater is a genius.  I have worn this thing the way you wear a lazy giant sweater: everywhere and all the time.  It is holding up beautifully against my abuse.  Obviously, one of the best things I have ever gotten from StitchFix.

Fix #13

Market & Spruce Xander Short Sleeve Woven Back Sweatshirt

 This top is so cute and easy to wear. The front it a loose-weave sweatshirt and the back is a flow-ey pink/peach color that I love.  It was frankly a little odd for late winter, but I am wearing it a lot now and I like how it is a pretty shirt but not too fussy. Easy to wear with Whims climbing all over me at a restaurant after church on Sundays or out to the grocery store.  My life is so glamorous, right?

Aratta Lebray Button Down Top

I asked for a plaid shirt and my stylist picked this one for me.  It's got the TINIEST buttons!  So once you get a dexterity workout, it is really nice looking.  The material is a thin cotton blend with reinforcing lining is somewhat odd places, like the shoulders. So far, though, it has been a great addition and is a perfect shirt with jeans.  Incidentally, I asked my stylist to send me anything Joanna Gaines would wear and I think she did a pretty good job! 

Brixon Ivy Zila Crochet Detail Pullover Sweater

I'm a huge fan of this sweater. It is lightweight, pretty, easy to wear and a fairly neutral color without being oatmeal. It doesn't require an extra underpinnings, covers my backside, and can be dressed up or down. It's just a great sweater.  I have worn it with the Pixley Eve Floral skirt several times, which might seem like an odd combination, but I think it really works.  It has also worn nicely and isn't too delicate, even with that lace.

Papermoon Noly Crochet Detail Cardigan

 


This pretty cardigan is similar in color to the previous sweater, but that is ok with me because it's one of my favorite colors!  I like the vintage-vibe and the lace insert.  I don't know exactly how to wear it, to be honest.  So far, I have mostly worn it with a black t-shirt or tank.  The style card shows it with a striped shirt underneath, but I haven't quite figured out if I dig that look.  I really need to be more adventuresome, but lately things have been too busy for a leisurely exploration of cute outfits I might have the pieces for.  So, elevating jeans and t-shirt might be all that I attain with this piece. And that is ok with me.

Amour Vert Rada 3/4 Sleeve Knit Top

I'm not actually sure if this is the shirt I was supposed to get because it looks a little different on the style card. But I kept it and I wear it!  It's a glorified t-shirt with white inserts on the sides that give the illusion of thinning. Winner.  It has washed well and is very soft and lightweight. I wouldn't hesitate to wear this one when it gets warmer because it breathes.  I wasn't sure I needed another striped shirt, though, and I certainly don't think I need any more! 

Fix #14

I am still undecided about my latest fix. But I have pictures, so I am sharing!

Olive and Oak Jaen Chambray Top

I asked for a denim chambray shirt and this is the one my stylist chose for me.  I'm not sure about it yet because of the dark and light fabrics. I like details, but I prefer timeless and classic and I was picturing something a little more Banana Republic. This feels a little reminiscent of the 1990s to me somehow, not to mention the fact that I seem to be collecting the worlds largest gathering of tab-rolled shirts.  

On the other hand, this is very wearable: it goes with anything, can be worn as a cardigan or as a shirt and seems durable enough to be a classic.  It's also very comfortable and has that big-comfy shirt feel that I know I will reach for many times. 

MIA Amari Scallop Trim Flats

When I saw these dolman shirts hitting the Stitch Fix Facebook groups, I knew I would really love this cut and I was right.  This is super flattering and really easy to wear.  But I asked for a solid color, not this print, which I am uncertain about.  Patterns make me nervous. 

Market & Spruce Dimitri Printed V Neck Doman Knit Top

What else makes me nervous? Toddlers with sticky things in their hands while I try on insanely white pants. 

Pixley Malynn Moto Vest

This vest is an experiment. I think it might be too big and I'm going to try to ask for a smaller size and see if that helps. I really like the cleverness of this design and I like the possibilities it offers.  I just don't know if it does anything for me in the current size.  

I like this shirt better with my everyday jeans.

I don't hate this vest left unzipped either. 

Kut From The Kloth Denna Skinny Jean

Now let's talk about these jeans.  They fit so beautifully and they are mostly cotton, which is getting harder and harder to find these days. They feel so classic and the longer I wore them, the more I realized that they go with EVERYTHING.  But WHITE? Do you see that little person beside me?  Her favorite thing to do right now is grab the back of my knees and push me where she wants me to go.  She also enjoys burying her very snotty nose into my thighs.  I just don't know if I can be a person who owns nice white jeans. 

(but I might be the kind of person who wears them a few times, gets them all stained and then dyes them another color. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm exactly that kind of person.) 

Finally, in this fix, I got these darling shoes.  I have been mentally trying to prepare myself to get some shoes, and I was leaning towards something sensible in black.  But these are so cute and lightweight.  And they go with 90 percent of my closet.  You just know I'm going to fold and buy it all, don't you?  Well. I might. I might just do it.  But I might not. 

I'm still undecided.  

Because let's face it, the only thing worse than a toddler destroying your white pants 
is SHOPPING with a toddler. 


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Fix #11 - Color me Conflicted

So truthfully, I haven't even worn a couple of pieces I have received in previous fixes.  I feel terribly guilty about this, but to be fair, we've been on sabbatical from church, I am working ALL THE TIME to prepare for my upcoming craft show, so I barely go anywhere and I certainly don't dress up to go out in the studio and get covered in dust and dirt.  This is a season of my life that will pass soon and hopefully I will have someplace to wear my pretty things.

So when my new box arrived, I felt very guilty about it.  But as I surveyed my closet with the dropping temps in mind, I realized I still can't fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes but I don't have much in the way of warm things.

Papermoon Camilla Pencil Skirt

My new stylist was clearly picking up on the season change.  She sent me 5 pieces that will wear well in the cool months, and she clearly understands that I am trying to create a cohesive wardrobe, so she picked pieces with similar colors: black and maroon.

First up is this pencil skirt with lace detail. Made of structured knit, it is comfortable but not "schlumpy."  I do have a bit of mental block about the color and the lace detail around the bottom, which reminds me of a half slip. I don't exactly know how to wear this yet and was considering returning it, but Miss Whimsy was eating animal crackers while I tried on my clothes and came up and gave me a big love while I was wearing it, leaving a good big smear of her snack on the skirt. So I am keeping it now!  I like it with the denim button front shirt I got in a previous fix.

RD Style Zahara Dress

Next, I tried on the gray mini dress.  It finally occurred to me after asking over and over a gain for "things that are long enough to wear with leggings" that I wanted mini-dresses, not shirts. I am just too tall and too long-waisted to wear shirts with leggings and even most tunics are not long enough. My new stylist grasped this idea immediately and found this darling dress.  It is also a knit with faux leather trim.  It is a little snug on my arms, but not enough to worry me. Everything else about this little dress is perfect for me. I have already worn this with the leggings I got in a previous fix and I would pretty much wear it every day if I could.  If I could have this cut in every imaginable color and fabric, I would be set for life.

Tart Kaylie French Terry Blazer

I specifically asked for a knit gray blazer and my wonderful stylist found one that is perfect for me. I immediately pushed up the snug sleeves and decided to wear it on my date out that very night, paired with the jeans I got in my last fix.  It looks nice and structured, but it feels like a snuggly cardigan sweater.  This piece was pricey.  If you specifically ask for a piece, I've noticed that the price tends to be higher than usual.  Just a tip. But considering I will be wearing this all the time, I sucked it up and paid for this.

Alice Blue Nolie Dress

suggested styling

Next I tried the burgundy dress.  This is where I started to feel really guilty.  This is a great dress, but I don't know where exactly I will wear it.  I love the cut and the faux leather detail and I feel great in it, but I'm not sure how practical it is for me.  I probably should have made it more clear that I love to dress up, but I don't have that many places to go.  I will be planning to pin some more practical, every-day outfits to my Pinterest board just to be honest about my real daily uniform of a t-shirt, skirt and cardigan.

Finally, I tried on the polka-dot pullover sweater.  I recently edited my profile to say "yes" to polka-dots because they can be so cute and timeless.  I would never pick this sweater for myself, but I am going to give it a shot and I will explain why:  I spend about 30 minutes TOPS getting myself ready and mentally, I still picture myself like a college girl who looks "good enough" in whatever she wears.  I started to take some photos of this fix without doing my hair or makeup and I was a little taken aback by what I saw:  a tired old lady.  I don't know when this tired old lady showed up and took the place of the plump glowing pregnant lady that used to be here, but I can guess that she slipped in somewhere in the long string of nights of insomnia, extended work hours of show prep, and mental exercises about life in general with too many plates spinning.  I see the old lady show up dressed in gray from head to toe,  tired cardigan sweaters, hair unkempt and bags under her eyes.  This little sweater sent me to the mirror for the five second pick-me-up of lipstick and a brush of eyeliner and the reminder that nobody else is going to take care of the old lady if I don't.

41 Hawthorn Gideon Polka Dot Sweater

Since this fix was expensive, I adjusted my fix frequency and am taking a little break to make sure I wear what I have.  I'm super torn about it because I really love the things my new stylist is choosing for me and I can't wait to see what else she finds.  But Cinderella has to come home from the ball and get to work, so off I go! 

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Stitch Fix #10 - The Stylist Makes a Big Difference!

I received a new Fix today and discovered that I had been assigned a new stylist.  Based on what I have read from other Stitch Fix participants, this can be a real disaster, but in my case, Ashlyn apparently TOTALLY gets me!  While I have been grateful for the things I have gotten in the past because they fit and they worked for me, I wasn't sure the clothes were very "me" at times.  This was the first time I was absolutely confident upon seeing each piece that I was going to love them. These clothes look like me. 

I also think it was curious that I didn't have a strong sense of what my wardrobe needed.  I was unable to give any requests when I got the note that my fix was being chosen, only that I needed breathable fabrics that would not be fragile and too delicate. 

So the first thing I saw was the gray knit shirt.  As soon as I glimpsed the vintage-vibe pink insert in the back, I knew I would love it. 

 Shorter in the front and longer in the back, it is perfectly comfortable and soft. But the back makes it so much more than a simple gray knit shirt, and I know I will love wearing this over and over again. 

Loveappella Lolla Woven Back Mixed Media Knit Top

Next, I found the wonderful floral skirt.  Reminiscent of a vintage wallpaper pattern, it is fully lined.  I was afraid it was too long at first, but then realized it fits like a 1950s pencil skirt.  Another versatile piece,  I know I can easily dress it up or down.  

Pixley Eve Floral Skirt

Loveappella Mayfair Lace Detail Knit Top

Trying it on with the navy blue knit top I also got in this fix was an obvious choice.  It will be fun to style it with a simple lacy tank and jean jacket too. All the colors allow for plenty of options.

The darling little top is so lightweight and soft and has a lace accent across the top of the shoulders, which keeps it from being just a basic t-shirt.  I love the length of the sleeves as well as the length of the torso, which works well for my long waist. 

Market and Spuce Jamie Button Down Cotton Shirt

Let's talk about classics, shall we?  A button front white shirt with a a couple of perfect twists: elbow sleeves are perfect for me.  I hate anything long and floppy around my wrists, so I always push up my sleeves. The sides have coordinating knit panels that keep it fitting smooth.  This shirt is knit with a cotton back, so it breaths and has the vibe of a basic white shirt, while being as comfortable as a T. The cut is super flattering. 

Finally,  I got another pair of jeans.  At first I thought, "I don't really need more jeans."  But then I tried them on and realized, "YES I DO."  Especially since they are an extremely dark wash, almost black, which makes them appear much dressier than normal jeans. They are bootcut, and a little on the long side, perfect for wearing with my favorite heels, which also makes them great for church, date night, and school programs.  I have lost exactly 1 pound of baby weight: thanks for noticing! I'm not exaggerating one little bit, so my new stylist is some kind of genius, because I feel like I lost 20 pounds. 

Liverpool Denise Bootcut Jean

 

Here they are with the little navy t-shirt....adorable, right?  Having these basics is a great treat.  I didn't realize how much I needed some of these wardrobe extenders, but I know I can layer, mix and match, and wear these things in so many ways.

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Stitch Fix #9

I've been participating with a Stitch fix group on Facebook, and by participate, I mean: I look at the pictures of other things people have gotten.  I have learned that you can sneak a peek at what you are getting as soon as you get the tracking information.  I decided that I like being surprised though, and I did NOT look ahead of time, but I thought you, dear reader, might like to know about this little trick.  Also, looking at the group pictures makes it really obvious that my stylist really does work hard. Her choices for me obviously take into account my many quirks, preferences and hang-ups!

I'm not feeling nearly as many holes in my wardrobe these days, so I mentioned to my stylist that I have two events coming up:  An Art opening at Heartwood Gallery on August 22 and our 19th anniversary.  I actually told her it was our 18th because I can't quite wrap my head around the fact that it's almost 20 years that we've been married and that seems impossible.  I mean, we're just kids! We have an infant!  And, oh yeah... a nearly 16 year old...

Donna Morgan Ashlyn Dress

This is the first thing I put on from the box.  I would never in a million years pick this dress off the rack for myself.  But when I put it on, I felt amazing. The way it drapes and the pattern really keep the eye from settling on any problem areas. It's comfortable and easy to move in, and it would be appropriate for so many occasions, not just date night.  This is a clear winner. 

Papermoon Shepherd Crochet Dress

When I saw this dress, I loved it, but I was afraid it would be too small on me.  A knit lining makes it very forgiving and I really love it.  I can see it styled in so many ways and I tried out several right away.  Too bad it is summer in Arkansas so even in air conditioning, it is sweltering hot.  I don't think the beads of sweat dripping off my nose really sell the look,  so you don't get to see it with the dark tights and boots I tried it with.  But I will show it with the inevitable cardigan...because I will probably never get rid of my inner librarian.  

Sweet Rain Rochford Button Down Blouse

This is such a pretty top and a floral I can live with!  My husband took one look at it and said, "That is so you!" I don't really need more tops at this point, but maybe just this last one....until winter!

Kut from the Kloth Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean

I was surprised by another pair of jeans, but these are a clear win.  I like the wash, the cut and the fit.   The only thing that has be concerned now is that I seem to be a bit between sizes. These felt great the first time I put them on, but then felt a little big the next time I put them on.  So it might be time to size down, but I'm not sure.  I kind of wish I had both sizes to compare at this point. 

Market and Spruce Emma Maxi Skirt

I also mentioned to my stylist that I needed some more bottoms: skirts, shorts, etc.  So she sent this maxi skirt.  I'd never tried a maxi skirt before and I was definitely game for it. It fits and it is really well made, but I realized right away that I do NOT like maxi skirts on me.  All I see is fundamentalist modesty style. This is a look that has too much emotional baggage for me. I do enjoy wearing skirts for the freedom of movement; I walk fast and take big steps but this was just too much fabric around my legs.  I kept it because the discount on buying all five items more than paid for it, but I would like to sell this piece ($45 dollars with shipping).  I can also see in the pictures that brighter colors can be good on me, but I don't think I like cobalt blue; it's just too close to purple for me.  So add that to the list of quirks, I guess!

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Stitch Fix #8 Review

My 8th fix was scheduled to arrive while I was visiting my parents.  I just changed the shipping address to theirs, and my Uncle Phil delivered it with his usual rural route delivery.  No fuss, no muss.  I packed a couple outfits fewer knowing I might get some new things I would keep and I did!

Papermoon Violeta Scallop Detail Blouse

First off, I was delighted with the sleeveless black top.  The design is clean and interesting. Black is always my favorite color and the weight of this fabric is nice and light with no need for a cami underneath. This is very me.  Unlike some of my other Stitch-fix tops, it does not feel precious.  I will be curious how it wears as the edges are unfinished.  Soon, I will do an overview of how these clothes have held up to actual wear.

Just Black - Adorra Skinny Jean

 Jeans. Jeans that fit. Jeans that I can wear with anything. Jeans that don't sag. Jeans that are long enough. Jeans that can be rolled up.  Jeans that are the right color blue. Jeans that aren't too heavy for summer. Jeans, for the love.  THANK YOU AMANDA!  Do you have any idea how many things I can now wear the way I wear things now that I have a functional pair of jeans?  I wore them about 6 times at my parent's house and then I got home and washed them and look how great they look!  The fabric blend is excellent.  Sometimes a stretch skinny jean feels so plastic-y, you start sweating before you get them on.  These breathe. Wonderful, I tell you. I feel like a new person.










 

En Creme Tully lace Black Cardigan

Up next, this little ecru cardigan for the win.  I like the boho-vintage vibe of this piece. I like that I can throw it on with anything and it just works.  I wore it over a boring Old Navy tank top last night and didn't feel over-exposed.  It flaps a little and catches the breeze, so it's not too hot. I could wear it over my swimsuit for a cover-up if need be.  I loved wearing it with the jeans and a simple top.  I asked for a kimono-type wrap, but I think I like this just as well.

Collective Concepts Andres Split Back Blouse

This botanical print top is interesting in the back and I generally like the color combination, but it has a tendency to slip forward and make little flaps appear at my hips.  I've worn it several times and I like that it is light and airy and not sheer.  However,  I keep asking for floral and I keep getting botanical.  These tropical prints feel super Granny-in-Florida to me and I don't love them.  I just don't relate to these patterns at all.  Send me something with flowers I grow in my own garden: roses, daisies, zinnias, lilies, etc.  Tropical prints are just not me.  Unless someone wants to send me to Hawaii....

Mavi Alena Collared Button Down Top

Finally, this simple sleeveless button front shirt in a denim-like chambray.  This is more than I have ever spent on a shirt in my life; it borders on the absurd, really.  The cut and color are unremarkable, though classic.  On the plus side, though it fits me snugly, it is slimming and well made.  I even dare to photograph it from the open side of the placard, so you can see that the snaps are strong and placed intelligently so I can wear it without concern of a wardrobe malfunction.  As my career as an on-demand drink station comes to end in the coming months, this will be a little more practical for me.

In hindsight, it might have made better sense for me to keep the first three pieces and return the last two, but I was on vacation with a badly injured eye and I might not have been thinking very strategically.  As it stands, I have worn all of the pieces more than once except the sleeveless button front top.

 I don't miss shopping.  I still love Stitch Fix. It's not perfect, but when I think of all the frustration I did not have to face looking for jeans...it is totally worth it!  If you decide to try it, please use my referral code! https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4519894

StitchFix #7 Review

You win some, you lose some.  It has been a busy month and I didn't give my stylist many guidelines about my needs.  I mentioned that I needed some blue jeans, but I should have been a bit more specific about what I needed.  So this fix was kind of disappointing.  Bummer.

Level 99 Dilan Distressed Boyfriend Jean

So, these jeans. First off, the color is horrible.  They don't go with anything.  I need a classic pair of jeans and these are more like baby-blue colored jeans.  Then, the distressing...well...it really IS distressing. All the way up the leg and the knee.  I could never pay 98 dollars for jeans I would only feel comfortable wearing to garden.  Nobody wants to see a 40 year old mom's thighs squishing out of her jeans. Finally, the length:  too short to wear unrolled, so they can only be cuffed.  I hate being limited to only one way to wear them.  These fall under the "if you wore it the first time it was in style, you cannot wear it the second time it comes around" category.  I have a picture of myself in these jeans c. 1989 and it's not good, my friends. Not good at all.  They are light and comfortable enough even for summer, but these were a big miss for me.  I probably wouldn't have been so negative about them if I didn't just really have high hopes for the right kind of jeans for me.  The gray ones I got in my first fix were just so great, I had really high expectations.  Staring down the barrel of jean shopping in the stores now just feels like an overwhelming task, but I might have to resort to the GAP if I'm going to have something to wear.  

Papermoon Malton Knit Tee

Previous fix - black skirt

Next the top: Geometric and neon. Ugh.  I know this is a huge trend and I'm supposed to like it, but having seen it on Etsy for YEARS now, I'm so over it. Much like my chevron-fatigue, I have just reached the point of overload of this combination.  There's no way my stylist could know this, I realize now.  The cut of the shirt is great and I like the weight of the fabric well enough to keep this one.  I may pair it with my black skirt to hide the beam of light around my middle.  I know it photographs well, but I just cannot understand how bringing the eye to the part of your body that you are most uncomfortable with is the best strategy.

Fun2Fun Melika Button Down Blouse

This one is easy enough. Plaid is good. Weight of fabric is good.  The collar is a little heavy.  The only real negative on this one is that the finishing is really iffy.  For example, the buttonholes are not completely trimmed, so every time you button or unbutton it, you have multiple threads that pull.  In this fabric, it puckers and pulls the rest of the shirt.  I am keeping this one because it is very versatile, but I will be trimming all the threads first.  

Brixon Ivy Romford Stretch Lace Knit Top

Now this shirt.  It's a stretch lace top over a cami in navy blue. Something about the cut of the cami is a bit disastrous.  It cuts too far under the armpit, leaving too much exposed underneath.  The technical terminology is, I think, "tasteful side boob."  Other than that, it looks remarkably "granny" on me.  Not sure if it is the color, but I just couldn't see this in any other way than dowdy.  Maybe if it was longer or had a less purple under-tone.  I tried it with darker jeans and it was a little better, but not enough to make this one worth it.  I think I know what they were shooting for, but this just did not work for me. 

Side note: the dark jeans?  Stretchy jeggings from Target and the most boyfriend jeans of all:  my husband's.  Also, I cut my own bangs.  I might be too crunchy and DIY for the fashion world to help me.  *Sigh*

Market and Spruce Maeby Dress

Finally, the fifth piece: an actual winner, but I cannot nurse in it.  I wish the pattern was more of a floral than a geometric, but the cut is deceptively simple and easy.  I think this will be a keeper for years to come that can be worn in all seasons.  This is a good example of something I would never pick out for myself that works for me.   

So, this one falls in the experiment category.  It's good to try things, even if you don't end up with a hoped-for result. We can keep trying for the right jeans, I guess.  Maybe I should have just asked for five more pairs of those linen shorts I got last time because I wear them ALL. THE. TIME!  

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