Stitch Fix #3

I just received my 3rd fix. If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix (where have you been?), in short, it's a women's clothing service where you get matched with a personal stylist who hand selects five items to send you in the mail and you decide whether to keep them or not. If you want the long details, see my first review.

After getting two fixes where the tops were a tad big, I decided to size down on my style profile. I was a bit nervous everything would be too small, but as you will see below, the fit was much better. Here's what I got:

Market & Spruce Gillia Lace Detail Knit Top - $58

I really love certain aspects of this top. I love the stripes and the fabric is SUPER soft. I like the tab on the sleeves and that they're 3/4 length. I like the idea of the lace on the shoulder, but do not like it on this top. I think the lace pattern is too weird busy and I hate showing bra straps (strapless bras are awkward while nursing). For the price tag of Stitch Fix items, I need to love it to keep it and this one didn't do it for me. RETURNED

Skies are Blue Taven V-Neck Blouse - $44

This item matched my style the least of all the items this fix. It fits well (yay for new size being right), but I don't like how the orange stripe doesn't match the rest of the colors in the shirt. Because of this, I know I won't reach for it. RETURNED

Loveappella Delemos Hooded Knit Top - $58

This top was just no good for me. The colors are drab, the "hood" (it's really just a funnel neck) was too much fabric for me to get to lay right, the material was oddly thin and looked like it was covered in lint. I love a good sweatshirt to throw on when it cools off in the evenings, but this only looked like a sweatshirt while just being a shirt. Definitely not a match for me. RETURNED

Kut from the Kloth Kate Boyfriend Jean - $88

I've never tried boyfriend jeans before. I'm not sure if this is how the boyfriend style is supposed to fit, but I wasn't feeling it. I suspect that they will grow throughout the day and in this stage of life, both of my hands are typically busy and don't have time for hiking up my pants. I've heard that this brand tends to run big, so maybe it was just that. The length also seems to be a bit off on me. (The cuff is sewn in.)

Spoiler: I decided not to keep anything this fix, so I posted my items on a Facebook buy/sell/trade board for Stitch Fix items. Within a couple hours (it has over 21k members!), a lady messaged me to buy these jeans (and the top below). She paid full price for both items, covered the shipping cost and PayPal fees. (PayPal charges 2.9% + $.30 to use their site for transactions.) This is a great way not to "lose" the $20 styling fee. (When you buy any item, the $20 is credited toward the purchase.) Thanks Linda. SOLD

41Hawthorn Beckett Graphic Print V-Neck Blouse - $48

This was my favorite item (style-wise) in the box. I liked the teal color and print. If I had to keep one item, it was going to be this one. I didn't absolutely love it because the armpit holes were a bit too big/low and the v-neck cut pretty deep. If the fabric wasn't laying just right, it put "everything" on display. (I decided it was best to keep those pictures off the world wide web.) I was going to have my mom take it up at the shoulders, but decided that a $48 top should already be perfect. Also, it was hand wash only, which is just not ideal for me, so I was glad to be able to sell it (with the jeans). SOLD

I had $47 in referral credits, so I technically made
money since I sold the items for the full $136.
I'm still thinking of it as stitch fix money though.

All and all, this box was a bust for me. BUT since I didn't spend any money (and have $47 of free money to spend), I've already scheduled another fix for mid-October. I'll let you know what I get. 

*This post contains referral links. If you use my referral link, I receive a $25 credit (at no extra cost to you) to use on future fixes. PLEASE consider using my link to help me continue this fun service. (Also, please let me know because I'd love to see what you get!)

Stitch Fix #2 Review

If you know me, you know I have little to no fashion sense. I also despise shopping. (And have even less desire to do so with two small children in tow.) All of those components make Stitch Fix a good option for me. If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, I recommend you go read my first review here. In short, it's a styling service for women where your personal stylist hand selects five items to send in the mail and you decide whether to keep them or send them back. Shopping made easy. 

This time I asked my stylist for prints and textures since my entire closet is comprised of solids and a couple stripes. Here's what I received: 

Daniel Rainn Manzee Crochet Detail Top - $68

This shirt is really pretty, but I had a few issues with it. First, it's a tad too big. The arm holes are too low (forgot to photograph that) and the body is a bit too wide. Secondly, I hate wearing a strapless bra, and I also don't like showing bra straps. I have to do one of those two things with this shirt. No thanks. Thirdly, it's dry clean only. Not happening. (This made me realize I needed to add a note to my style profile that I don't do dry cleaning. ever.) All and all, a $68 dry clean only shirt just isn't a great match for this stay at home mom. RETURNED

Skies Are Blue Anya Split Neck Blouse - $48

I asked for patterns, but this might be a little too much pattern for my comfort. Also, it hangs strangely off my chest (I think it's a dart issue). The material is amazing though. Even though it's 100% polyester, it's super soft. I have a split neck blouse by this brand pinned on my style board, so I appreciate that my stylist is paying attention (you can attach a pinterest board to your style profile so your stylist can see things you like), but this one didn't work for me. RETURNED

Everly Maura Dress - $58

the face says it all

When I peeked at my fix (yes, I have zero patience and did it again), I could not find this dress anywhere (anywhere being Google and Pinterest). I must be the first person to receive it and post about it. My stylist again clearly looked at my pinterest board because I have several scallop hemmed dresses and shirts pinned. But, I specifically said in my profile that while I want to hide my post-baby tummy, I do not want to look like I'm wearing a bag and this dress did exactly that. Also, as you can see in the picture, the arm pit holes were way to big/low for me. 

One cool thing I've learned about Stitch Fix is you can exchange an item due to size (or defect). In other words, I could contact customer service and ask if they have this exact dress in a smaller size (you cannot change colors or any other detail). If they have it in stock, they'll send a free shipping label, you send the item back, and they send the new size. There is a catch however. You MUST keep the exchanged size. It's a nice feature if you're in love with an item and it's the wrong size, but there's still a gamble that the new size will be right.

[Update: I requested a size exchange for an item in my first fix. Go back and see here.]

Even though an exchange is possible, I wasn't in love with this dress enough to try it. There's still too much risk for me not knowing how the next size down would fit. RETURNED

Just Black Shaylee Straight Leg Jeans - $78

I've read a lot of Stitch Fix reviews (I like to know what I'm getting into before I start something), and one thing I've consistently read is how amazing Stitch Fix pants are. I absolutely have to agree. These jeans fit soooo well and are extremely comfortable. Unfortunately, they're way too long. Yes, I know I could hem them and I've seriously considered it, but I also already own these jeans...

On one hand, my stylist clearly understands what I like. On the other, do I really need three pairs of extremely similar jeans? The combination of already owning two pairs of almost identical pants and then having to do work on this pair for them to be right made me decide to say no. RETURNED

Bancroft Karlita Hammered Coin Earrings - $28

Lastly, I got my first piece of jewelry from Stitch Fix. While filling out my style profile, I had a hard time deciding whether I wanted to receive jewelry or not. 

Small portion of style profile

I know that their jewelry prices are much higher than what I could pay for something similar somewhere else, which made me want to check that I did not want to receive any jewelry in my fixes. (I'm still a penny pincher at heart.) However, just because I CAN find it elsewhere, doesn't mean I will take the time to do so. I currently wear two pairs of earrings, both of which were gifted to me. This ultimately made me decide to keep it open as an option. Yes, I might have to pay a higher price for a simple/not-so-unique piece of jewelry, but I clearly could use a couple more options in this department and having Stitch Fix send it, might just make me do it. And in this fix, it did.

I like these earrings. They're simple and will go with most anything. I don't like them for $28, but since nothing else was a great match this time, keeping the earrings prevents me from "losing" my styling fee and I will definitely get use out of them. (If you return all the items, the $20 styling fee is theirs to keep. If you keep at least one item, the styling fee is credited toward your purchase.) I am only paying $8 extra to keep them. In reality, I'm paying nothing because I currently have $50 in credits. (THANK YOU LAURA AND GINGER!) KEEP

Overall, even though my items weren't perfect this time, I don't consider it a complete bust. It's still fun to receive a package of personalized goodies to try and never have to leave the house (or put on makeup). 

They also send a card with suggestions on how to style each item.

If you want to give Stitch Fix a try (and you should!), PLEASE use one of the links in this blog. When you use my referral link and order a box, it credits me $25 at no extra cost to you. This will allow me to continue to enjoy this fun service! (If you already ordered a fix without a referral, you can contact customer service and they can still give me credit.) 

*Thank you also to the Rachel who signed up with my link! I do not know which one of the many Rachel's it was to properly thank you.

My First Stitch Fix

I finally did it! My first Stitch Fix has arrived.

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, it's an online styling service for women and here's how it works: Go to stitchfix.com and sign up by filling out a pretty in-depth style profile. When you are ready, schedule a "fix" for $20. You will be matched to a personal stylist who will hand select five items that she thinks fit your style and size. A pretty box will arrive at your door and you get to try on every item in the comfort of your own home (and pair with items you already have). Then decide which ones you want to keep and which you'd like to send back in the included pre-paid shipping bag (free shipping both ways) and check out online. If you keep any of the items, the $20 styling fee is applied to that cost. (In other words, you only actually pay the styling fee if you don't purchase anything.) Another neat feature is if you choose to keep all five items, you get a 25% discount on everything. You can schedule fixes as frequently or infrequently as you like. For now, I signed up for a one-time fix to see how it goes.

SO.MANY.STRIPES

My sister-in-law Kristen has had Stitch Fix for quite some time now and every time she got a box, it was like Christmas. I loved watching her try on the clothing and helping her decide (or at least giving my opinion) on which items to keep. I didn't think it was a good service for me because after reading pretty much every blog review out there, the prices don't quite fit my "penny pincher" budget. For Christmas, however, Kristen got me a gift card to Stitch Fix, making it impossible not to give it a try. Here I am SEVEN months later, finally signing up. (Well, if I'm honest, I've had my style profile set up for many many months, just never scheduled an actual fix.) I explained to my stylist that I had a baby in December and am still a bit squishy in the tummy (hence why I've been stalling scheduling my fix), thus I am mainly looking for tops that would help hide that area without looking like I'm wearing the wrong size.

Here's my fix: 

THML Betsey Abstract Stripe Fit & Flare Dress - $68

This dress fit PERFECTLY! The fabric was on the thicker side, which I loved. It felt well made and sturdy. But, I don't really have a need for a dress like this right now. Plus, I don't love the beige against my skin tone. If I was still teaching, I would've considered this dress, but for now, it's not for me. RETURNED

Renee C Gabe Maxi Skirt - $48

I LOVE maxi skirts! The material on this one is super soft. I own several other maxi skirts/dresses and I've never paid close to $48 for one, but this one feels like it will last forever. Some of my others are clearly cheaply made and the fabric has started to pill or lose shape; I do not think this one will do that. Stitch Fix also has a blog post on this specific skirt and how to wear it six different ways (it's long enough to be a strapless dress). This was the easiest decision in the box. KEPT

Pixley Rexford Mesh Neckline Tank - $54

So if I'm honest, I "cheated" and looked up what I was getting in my box before it actually arrived. (Clearly, I have zero patience when it comes to surprises.) This was the item I was least excited about. Every other item seemed to have potential, but this one was just a bit out there for me. Plus, paying $50+ for a tank seemed a bit steep.

It's hard to tell from the pictures (sorry for the terrible quality -- I'm new to this), but it's a brown shirt with black mesh at the neckline. I know that the black and brown combo is in, but I have not been able to embrace it yet. (I'm far too OCD for that.) I specifically asked my stylist for tops that would hide my squishy post-baby midsection; this shirt definitely does that, but maybe a little TOO well for my taste. RETURNED

Fun2Fun Sonoma Striped Sleeveless Top - $38

When I saw I was getting this shirt, I thought I was going to hate it. I didn't. (This is one of the biggest reasons to do Stitch Fix -- find clothing you would NEVER pick up in the store yourself.) I actually thought it fit very well and was even flattering. The orange didn't look nearly as bad on me as I expected and it was the cheapest item in the box. Cheap always screams my name. BUT, I told myself not to make my decisions solely based on the price. I also have decided that for this service, I must LOVE the item in order to keep it, and I just don't love it. I think if the hi-lo wasn't quite so extreme, I would've kept it. The back was so long that I felt like I had a tail. I hope I don't regret this one. RETURNED

Pixley Fiona Maxi Dress - $78

I have this dress pinned on my Pinterest style board (I highly recommend having a style board if you're going to do Stitch Fix as it greatly helps the stylist see what you like), so I was already in love with this dress before getting it. None of my maxi dresses (or any that I've ever seen) have the lace detail at the top like this one. I love the colors, the pattern, everything. I read a couple of other ladies' reviews on this dress and all of them stated that it felt like wearing pajamas and it showed every curve you have. I 100% agree. On one hand, the dress is super flattering because it hugs all the curves (see pic#1), but on the other, it shows ALL my flub spots I would prefer to keep hidden (see pic below).

This is likely the most unflattering picture I will ever post of myself. #postbabybelly

Already being super self-conscious of my UN-FLATtering tummy, I was unsure about this dress. Like I already said, I was in love with it before I even got it, it fit well (too well?) and was extremely comfortable. Even still, I was hesitant. It showed a lot of pudge, the price was way higher than I would ever typically pay for a maxi dress, I would need my mom to hem it (see pic#1), and I can't nurse in it (meaning I could only wear it for seldom occasions right now). If we look at my pro/con list, the cons should've won, but this time, along with the advice of my mom, husband and sister-in-law, the pro list trumped. I considered sending it back and waiting until I got in better shape and then ask Stitch Fix to resend it, but I decided it wasn't worth the risk of them not having it anymore. The biggest deciding factor was knowing I would regret it if I sent it back and never saw it again. KEPT

UPDATE: After having this dress about a month, I put it back on for the first time. I wasn't super excited about the fit anymore. The underarm was sagging a bit and I still hadn't hemmed it (thus couldn't wear it). I got bold and decided to email Stitch Fix customer service and see if they would exchange for a smaller size. They did.

 The left is the small and the right is the medium (same day). Surprisingly, tighter is actually better for my currently squishy tummy. It helped to create more curves instead of trying to hide everything. Plus, please notice the length. SO MUCH BETTER! I am thrilled a took the chance and asked for a smaller size.

Overall, I was very impressed with my first Stitch Fix. When I filled out my style profile (which includes sizing), I wasn't sure how accurate it was because I am somewhat in-between sizes. I was nervous that only a few items would actually fit, narrowing my choices greatly. I am pleased to say that every item fit and I got to make my decisions solely on style and what I liked. I haven't scheduled my next "fix" yet, but I'm sure I will in the near future (yay birthday money!)

*This post contains referral links. If you sign up for Stitch Fix using my referral link, I will receive a $25 credit to use toward future purchases.

Nurture Voxbox

I got this box full of goodies from Influenster today! If you haven't heard of Influenster, it's a program you sign up for (use my referral link please) and they send you FREE products to test and review. You're not guaranteed to get anything; it's based on how influential they determine you are. Reviewing products on their website and connecting your social media accounts help boost your score. This is my fourth box (see my first box here) and definitely the one I'm most excited about. This box was sent to Influenster Moms.

Here are the contents:

Skinfix Diaper Rash Balm - $8.99 for 2oz

This was a bonus item for the influenster moms with a child in diapers. Can't argue with free butt cream. I'm pretty partial to Desitin, so I'm curious how I'll like this. (I HATE most others - including maximum strength Desitin - because of the weird medicated scents.) I am a fan that it's free of yucky items (parabens, phthalates), but it needs to wow me to be worth the price tag. 

[Review update: I have been using this cream on my baby and the cream works well. It goes on smoothly and does not have a yucky smell. The one thing that bugs me most about this product (besides the price) is the cap. It has a screwed on top, which is not great to untwist one-handed. If you've ever changed a squirming six month old, you know you only have one free hand. I HIGHLY recommend Skinfix switch to a flip top for this product.] 

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen in Sensitive and Sport - $14.99 for 3oz (sensitive); $12.99 for 3oz (sport)

We are headed to the beach in a couple weeks, so this is perfect timing to receive this. I got a 3oz tube of the sensitive and a foil pack of the sport. The cap on the sensitive bottle changes color (turns blue) when UV rays are detected; I find that super clever. I hate foil packs, but I love free, so I'll still use it. 

[Review update: I have not used the sport foil pack, but I have used the sensitive skin sunscreen. I did not get burnt, so I assume that means it works. It was difficult to rub in, but I suppose not layering my skin with yucky ingredients trumps that little inconvenience. Overall, a decent product.] 

Red Vines - $1.59

If you know me well, you know that I am a sucker for candy (pun intended). Chocolate candy, eh sure, sugary fruity candy, YES PLEASE! (Except Skittles. I don't like Skittles.)

[Review update: I HATED THESE! I took one bite (ok, actually two just to check) and threw them in the trash. I expected them to taste like Twizzlers and I could not have been more wrong. They are flavored like traditional licorice...bleh!]

Dramamine Non-Drowsy Naturals - $4.88-7.99

I battled motion sickness frequently as a kid, so I've taken my fair share of Dramamine. I love that they have come out with a non-drowsy natural version! I'm not sure when I'll get to test this since I'm not planning to be motion sick anytime soon, but I'm happy to have it on hand. 

Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask - $14.99

I have never heard of this company, but if one mask is $14.99, I'm guessing it's pretty nice. I love masks, so this will get used very soon. (Thanks Influenster for including a mom-product.)

Attitude Hair Care – Little Ones Detangler - $9.99

So when I saw a spoiler for this box, I thought I was receiving shampoo for the boys and I was super excited because I love when products are free of toxic chemicals, like this brand is. When I opened my box, I saw I received a detangler. Do they not know I have two boys with short hair? Oh well. This isn't a complete loss because I have the. tangliest. hair on the planet, so I will absolutely put this product to use, just not on my little ones as the product is intended.

Oreida Easy Fries / Tater Tots (Coupon for Free Product) 

I've had Oreida Fries plenty of times before (don't judge me), but I've never tried (nor heard of) the microwavable kind. I have my doubts about fries cooked in a microwave (insert soggy mush), but I'm confident my 3 year old will love them regardless.

[Review update: The box was TINY! I forgot to check how many servings it claims to be, but it was not much. I was surprised that they had a bit of a crisp to them despite being cooked in the microwave. I'm not likely to ever purchase these, but if you're into making fries at home really quickly, these may be of interest to you.]

Uncle Ben’s Flavored Grains Rice (Coupon for Free Product)

I was not at all excited about this when I saw the spoilers, but the coupon is for something much "fancier" (can rice be considered fancy?) than just plain 'ol Uncle Ben's rice. Apparently (I've never seen them in person), they have a brown rice and quinoa roasted red pepper, a brown rice garlic and herb, basmati savory herb, and Five grain quinoa pilaf. My husband would eat rice for every meal, so I'm excited to spice it up a bit with one of these. (Yes, I'm lame enough to throw another pun in here.) 

Some of the items also included additional coupons in case I like their product enough to go buy it. Thanks Influenster for an awesome VoxBox! Again, if you're not a member, use my link to sign up!

In case it wasn't already clear: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Ipsy Review -- September 2014

Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription. For $10 a month (free shipping in the US, $4.95 to Canada), you receive 4-5 deluxe samples or full-sized products, plus a makeup bag. There are several combinations of products sent out each month, so my review is just one sampling of what was received.

Crown Brush Infinity Shadow and Crease Duet Brush

$17.50 (currently on sale for $6.99) / Full size

I am late to the make up brush party, but I really do love them! I currently use a teensie tiny crease brush that came with my current eyeshadow and a blush brush as an eyeshadow blender brush. All of that to say, this brush is PERFECT. Now I have one brush that does both of those things. The bristles are very soft and overall, the brush quality feels great. I'm very excited to have received this brush!

Please forgive the horrible quality of all of my
pictures in this post. I was in a rush. 

Pacifica Natural Waterproof Eye Pencil

2.87 / .026 oz

From the sneak peaks (Ipsy reveals pictures at the beginning of each month showing the products you may receive), everyone was going to receive either this eye pencil or nail polish by Pacifica. I so wish I would've received the polish, but oh well. I got the liner in the color gun metal, which is a metallic silver. I'm a bit nervous about this one; I haven't worn silver eyeliner since middle school. I'm going to post it on my edivv site and see if anyone is interested. If it stays there a while, I'll take the plastic wrap off and try it. 

Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser

$2.33 / 1 oz

I've recently become more aware of chemicals I use, both in household products, but also in products I put on my skin. Therefore, I really appreciate getting items that are chemical free like this face cleanser. I recently bought Norwex makeup removing cloths (magical cloths that clean with just water -- no chemicals or soap!), so I've been washing my face with those in the evenings, but I wanted to give this product a fair shot, so I've been using it in the shower. I really love it. It's technically fragrance free, but it does have a tiny hint of a smell. I've read complaints about it, but it doesn't bother me. It spreads on my face smoothly (requiring VERY little product) and makes my skin feel clean and soft afterward. This is a product I may look into actually purchasing once my sample is gone.

Cailyn Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss

$19.00 / .14 oz (full size!)

Ipsy has quickly learned that I enjoy lip glosses. The color is much darker than the picture shows, which makes it a bit intimidating for me, but because it's a gloss (instead of a lipstick), it still works for me. I like lip colors in the red family more so than pinks, so that's a positive. I'll use it on occasion, but it's a large container (guess how they justify charging $19!!!), so it will take me a long time to get through this.

Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream

$13.77 / 1.1 oz

This brand is sold in England, so converting the cost was a tad more complicated than usual. I think it's worth mentioning that this sample is half the size of the full size product -- pretty generous for a sample. When I first opened my ipsy bag, this product is what I immediately smelled and it's not my favorite. I would describe it as a "grandmother smell." The formula however is amazing. It goes on very smoothly and does not leave any greasy feeling at all! I guess that's why it's called luxury. Because I don't like the smell, I'll likely only use it at night or if I'm staying in for the day. Nice product though.

The Bag

I have a love/hate relationship with this month's bag. I love, and I mean LOVE, the texture and smoothness of the bag. I do not, however, like the look of it. If it was just the silver without the studs, I would adore it, but the studs are so.not.me. From other reviews, it appears many are head over heels for this bag, so I may put it up on my edivv site and see if I have any takers.

Overall: The value of my bag totaled $55.47 (or $44.96 if you use the sale price for the brush) + the bag! This is a GREAT value this month, since I only pay $10 per bag. I like the range of products I received: two makeup items, brush, cleanser, and lotion. I got two full size items and the other three were generous samples. This month was a hit for me. Great job Ipsy!

(Disclosure: Some links may be referral links, meaning if you use them, I receive reward points toward free products. All opinions are my own, and I received zero incentive to write favorable reviews.)