Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Stitch Fix, No. 2


I received my second StitchFix shipment a few weeks ago. (If StitchFix is new to you, I've outlined how the service works below my review!)

Once again, I was quite happy with the selections suggested for me. And as I find other StitchFix blogger reviews very helpful for making suggestions to my stylist, Jen (who is fabulous at what she does, by the way!), I think I'll continue to review them here.


When I opened my box this month, I was excited by the color combination...I had been wanting to add a little coral to my closet for the summer. And I'm always a fan of something blue. 

So overall, I thought these choices reflected my suggestions and style profile well. 

I did note in my comments while checking out, that while I love the colors in this shipment, I probably wouldn't ever add three items with the same prominent color to my closet...unless it was a favorite/classic color. Coral is a little trendy for me...and while I like it, I'm not ready for it to dominate my closet. 


1. ZOA Pegah Roll Tabsleeve Blouse in blue. I really loved the color and feel of this top, which at $88 was the priciest item in my fix this month. Unfortunately, once again the upper sleeves were really snug when rolled up, which I preferred to wearing the sleeves down. I returned this.

2. MM Couture Bobby Sleeveless Printed Top in red. The print of this wasn't my favorite when I first saw it; however it fit well, and I liked the print once it was on. The drawback for me was the combination of colors: the coral, cream, and light green didn't do much for my coloring. (If one of the colors had been navy, it would have been perfect.) This was a no.

3. GLAM Briar Key Hole Tie-Waist Tunic Dress in pink. I really wanted this too work. It was gorgeous: the style, the color, the fabric...and it fit nicely. But it's very short (for me) as a dress. I liked the way they styled it on the card (in the collage above) with the black leggings, so I tried it with some I own. The combination was a bit harsh on me. I think it would be perfect with some denim skinny jeans...but seeing as I have yet to find any that I like, I decided to return this too. If only it had been a couple inches longer!

4. Olive and Oak Jimmy Striped Racer Back Maxi Dress in pink. I was most excited about this piece. The fabric was so soft, and I knew my denim jacket would go perfectly with this. The length was great (often a problem with maxi dresses when you're 5'4") and so was the cinched waist. Sadly, the fit was too large in the bodice, especially under the arms. Also, I really wished the stripes were either coral & navy or navy & grey, as once again, the light combination didn't work with my coloring. :(

5. 41Hawthorn Two-Color Dot Scarf in blue. Two contrasting polka dot prints. Gauzy fabric for days. Scarf. Perfect. I'd prefer to keep a clothing item rather than an accessory, but I couldn't pass up this scarf. I have at least three summer dresses that will look great with it...and it's great with jeans too. Obviously, I kept this one, which was also the lowest price point, at $28.

In summary, I've enjoyed this company. Given my experience, I think the stylists really focus on the style profile and the notes and comments given in feedback, as well as online sites, like Pinterest and blogs. Jen mentioned that she had seen my blog post on StitchFix...and also noted that a few items I had requested were out of stock. I really like that she is paying attention. :)

If this is all new to you, here's how it works:


1. You sign up (via an invitation link) online, and once your account is created, you complete your style profile. This part is fun...it's kind of like a quiz. You fill out size, fit, and style preferences, as well as a price range you prefer to shop within. You can also link to a Pinterest board, so the stylists can get a good sense of your style. 

(screenshot of a portion of the style profile)

2. There is a wait time currently involved...but between signing up at the end of February and getting approved, I only waited 11 days. 

3. Once you're approved and your style profile is complete, you schedule when you'd like to receive your first order or "fix." A StitchFix stylist handpicks items for you based on your profile; the fee for this service is $20...but you can apply the full $20 towards your purchase.

4. The package ships USPS and include 5 items. When your StitchFix box arrives, you get to try on clothes in the comfort of your own home...and with pieces from your own wardrobe.  This is one of my favorite features of the company. 

5. Within three days, choose what you love and then send back the rest, using the prepaid Priority envelope enclosed. Go online to StitchFix and checkout. You complete a survey for checkout, which further defines your profile and gives good feedback to the stylist for next time. You pay only for what you keep...and if you keep all items sent, you get 25% off the total purchase. 

6. Then, choose to schedule your next StitchFix shipment as frequently or infrequently as you like! I love that you can leave a note for your stylist about an event or season you want kept in mind when selecting items!

Finally, this is not a sponsored post. I am receiving no compensation for this review from StitchFix. However, much like other online retailers (like ZulilyOne Kings LaneSole Society, etc.), StitchFix promotes their brand through referral links. So if you sign up through the links I've given here, I earn a one-time credit with StitchFix if you sign up and purchase. (And once you sign up, if you share your referral code with your friends, YOU earn credit! Win-win!)

So tell me...have you tried StitchFix yet?

Friday, April 26, 2013

Friday favorites...


Here are a few things I'm loving today, all food related. :)


Have you tried siggi's yogurt?

I love plain, non-fat Greek yogurt, but I always have to sweeten it, usually with agave nectar.

No more.

Siggi's vanilla is my favorite. It's naturally sweetened with real vanilla (no extra sugar) and SO much creamier than my favorite Greek yogurts. I like to add fresh raspberries and sliced or slivered almonds to mine for some flavor, crunch and protein.


My kiddos LOVE grilled cheese. They'd eat it every day if I let them.

{And I have to admit, I feel a little bit hypocritical not letting them. Because if you knew me in college, you would know that if I was eating lunch in one of the cafeterias on campus, you could bet your whole tuition that I was having a grilled cheese, fries, and two (small) glasses of fountain Dr Pepper. The best Dr Pepper in the world is found at Baylor University. But I digress.}

So, a few weeks ago, we started Grilled Cheese Fridays. Yum.

They get so excited about it...and I love hearing their reminder. "Mommy, it's Grilled Cheese Friday!!!"


And lastly, Chocolove chocolates. Cheesy name.

But they are so so so so good.

Real dried raspberry bits.

Real chiles. (Despite his love for spice, Brent says the chili/cherry flavor is not his favorite.)

The peppermint is delicious and smooth. And the sea salt and almonds is really yummy too.

And, they come with a poem enclosed.


So share with me. What's something you're enjoying today?

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

3 years, 4 months, and 5 days


That is the length of time between our birthdates. 

 

And today is the birthday of my sweet and amazing husband.

He is a servant. To me. To our children. To others.

He is a student of God's Word. I love this so much about him.

He leads me. He leads our family.

He is romantic and funny and kind and wise and friendly.

He is such a gift to me from a loving and faithful Father.

Happy Birthday Brent! I love you!

And since it is a Wednesday...I'll share his birthday dinner recipes, all oldies but goodies!

Standing Rib Roast
Brussels Sprouts
French cheeses and baguette
Cappuccino Fudge Cheesecake (tweaked just a bit)


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Currently...



praying...for Boston...and for West, Texas...and for my dear friend's newborn boy, in the NICU right now

reflecting...on Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

watching...a slow soaking Spring rain fall this morning outside my window

drinking...the first cup of tea after morning coffee

compiling...pictures for another Stitch Fix review, look for it next week

listening...to the creative play of my children

planning...a short overnight trip to Williamsburg

wondering...how so much time has passed since I last blogged

eating...yogurt with almonds and raspberries

spending...time trying to find a rental home in Georgia

getting ready...to begin our homeschool day

remembering...the beauty of the cherry trees in bloom this month (Madeleine calls them cherry blossom trees)


Thursday, April 04, 2013

Hello April.


It is no secret that I look forward to autumn and winter days...rainy days...snowy days.

But for the past few years, I've looked hopefully to spring, more than ever before.


I am so glad to see signs of this season of new life beginning around me.

The cherry trees begin to bloom and forsythia is ablaze and the sun begins to show much of its warmth again.

The neighborhood children have emerged again outdoors along with mine, less bundled up now and ready to be outside all. day. long.

So happy to greet April with her promise of Spring.


 

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