Stitch Fix #7 - My Fix Reviewed

It's my favorite day!  Stitch Fix Day!  My fix was scheduled to arrive last Friday and when my shipping notice came I knew it was going to be a long weekend waiting for my fix to arrive.  However, this weekend I managed to grab onto a cold, so when my fix came I was less than interested in diving into my Stitch Fix Box... I mentioned this to a friend and I think she was more excited about this month's fix.  

Last month I was less than impressed with the fix I received so I did write to Stitch Fix.  They agreed to give me one consistent stylist to try and create a better fix for me.  This month's fix was done by Jaime and although it wasn't perfect, she did get a little closer than the last few.  

What is Stitch Fix?
Stitch Fix is a monthly or as you request clothing service that's delivered to your door. You sign up, fill out their Style Profile, and then pay $20 as a styling fee. They send you clothes that match up with your profile. If you purchase something, the $20 is applied against your purchase. If you do not purchase anything, then the $20 is forfeited as a "styling fee."

 Breyson Split-Neck Tab-Sleeve Knit Top

(Market and Spruce)

This shirt was so comfortable. The material was soft but oh so clingy... I kept thinking the whole time Adam was taking the picture "suck it in..."  Well, I didn't get it all sucked in as you can see my muffin top/spare tire/overhang in this picture.  Perhaps if I would have made a better attempt at putting an outfit together it would have come out a little more fashionable... but as soon as I put this on and looked in the mirror I knew it wasn't for me.  I like my clothes fitted but not where you can see every bump/lump that I own.   

Verdict:  Returned.

 

Huebert Space Dye Open Cardigan

(Renee C)

In a prior fix I had an asymmetrical cardigan and I was less than impressed.  So when I saw that I was getting another cardigan that didn't fit "normal" I wasn't excited.  I'm not sure who these types of cardigans look good on, but it certainly isn't me.  I felt like there was an extra yard or two of fabric on each side.  Do you leave this open? Wrap it?  I think if I was 9 months pregnant I would have been all over this bad boy - but I just couldn't get into it.   Plus the space dye fabric isn't my favorite.  I think sometimes these are super soft and comfy but others they are itchy - this one fell under the itchy category.  

Verdict:  Returned.

 Elissa French Terry Moto Jacket

(Market and Spruce)

Fat girl in a little coat is all that came to mind when I put this thing on... I begged and pleaded with my Pinterest Page for this jacket when I saw it was a stitch fix jacket.  I was in LOVE.  But unfortunately the cropped jacket was a WEE bit too small for this mama.  Part of it I will accept the blame on... okay, so ALL of it.  Last month I adjusted my Stitch Fix profile and changed my sizes to accommodate the baby weight loss I have had.  Unfortunately stitch fix sizing doesn't agree with my sizing changes and I ended up with some pretty small clothes.  I have made the adjustment back up.  (You will see this later below with a pair of pants.)  

Jimmy Ankle Length Skinny Jean

(Just Black)

 

I mentioned above that I was having some issues with sizing. I'm always amazed that I can shop at local stores like the Gap, Loft, Banana, etc and be a specific size.. and then I go and adjust my profile to that size and get pants that "might" fit a 12 year old.  I took a photo of the jeans since putting them on my body would distort the pants when I took them off and would be like stuffing a sausage into casing. It was pretty ridiculous and I knew as soon as I put one calf into these pants that there was no chance they were going to fit.  They don't look nearly as small in this photo as they did in person.  I had a good laugh when I pulled them out of the box. 

 

Verdict: Returned

 

Fierro Elbow Patch Crew Neck Sweater
(Market and Spruce)

 

There has been a sweater that I have been crazy in love with from LaurieBelle's Boutique that I have pinned on my board and this is their attempt at getting close. I have a serious crush on elbow patches! I think they are so darn cute. This is a very basic navy sweater with fun hot pink elbow patches. I like this little surprise on the sweater as it is so plan in and of itself. I added a scarf to accent the pink, but think it would be completely fine on its own. I have very few sweaters that aren't cardigans, so I think this will be a fun addition to my closet.

Verdict: Kept

 

This month's fix was a lot closer to styles that I would wear and what I would consider "me." The unfortunate issue this month was the sizing above anything else. I've readjusted my profile and am hoping if I keep Jaime as my stylist that things will move towards better and better fixes each month!

For those of you who aren't familiar; Stitch Fix carries sizes XS-XL and 0-14. It's not age or body specific, they do try to meet your tastes and likes! If you're interested, here is my referral link. I receive a $25 credit for you signing up and once you are a member, you can have other friends sign up under your personal link. (The credit isn't applied until the first box ships!)

 

Finish This - Week #41

After a few week hiatus.. I am back to "Finish This!" I've missed the lovely ladies whose posts I read week after week...

This linkup is called "Finish This," and all you have to do is finish the following prompts and link up your post below! You can also visit the other hosts of this party on their fun blogs: Nicole {Three 31} Lisa {Coastlined}, Jen {The Arizona Russums} and Becky {The Java Mama}.

I feel like a bad-ass when... I score a MAJOR deal!  I love couponing and shopping and saving money, so when I'm able to get something I've really wanted and can finally get it for next to nothing, lookout for Billy Badass!!  I just wrote two posts (Ways to Save 1 and Ways to Save 2) about saving money and can honestly say that this is one of the BEST feelings in the world is NOT paying full price for something, being patient waiting for it, and then snagging it up for next to nothing!! 

One thing that always cheers me up... Dairy Queen or Candy.  When I was a kid my mom used to take me to DQ when I had a bad day.. or when I would have to get shots. We even went when I was in high school and had to start my Hepatitis Series of shots.  A cherry dip can seriously cure a bad day.

The quote I live by...  "It's better to beg for forgiveness than ask permission..."  Oh for all of the things I have done this is so me!  While I will never lie to anyone. I make decisions that seem to be the best based on the set of facts or conditions I have in front of me and move forward.  I am not always right and don't always make the right decisions.  I was actually once asked this in an interview. I had to keep it together and not laugh esp because I love this quote.  

Prompts for WEEK 42– October 22
It took me a long time to realize
I surround myself with

Ways to Save...Part 2!

One of the things I mention frequently is to "sign up for e-mails" but who wants their inbox clogged with all of the offers that come with signing up?  One tip I'd recommend is signing up for a separate email account just for your discounts or store emails.  This keeps it separate from your personal email and makes organizing a bit easier!  I never delete these emails too because you never know when they might come in handy!! 

After I wrote my original post I had a few suggestions and of course I laid in bed all night and thought of all the other things I should have included in my original post... I did make some edits and am now putting together part 2! 

Carters - I LOVE Carter's!!  Before I had George I had NO idea that this little gem ever existed and now I'm pretty much there every week.  Yes, there.  Carter's rarely has deals on shipping and I am not a fan of paying for it.  Another perk of shopping in store is that you get a $10 coupon to use on a future purchase (it starts the next day) when you spend $50 after coupons.  The nice thing is when you go to use the $10, you don't have to make a minimum purchase!  Carter's always sends coupons and they are typically 15% off any purchase or 20% off $40 or more.  They are also constantly running sales on all items in the store.   Sometimes those coupons do not work on clearance and I rarely find that the clearance is a huge savings (occasionally you will find a great steal in there though!).   The other thing I really love about Carter's is their sales people. (Or maybe this is just the Woodbury, MN folks).  They totally get the coupon thing!  You can't use the $10 off coupon AND the % off coupon in the same transaction. So they will split them out for you to get the best deal (but you have to do 2 transactions).    Oshkosh and Carter's are owned by the same company, so you will often see them paired together in stores and online.  The Oshkosh clothes don't fit G as well, but keep that in mind when you're looking at coupons/deals! 

Nordstroms - I am a totally rookie with Nordstrom's and I'm not sure how I didn't catch on to this one sooner!!  First of all if you shop the store, the sales people can definitely make or break your shopping trip!  I met the greatest gal Rachel at the Mall of America store and she was a hero!  I had been eyeing a certain pair of boots and she tracked them down and had them shipped to me - FREE!  So keep that in mind. If you want something, and it's sold out online, check the store and have them check and see if they can find it for you.  Also, Nordstrom's has both a credit and debit card.  I love this for the simple fact that I am not a huge credit card person.  They have a perks program that you earn points/rewards for every dollar you spend. When you first open the card, if you spend $100 on the first day you get $20 rewards sent to you, so 20% off your first purchase is pretty great, right?  Also, they have an AMAZING Anniversary sale and you can score some HUGE deals. The perk of having a credit/debit card is that you get early access!!  (Think Black Friday sort of deals and Black Friday sort of madness for this sale!). 

Kohls - First and foremost, I do not have a Kohl's Credit Card - but I know they offer some seriously good deals if you do!  Very often Kohl's card members get 30% off their purchases.  However, Kohl's also sends coupons via email and via text.  I think my most recent one was for 30% off for friends/family.  The other great thing about Kohl's is they do Kohl's cash.  You earn $10 for every $50 you purchase to be used later.   They are also launching a new rewards program called Yes2You rewards. You earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Each time you reach 100 points, you earn a $5 reward. This works through the Kohl's App.  It just rolled out in the last few weeks and since I don't shop at Kohls often, I haven't tried it.  I would love to hear your feedback if you have?    One other great thing about Kohls is you can score some GREAT deals on their sales and clearance.  I like to stock up on my holiday decor for the next year when they mark it down after the holiday has passed.  Kohl's coupons are one of the best I would have to say. They don't limit what you can buy with your coupons (like other stores.. ahem, Macys and Herbergers!).   Anything I'm missing Kohl's shoppers??

Anthropologie - Another one of those stores I just adore but rarely get to shop at!  My favorite are their latte bowls!  I bought the mini ones and the colors are so bright and fun.  One thing I learned is that you can score decent discounts if you subscribe to their emails.  You will get emails % discounts and you can also get discount in your birthday month as well.  Rarely but occasionally they do offer free shipping.  If you're an Anthro junkie it's never a bad idea to sign up for those emails!

The Limited:  This store is one of my past favorites. I honestly do not shop here as much anymore because I don't have to dress up for work.  But this is another store where I would NEVER pay full price. Actually right now they are offering 50% off all their full price items online with the code SAVE50, it looks like it might end today though!   

Home Stores:

I adore Pottery Barn, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma!  I wish I my house looked just like their magazines!  Ahh.. a girl can dream right? 

Pottery Barn/Pottery Barn Kids/Pottery Barn Baby:  One thing I learned about these stores is that they are INDEPENDENT of one another.  So if you want to buy something on PB and PB kids it's a separate transaction and you need a separate login account for each one.  Their coupons do not reciprocate either.  This is another one where I would recommend you sign up for their emails and catalogs.  Often you will get a 10 or 15% off coupon just for signing up and then about once a month you will get a discount coupon as well.  It's rare that they offer Free Shipping and a discount code at the same time, but if they do, definitely take advantage!   Their shipping can be excessive at times so Free Shipping can be a good savings.  They base their shipping on the cost of the items not based on the type of item or size.  Make sense?  They also track you via cookies.  So if you click on an item, you might receive an email a few days later saying, "hey! we noticed you looking at a butter dish... we still have it!"  or if it's something that was out of stock, they may send you a notice that it's back in stock.  Also, if you put stuff in your basket, often they will send you reminders (and potentially a discount code too? - rare, but it has happened.) 

West Elm and Williams Sonoma - both are owned by the same company as Pottery Barn.  I don't see too many deals come out for either of these.  I just love their stuff!  However, I stopped into a Williams-Sonoma and was greeted with a 20% off 1 item coupon deal!  So if you're out shopping it never hurts to ask or actually engage the sales people and talk about upcoming deals or ongoing specials.  Sometimes they will tip you off!

Crate and Barrel -  Although this store is a bit far from me I do like some of the things they offer! Most of my kitchen towels are from CB.  They also provide a discount when you sign up for their emails 10% off and occasionally send discount codes with their magazines. 

Pier 1 -  One of my all time favorites!  They rotate their promotions throughout the year. If you "like" them on Facebook they do "Daily Dealies" where you can score some great deals.  Sometimes it's on specific items, sometimes its 20% off your purchase or 1 item, etc.  Also, they too send out emails and magazines that contain discounts as well.   I prefer to shop in store vs online for Pier only because of the shipping factor. Also I find that their deals instore are sometimes better. Example:  Halloween Decor is 20% off online, but is 25% off in store.  Now, I do like the idea of brick and mortar because I'm old fashioned that way. But I don't recommend using half a tank of gas to save $5.95 on shipping :)

Misc Ways to Save:

Just a few other things to note. Some stores like Joann Fabrics and Michael's Accept competitor coupons. So it never hurts to ask.  Buy Buy Baby usually offers 20% off 1 item or $5 off a $15 purchase if you sign up for their text club: OFFER1 to 42229.  The only thing I would say is do this BEFORE going to the store (like a few days before) because it's not an instant coupon. 

Also, I work for a large company who offers discounts through many options. Some are local discounts, national discounts and some you can earn points and perks by shopping through their links.  Always check with your company to see what benefits you have.   I receive 23% off my phone bill through Verizon because of where I work and also only pay $29 a month for my gym membership at Snap.  They offer discounts on Apple and other brands as well. 

Apple offers both business discounts and education discounts.  You can scroll to the bottom of their site or click here for their Education Site.  If you have children this is an execellent way to save a few dollars if you are ordering apple products. Sometimes they are not discounted; so compare sites if you are making a major purchase.   You do have to input what school you or your child goes to in order to qualify. 

Sign up for loyalty points or cards wherever you go. They will help you save on things like gas and other perks.  I have a loyalty card for Papa Murphys. Buy 12 pizzas and get 1 free. They will even stamp your card for the $5 Faves.  Tell me you know about the $5 Faves, right?  $5 for a large pepperoni, sausage or cheese pizza. Sometimes it's Mon-Weds and sometimes its all week. Just ask! They also have a text club where you get coupons and free things, like cookie dough. Who doesn't love free?! 

I know this is a lengthy post - please simply use it as a reference guide. Again, I am not paid for my post, I just simply love saving myself and other people money. If you have any suggestions, questions, or want help finding a good deal, let me know and I can definitely try to help!!

Do You Know All the Ways You Can Save? Do I??

Are you like me and HATE to pay full price for anything?!  One of the things I get most passionate about is saving money...and even more so is helping other people save money!!  I L-O-V-E to shop!  And so for me finding ways to save money so I can afford to shop is a MUST!  I find myself getting so excited when I share a new app or website with new people who haven't been bit by the saving bug like I have!  I want to offer some Apps, Websites and ways that I am able to save money while shopping.  (This is NOT a sponsored post - just me sharing my opinions and experiences!)  Also, I don't shop at Sams or Costco - so I don't have any reviews about them here...

Online Resources:
Ebates: Ebates advertises on TV and they are a legit way to save money!  I started using Ebates years ago when I first really began online shopping.  The way you earn cash back is to first create a profile and every time you purchase something you start with their site.  So for example you're buying something at the Gap.  If you go to Ebates.com, then you search for Gap, you will see that Gap offers 2% cash back on the purchase.  You click the "shop now" link and it takes you to the Gap site.  Often I forget to start with Ebates but you can leave the Gap site, go to Ebates and come back through that link and your basket will still have all of the items you added to it (and still get the credit!).   You get checks made payable to you quarterly.  A nice little incentive for online shopping :) Also, when you sign up you can earn a $10 gift card to any store that you choose when you make your first $25 purchase through Ebates.  Not a bad offer!!  I included my links above as another perk is you get $$ for referring friends.

Pocket Your Dollars:  This is one of my very favorite "go to" sites when I'm shopping.  I live outside of Minneapolis/St Paul so a lot of her stuff is local - but you can still find deals for Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and other larger retailers.  She gives you ideas based upon the weekly flyer on how to save.  She also has a "Grocery Coupon Database"  that allows you to search for coupons.  This is very handy when I'm planning my weekly grocery shopping trips!  There are other sites like this one: Southern Savers, Money Saving Mom, etc - but since PYD is local I prefer to use this site.

UPromise: I've used UPromise in the past but I don't quite use it very often.  What I like about UPromise is it lets you choose how you would like to earn your cash back.  You can put it in college savings accounts or request checks once your balance has reached a certain amount.  You can earn cash back by shopping through their site (similar to Ebates) or you can link a credit card and when you visit certain vendors you can earn.  There are several restaurants throughout the Twin Cities that offer cash back through UPromise when you use your card there.

Stores:
While I may not have all of the stores people shop at... I have a decent compilation of some ideas of where to shop and how to save :)

Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic -- Gap is one of my favorite stores for the basics.  NEVER pay full price at these stores.  They are always running some kind of sale!  Sometimes it does require a little patience - but I promise at some point what you want will come at some kind of a discount.  Also, if you wear their bras and shop in store - make sure you get the punch card as the 6th one is free!   I also have a Gap card (works at any of the 3 brands) and find that they truly reward their cardholders.  At times the % of the discount is higher (35% off for card members vs 30% for non-card members).  You earn points and once you're silver status ($800 spent in a year) you get free shipping all of the time.  I don't promote credit cards unless you can pay them off right away - but this one is a good one to have esp if you have little ones too!  (And don't forget to click through the Ebates link when you do - you'll be saving $$$)   Tuesdays - Gap offers 10% off on Tuesdays to Gap Card holders!  I believe Old Navy and Banana might also offer this as well?  (Thanks Angie for that reminder!!)

Gap FACTORY/Banana FACTORY - Both stores have a factory outlet store that is at most outlet malls. I'd recommend signing up for their emails if you plan an outing as you can receive discounts via email for your shopping trip!  If you're a card member sometimes they up the ante and give you a bigger discount as well!  The 10% off on Tuesday may apply at Gap/Banana factory too if you are a Gap/Banana Card holder. 

J-Crew and J-Crew Factory - I'd recommend signing up for email notifications to receive ongoing discounts.  I don't shop at the reg J-Crew as much as I do the Factory location.  I would recommend shopping in the brick and mortar stores vs online with these two.  They don't offer free shipping all that often and it seems like you get a better deal in-store.  Also, if you are a teacher or a student they do offer a 15% discount at both.  Recently I had a 30% off coupon for the factory store and they combined it with my student ID and gave me BOTH discounts.  (It's a good idea to not throw those student IDs away!)

Loft - Another store where you should never pay full price for anything.  Because the day that you do, you will get a 50% off the entire store email and your heart will break.  Lesson learned from this girl!  Their online sales are much better than their store sales.  Also - they charge $8.95 for shipping.  I have ordered more than I needed to get the $125 minimum for free shipping.  Sometimes I end up keeping the stuff, but not always.   Also, another store that offers Teachers a 15% discount.

Target - Oh my blessed Target!  I don't shop online a ton... But I have discovered the Target Subscriptions!!   They are simply fantastic.  We have George's formula shipped in bulk of 6 containers at once. We get a 5% discount and the free shipping plus 5% off with the Target Red Card. While I can't use coupons and cartwheel, it does seem to work out to about the same. (It also helped when I signed up they offered 20% off!).    

Target Continued... Target has online coupons on their website that you can print... They have the Target mobile App that stores coupons and Cartwheel.  Cartwheel is another Target App where you can receive % off certain products.  Sometimes shopping Target takes a bit of effort, but this is where I use the online resources like Pocket Your Dollars because she explains exactly how to get the best deals possible.  This way you know how to get the mobile coupons and what short codes to text (i.e.:  Text FROZEN to 827438 and get $5 off $25 Frozen purchase).  I also like Cartwheel because you can scan barcodes when you're at the store to see if there is a discount on it! Keep in mind Target and many stores will allow you to "stack" coupons.  This means if you have a Target coupon and Manufacturer coupon you can use both on the same item.  Target and Walmart also price match, but I don't get too far into this.  You can always read their price matching policies on their websites.  Additionally, Target offers 5% off for their red card holders. For those of you who aren't familiar, they have a debit card that links to your checking account. It comes out within 1-2 days of your purchase (it's not immediate).  You still get the 5% off and you don't deal with a monthly bill (or interest if you can't pay it off!).

Short story re: Cartwheel:  I was eyeing up some white square plates at Target and while I was in the aisle a lady chatted me up about the plates. I commented that Cartwheel had them for 25% off so I was debating if it was time to take the plunge.  She said "I think I have that on my phone but have never used it!"  So here I was in the middle of Target teaching this gal how to use cartwheel. I showed her how to scan and when she realized she was going to get 25% off the entire set of plates she was ecstatic!  And this is EXACTLY why I'm writing this post.

Walmart - I just learned of the Walmart App recently and I might be addicted. We are talking dig in the garbage looking for receipts addicted!  Gross, I know!  Walmart has this part of their App called "Savings Catcher" - you might have heard of it.  Well check this out, you download the App, sign up for an account and scan your receipt.  That's it!  Walmart will check the prices in your area of other stores to see if there is a lower price.  If there is, you get the difference!  It goes into a virtual bank in your account for you to use at Walmart later.  Pretty great deal, right?

Lowes:  Making a major purchase?  Keep in mind Lowes has a movers discount of 10% off when you sign up.  You have to sign up a few days ahead of time and they will email you the coupon.  If you have done this before make sure you use a different email address as they will only send 1 coupon per email account.

App:

Shopkick!  Okay, so I'm a total shop kicker and this one requires a little effort.  I know some people LOVE this App and some aren't so sold.  It takes effort but again is worth it.  Okay, so you download the App and then every time you walk into certain stores you are given "kicks."  When you reach a certain amount of kicks you can earn E-Gift Cards.  Other ways to get "kicks" - Scan Featured Products or Link a Credit Card and when you buy things at the specified stores you earn points per dollars.  I shop A LOT at Carters and you get 1 kick for each dollar... BUT if you spend $50 you get a bonus of 400 kicks.  You can get gift cards for as little as 500 kicks ($2 gift card to Target and other places).  I usually wait until I have 2500 kicks as that's a $10 E-Gfit Card.  I also mentioned "Scanning" items... You can get 10 kicks up to 100 kicks for scanning products.  Have I wandered around malls walking into stores just getting "kicks?"  Yep!  Have I and a few other certain friends walked around Target scanning things for "kicks?"  Done that too :)    Hey free money is free money!!!

I know there are other Apps out there - like IBotta.  I haven't embraced that one yet. I tried and it's very selective on what products you buy to get cash back... Feel free to let me know what you think of this one...

One last tip...

Soda is almost always cheaper in the summer.  Typically the best deals you will find are Four 12 Packs for $9-10 each.  I don't like paying more than $2.50 for 12 pack in the summer... And you will see these deals come out around Super Bowl as well.  Also, Target and Walmart seem to have a 3 week rotation on the soda deals.  So if you need Pepsi products and they aren't on sale at Target, check the Wal-Mart or local grocery store Ad.  I would recommend not paying more than $3.50 during the winter.  Just food for thought :)


Feel free to share with friends and if you have any great tips or tricks to shopping I would LOVE to hear them!!

Update: More to come!   I plan to write about Carter's/Oshkosh, Nordstroms, Pottery Barn and more!

What Have We Been Up To Lately?

It's been a while since I've written a family update.. We have had a busy past few weeks!  I was out of town for a week at our Corporate Office in Illinois.. which left my sweet baby home with Adam! Thankfully he had a little help from grandma and grandpa while I was away!!  I was able to catch up with some friends while I was in town. One of the nice things about visiting Corp is that someone you've worked with in the past is usually living in IL and working at Corp. It seems that most people who work for the company live there at some point!  

When I got home I went and visited my dad.  We seem to spend a lot of time over at Adam's parents, so it's important that I'm intentional about getting over to my dad's so that he can see George as well!  George really enjoys going over to see my dad... Although I think he likes dad's puppy more :)  George will be playing on the floor and the dog will just come and lay on his lap.  It's very sweet.  G doesn't quite know his strength (or that pulling hair is hurtful!)  so he gets a little rough with the dog. It's always nice getting to go and visit Grandpa Dave :)

One of my FAVORITE fall activities is going up to the Cabin and venturing out to Cranberry fest in Stone Lake.  Adam's parent's cabin is about 6 miles north of Stone Lake.  I am amazed every year at the number of people who attend.  I don't think there are more than 100 people who live in this town but come Cranberry Fest the streets are closed down with thousands upon thousands of people attending the event.  There are craft and food vendors that line the streets.  The bars have live music, food and beer is sold right on the street.    It's amazing though how different the event is when you're a parent and sober!  We still had a great time, but was a much different Cranberry Fest for us this year!!

We have been working on the house... Adam is putting up drywall and getting our garage ready for the winter.  We will officially have heat in our garage this winter. YAY!!   For those of you who live in the South, having a 40 degree garage is HEAVEN when it's 22 below and your car is still frozen from all the snow!

This upcoming weekend will be my 1/2 Marathon... I will be posting my thoughts and some tips from beginning runners that I've learned during my training.  I know that when I started my training for this race I was very clueless and have really grown throughout this experience!!

Have a great week :)

Stitch Fix #6 - My Fix Reviewed

You get what you get... that's the theme of this month's fix!   Each and every single time I get my shipping I notice it feels like YEARS before that Fed Ex truck shows up in my driveway.. Well imagine my pain when Stitch Fix said my fix should arrive "Around Oct 3rd" and it didn't quite make it here until October 6th! That's like having Christmas on December 28th.. Umm..  I don't think so..

Last month Adam asked me why I had his mom taking the pics instead of him.. TOTAL GUILT TRIP!  Umm, let's see.. because you lack patience.  You will take 1 or 2 pics and expect me to use them regardless of how they actually look... and because it's simply inconvenient with our sweet little boy to figure out a way to take them.. that's why... Well, after feeling bad from last month, I asked Adam to take my pictures.. which we did in 10 minutes.. while he was waiting to go workout and before I picked George up from daycare.. You get what you get folks!

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a monthly or as you request clothing service that's delivered to your door. You sign up, fill out their Style Profile, and then pay $20 as a styling fee. They send you clothes that match up with your profile. If you purchase something, the $20 is applied against your purchase. If you do not purchase anything, then the $20 is forfeited as a "styling fee."


Top:  Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse

(Collective Concepts) - $54

Bottoms: Emer High Waisted Tall Trouser

(Margaret M) - $98

I decided to make this post a 3 in 1.. partially because I had a very impatient photographer and because I just thought it would be easiest to pair all of these together!  

The blouse is one I actually asked for.  Each week Stitch Fix send out emails with info about "colors" or outfit ideas. I saw this color and LOVED it... Well, as you can see the fit of the shirt is less than flattering and the color is to be desired!  I'm not sure who can wear mustard yellow, but this shade wasn't for me. Verdict: Returned. 

The pants... I pulled these bad boys out of the box and laughed!  They looked like they would fit a 12 year old with no shape!  So when I puuuuuuullllllled them on I was so shocked that 1. they fit and 2. they looked pretty good on me!  Although I was curious about the length because they were rather long... Well see above - the word "tall" is included in the title. Tall?  Me?  I'm 5'4...  But since I liked how much they fit - I decided to keep them!   Verdict: Kept!

 

Sweater: Stavros V-Neck Button-Up Cardi

(Three Dots) - $108

 

You get what you get on a crazy windy day and a photographer who is quickly snapping pics.. This is the only decent one I could get of this sweater.. If only you could have felt the material!!  It was that uber soft fleece material that you could just cozy up into on a cold day... Unfortunately the sweater was the size of a blanket and I couldn't justify keeping a $144 sweater that didn't fit!! 

 

Verdict: Returned.

 

Walt Striped Skirt - $68

(41 Hawthorn)

Stitch Fix allows you to provide "notes" to your stylist to help them provide the best fix for you... Since I have had such bad luck lately, I figured I would try and be specific. I wrote, "the weather is starting to get rather cool up here in Wisconsin, so if you could please limit the amount of sleeveless tops, skirts and dresses, I would appreciated it!" 

Well you've already seen a sleeveless top above and now a skirt. Hmm.. apparently my note didn't help. 

This skirt was simply too small. I could barely get it zipped as you can see how super tight it is around my mid-section.  It's bunching and bulging and the horizontal stripes clearly did me no favors here!! 

Verdict: Returned

Calee Boatneck Knot Dress - $144

(Three Dots)

Oh... did you actually read my note?  Yes, now I have a skirt, a dress and a sleeveless shirt when I asked them to LIMIT the amount of these items they send to me.  Argh. Remember the horizontal stripe boatneck train wreck from last month?  Well boat neck strikes again.  This time in the form of a very bizzarely shaped/fitting dress.  Ladies, if you have any bit of curve or bumps you can see them in this dress. You can also see the outline of the cami I had underneat the dress.  The knot is weird and I'm not sure that this dress would flatter anyone unless they are itty bitty and carry no extra weight.   I could be wrong... but this was definitely a big ole miss for me!   Verdict: Returned



I know some people have really had great success so I keep the hope alive that one of these days I'll get a perfect fix!! 

For those of you who aren't familiar; Stitch Fix carries sizes XS-XL and 0-14. It's not age or body specific, they do try to meet your tastes and likes! If you're interested, here is my referral link. I receive a $25 credit for you signing up and once you are a member, you can have other friends sign up under your personal link. (The credit isn't applied until the first box ships!)