Stitch Fix Home Run

When my latest Stitch Fix box showed up, I wasn't very optimistic.

I'd just watched a great Netflix documentary called The Minimalists and donated half of my closet's contents to charity. Getting new clothes in the mail didn't seem very minimalist. I'd completely forgotten I had scheduled this fix a few months ago.

I also hadn't updated my preferences with current wardrobe needs and the fact that my body is not back in pre-baby shape. It is STRONGLY recommended that you communicate with your personal Stitch Fix stylist before a fix to ensure the best outcomes. Just a few sentences  about your tastes and current needs can help steer her in the right direction.

Could there possibly be anything in there tempting enough to claim both closet space and $$$?  My last fix, I ended up keeping just 2 out of the 5 items.

Who knew it would be very, very close to a home run?

The first item was a comfy shirt. I thought I'd pass on this because it was expensive, but once I put it on, I fell in love with the soft, quality fabric and the fact that it covered my butt and had a bit of ruching on the bottom. Truth be told, I'm still wearing a few maternity tops because of these same features. Also, burgundy is one of my all-time favorite colors to wear.

Bowie Solid Dolman Sleeve Top in Burgundy by Laila Jayde: $58

The next item was a colorful top made out of sheer fabric. It had the coolest sleeves and would be fun for now, as well as in the spring or summer with white jeans. I like how it is different from anything else I own.

Welllens Bow Sleeve Blouse by 41 Hawthorn $58

The next item was a pair of skinny velvet pants. I was not impressed by the price, but I was impressed by the fit. Super skinny and stretchy, but definitely pants not leggings. I'd call them velvet jeans if that makes sense. I can wear them with shirts that don't cover my butt. I've been looking for a pair of nice black pants for over a year and wasted over $40 each on 2 different pairs that DIDN'T work, so I decided to go ahead and invest in these. The only thing that would have improved them is if they had a wide, high elastic waistband (can you tell I'm still wearing maternity pants a lot, too?)

Baby not included.

Krissy Velveteen Skinny Pant; Kut From the Kloth $88

The next item was a cuff bracelet. This was my only disappointment because I remember the profile I filled out a few years ago says NO JEWELRY. I'll need to check and see if it still says that. This cuff is so cute, but I don't need it. In fact, I have a Stella and Dot cuff that I bought for myself for Christmas still hidden somewhere in this house. I hope to find it before Valentine's Day.

Ali Wrap Around Cuff Bay to Baubles $28

The last item was a dark purple (burgundy?) dress. This could not be MORE ME if it had my SSN embroidered on the hem, or if it were free. Sure, it looks suspiciously like a dress I already have, but that's because it is EXACTLY what I love, and is a better length for me. It also reminds me of the magic royal blue Stitch Fix dress I shrank a few years ago and have been missing ever since. Yes, that's a dog fence in my bedroom in an attempt to keep the baby from pitching over the weird 3 foot drop onto the hardwood floor. Thank you, 1980's home design.

Love the gold zipper in the back, and the tiny sleeves!

Delfine Ponte Dress by Eliza Jayde $98

The verdict?

I kept it all! I know this sounds weird, but I even kept the bracelet. The reason? If you keep all 5 items in a fix, you get a 25% discount. I figured it was worth keeping the $28 bracelet if I saved $82.50 on the entire fix! 

I guess I didn't have a very minimalist week, but I'm hoping I'll get a LOT of use out of these items rather than having them just hang in my closet. I love having fewer clothes in my closet, and I'm committed to culling things down to only items that I LOVE. Good thing I loved this Fix!

Do you think the dress can be dressed both up or down? I hope to wear it to a charity casino night and a bat mitzvah. 

If you are interested in getting clothing in the mail selected for you by a personal stylist, try Stitch Fix! 

The photo below includes my referral link:

P.S. Stitch Fix has started service for men's clothes and Tim says he is in a clothing rut and wants to try it! Ha! I'm getting him a gift certificate for Valentine's Day. Can't wait.

Stitch Fix Review-- Maternity Edition!

I almost panicked when I saw that I had another Stitch Fix shipment on the way in October. I was afraid they would send me a bunch of cute clothes I couldn't wear.

Fortunately, I was able to send a quick message saying that I'm pregnant and already up 12-15 lbs. A few days later, my fix came. Stitch Fix now has maternity clothes! I am still waiting for them to start carrying plus sizes so that everyone can take part in the fun of getting cute clothes in the mail selected by a personal stylist, and have given them feedback with that request.

Here are the 5 items that were in my fix:

Blake Poncho Pullover Sweater ($68) and Porter Maternity Leggings ($58): 

The poncho is soft and hangs very nicely. It covers my rear even when I'm wearing leggings. Not sure how to wear a coat with a poncho in the winter. Is that even possible? Do I even care? Verdict: Keep.

The leggings were made out of very thick, stretchy material that provided great coverage and control. I could tell they were very high quality. The drawback was they were size small, and I could have used medium. They felt tight around my knees and I figured that meant they wouldn't work for me for very long. I think this price is reasonable for something that could be worn every single day, and I really wish they fit. Verdict: Return

p.s.  I have since ordered two pairs of legging from Motherhood maternity, but they were thin, almost like tights or hose rather than leggings. Now, I'm out $30 and still don't think I have something that's going to work. If you know of good maternity leggings, please let me know.

Santomasso Tie Neck Maternity Blouse ($68): 

I felt a bit funny at first in this one b/c it was so roomy. However, I hope to be filling it out soon. It is the perfect color for me and has cute elastic cuffs. This blouse is super comfortable and has nice gathers in the back. Also, it's long enough to wear with leggings. I think the price is really steep for a blouse, especially considering I buy most of my clothes at a thrift store. However, I am considering this fix to be my pregnancy splurge and hope to borrow other maternity clothes from my much-younger friends! Verdict: Keep.

Alfonso Off-Shoulder Maternity Top ($48)

Super soft, lightweight material and nice length. However, it was already way too tight. I'm not that far along, so I can still wear regular clothes. Once I get a tad bigger, this top will be too tight across the front, as it already is across the rear. Also, since I'll be pregnant in the winter, I want clothes that will be warmer than this (written by a woman currently under a blanket and wearing knee socks).

Dariah Maternity Abstract Faux Wrap Dress ($108)

Super soft, drape-y material. Perfect length for me and it covers my arms, too. I love this dress, and although the print is sort of busy, I like it a lot. This dress is pretty pricey, but I justified it by promising myself I'd wear it to all of my speaking engagements and to church. If you see me at a dressy event and I'm not wearing this dress, please chastise me. Verdict: Keep.

So, I'm keeping 3 items and returning 2. I consider that a great fix! If you would like to try Stitch Fix for yourself, feel free to click on my link below:

Clothes-Call Tuesday

Talk about putting the cart before the horse!

In a fit of procrastination, I was cruising the net and found the perfect dress for when Rare Bird comes out in September.

Sure, it's a spring dress and the book launch is more than 4 months away, but it is so very cute, and it has birds on it! Now I just need to turn in these final edits tomorrow so I'll have an occasion to wear it!

I got it from eShakti, and I do believe I have found a website that is truly a pear-shaped woman's best friend. Instead of being all MAD that I stayed inside eating all winter, I can just go a little MAD MEN and hide some stuff under the full skirt. And by Mad Men I mean Betty Draper circa 1962 not Megan Draper circa 1969 in a miniskirt and go-go boots. Whew.

Margaret says it's too long, and I agree it could be about 2 inches shorter. I think the heels help. What do you think?

If you haven't pre-ordered a copy of Rare Bird for you and your 50 closest friends (ha!), go for it!

This dress can't languish in my closet forever, right?

I hope you had a lovely Easter and that these sunny days are putting a smile on your face.

If you need a little more of a reason to smile, please let me add a little postscript to this fashion post and present to you a photo of Tim in a baby-poop brown automotive jumpsuit handed down to him by his almost 75 year old dad. Those Donaldson men sure cut a dashing figure.

You're welcome.