Monday, March 16, 2015

Stitch Fix - March 2015 Review

Stitch Fix is a subscription service where a stylist sends you five items each month based on your profile. You pick what you'd like to keep and send back what you don't like.

This Fix came in on time, I'm just a little late getting the reviews posted.

This month, I once again asked for the Kut From the Kloth Nadir Chiffon Knit Top I have posted on my Pinterest Board, but according to the note I got in my box, they were out. :(

My stylist this month was Jennifer. Cool name. ;)


Britt Ombre Chevron Inifinity Wrap Scarf - $32.00


This scarf had an ombre print that made it unique from the other chevron scarves I seem to see everywhere I go. The blue color really pops and the material is light. I really loved this scarf, however, as I've mentioned before, I already have too much blue in my closet. I sent this back, but probably would have kept it if it had been in any other color.

Status: Sent back





Nedal Lace Yoke Blouse - $44.00



This blouse was really cute! I loved the colors and the lace at the top along the collar bones and shoulders. However, due to my broad shoulders, the sleeves seemed to square out when it was on. I think this shirt would look great on someone a little more ... dainty ... than I am.

The card sent with it had it paired with a denim jacket. I tried that, but it covered up so much of the lace, that it ended up just looking like a pink shirt.

It ended up being another shirt I loved, but didn't keep.

Status: Sent back






Sam Hi-Lo Short Sleeve Tee - $44.00



I normally wouldn't dream of spending over $20 for a solid gray t-shirt, but this one is more unique than many I have seen. I really like the hi-lo part of this shirt and the material is very soft and light. Although I think it's a bit on the expensive side, I decided it was something my wardrobe could use.

Status: Kept





Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan - $68.00


This was another unique piece in my Fix this month. I have a lot of cardigans, but none are quite like this one. The asymmetrical zipper gives it a bit of style and I always love the classic black.

Status: Kept





Moscow Skinny Jean - 168.00


These jeans fit perfectly, were a great length, felt great on, and were super flattering, but HOLY STICKER SHOCK! Jennifer mentioned in her note that these were great jeans and were worth every penny of their price point, but no. I don't think there is a pair of jeans in existence that is worth more than $100.

Status: Sent back




Overall


I loved every piece in this fix and when I first opened the box, I thought this might be the first Fix where I kept everything. I even did the math to see how much the jeans would cost with the 25% discount (still not worth it!). Unfortunately, my broad shoulders, desire to cut back on blues, and a budget I must adhere to, I was unable to keep three of the pieces. I still consider this an excellent Fix!

My next Fix is scheduled for April 7, 2015. Just in time for Easter!

Friday, February 13, 2015

Stitch Fix - February 2015 Review

Stitch Fix is a subscription service where a stylist sends you five items each month based on your profile. You pick what you'd like to keep and send back what you don't like.

This month I had posted a few really cute sweaters on my Pinterest board, so I was really excited to see what they would send me. Here's a quick view of what I had posted, including that amazing sweater I was sent back in September that was just too much money, a sweater with amazing colors that I saw on The BoxQueen, and a very comfy looking sweater I saw on Living in Yellow.



I then, specifically asked for the Kut From the Kloth Nadir Chiffon Knit Top pictured on the left in my note to the stylist. I was very excited to see what I'd get!

My stylist this month was Kristen.


Chaplin Hooded Anorak Cargo Jacket - $88.00


This jacket is a lot like the Analisse Anorak Jacket I requested and received back in August. It's a bit heavier, the color is more neutral, and the material isn't as soft. I'm a sucker for these jackets, though. I have to start sending them back, but not this month. ;)

Status: Kept





Presley Colorblock Button-Back Sweater - $68.00



This sweater was really cute. I loved the colors and the colorblock on it. However, buttons in the back just don't make sense to me and I don't like the way they feel on my spine when I want to sit back and relax. This was also a polyester and wool blend. I knew there was wool in it the minute I put it on because my skin started to itch.

Status: Sent back






Hiedi Jean - $98.00


Kristen mentioned in her note that she had seen on my blog that I had mentioned that I needed black jeans.  Let's see, I remember writing that. When was it? There it is! November! Thank you, Kristen, for reading so much feedback! She also noted that these were low rise and lengthy, referring to my complaints of jeans that are too short.

Normally, I would not spend this much on a pair of jeans. However, I did have some credit (thank you for clicking on my links!) and Kristen is right, I do need a good pair of black jeans. These are extra skinny, so I hope I can pull them off.

Status: Kept





Iowa Split Neck Blouse - $48.00


My husband put it best: the pattern is much too loud. He and I agree that this is a nice shirt, but it's just not my style. It was very light and fit well.

Status: Sent back





Aditi Spade Earrings - $28.00


So, I've apparently already misplaced these earrings. I guess that means I don't have a choice in keeping them or sending them back. They're around here somewhere!

Anyway, I'd keep them even if I hadn't lost them. They are gold earrings that aren't too large, but not too small either. They're subtle and can be worn to church or just around the house. I can't wait to find them and I'll post a picture as soon as I do.

Status: Kept




Overall


I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed that my request for a specific sweater went unnoticed, but I'll try again next month. I was happy to see that a stylist took the time to read my blog and find out what it was I liked and even mentioned some styling for church. I love it when I feel like they take the time to review feedback!

Just like I mentioned last month on backing off of cardigans, I'm going to have to do the same with the jackets. I've kept four jackets Stitch Fix has sent me and I love all of them! I just can't afford to keep buying them and I'm out of room in my coat closet.

My next Fix is scheduled for March 10, 2015.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Stitch Fix - January 2015 Review

Stitch Fix is a subscription service where a stylist sends you five items each month based on your profile. You pick what you'd like to keep and send back what you don't like.

This month was my twelfth Fix marking one year of using the subscription service. It was also scheduled to arrive the day before my birthday, so I was ready to treat myself.



Chantal Cowl Neck Knit Top - $38.00


I'm a fan of the cowl neck, but don't have many in my closet. I was excited to see this one, until I put it on. I tried this top with cardigans and jackets, but the longer I had it on, the more I was convinced there must have been some mistake and they sent me a maternity shirt. It fit well around the shoulders and chest, but poofed out at the bottom. The look was very unflattering.

Status: Sent back





Denna Colored Skinny Jean - $78.00



These jeans fit really well. They are a good length and fit will around my waist. However, I'm having troubles with the color. I have a lot of neutral colors in my closet, so I tried this with black, white, brown, and grey. I tried them with jackets, sweaters, hoodies, cardigans, and t-shirts. Nothing seemed to work with them.

Status: Sent back






Layla Striped Elbow Patch Detail Cardigan - $48.00


Ooo and ahh. The material of this cardigan is very soft. It's also a heavy cardigan which would be nice for the winter. It's got cute little patches on the elbows (how did I miss those in the photo?) and is a nice length. My only concern is that I have a lot of cardigans at this point.

Status: Kept





Henry Birds on Branch Infinity Scarf - $28.00


I have marked blue on my style profile as a color not to send me. Looking around other blog posts, I saw this scarf in many different colors, so I had to question why they sent it to me in blue.

Overall, however, the reason for marking blue as a color not to send is because I have so much of it already. This scarf will go well with many items in my closet. 

Status: Kept





Sheila Colorblock Cotton Top - $38.00


I wasn't too thrilled about this top when I first saw it. It's definitely the kind of shirt I would walk right past without a second thought at a store. However, I try everything that Stitch Fix sends me because every once in a while, they surprise me.

This was one of those tops. I liked it a lot once I put it on.

Status: Kept




Overall


In the note left by the stylist in my box, I was reminded to update my style profile for the best fixes. Yeh, I do that. Two of the items contained a color I requested to avoid, so I'm having troubles believing that updating my style profile helps. Still, three out of five isn't bad. At least there wasn't another dolman shirt.

I am going to have to back off the cardigans for a bit and start sending back the items in blue. I need a bit more versatility in my closet. That's the entire reason I started this subscription!

Last month I had mentioned that I may suspend my subscription for a while if I wasn't able to get back on track with my health. I've been doing pretty well that last couple of weeks, however, so I will continue to use Stitch Fix as an incentive.

My next subscription is scheduled for February 10, 2015.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Farewell 2014

2014 was an eventful year for us. It brought with it mostly good times, but a few challenges as well.

In January, we saw the groundbreaking of our new church and throughout the year we've watched it seemingly rise out of the ground. It's been an amazing thing to watch and I can hardly wait to celebrate Mass within its new walls in just a few weeks!

In February, we saw the Denver Broncos (my favorite team!) get brutally beaten by the Seahawks (my second favorite team!) in the Super Bowl. I felt fortunate enough to see my two favorite teams in the championship, but I do wish the outcome would have been a bit different.

April saw the disappearance of our family cat, Booka. Typically an indoor pet, he managed to get out on Good Friday and hasn't been seen since.

We also saw the initiation of our boys as they entered the Catholic church through Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. What a blessing it was and what a blessing we have in the boys!

My oldest boy became an altar server at our church in July and I experienced a book that thoroughly frustrated me in "Gone Girl".

September brought a major hail storm from which our neighborhood is still recovering.

In October, my family spent a fun filled week in Orlando, FL visiting Disney World and Universal Studios. The boys were at the perfect ages for it. They were old enough to ride most of the rides, but they were still young enough to have magic in their eyes.

October also came with the best house guests we could have ever imagined!

Thanksgiving had my in-laws in town from Florida. The boys got a chance to spend some time and get to know their out-of-town grandparents.

My youngest boy injured his leg in December. The doctors were afraid it could have been fractured, so for three days he walked around on crutches that were too big for him. Fortunately, it was just a sprain and, after three weeks, we took off his brace today!

The year of 2014, for the most part, was kind to us. We experienced a lot of joy and spent a lot of time with friends and family. Here's to another year that I'm sure will be great!

Happy 2015!


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Stitch Fix - December 2014 Review

Stitch Fix is a subscription service where a stylist sends you five items each month based on your profile. You pick what you'd like to keep and send back what you don't like.

I didn't send my stylist any notes this month. My stylist was Katie.



Rosco Leopard Print Blouse - $44.00


I really liked the pattern on this shirt and the material. The fit at the top of the shirt around the shoulders was a bit tight. It kind of felt the same as when I put a t-shirt on backwards by mistake. Whenever I moved my arms around it would bunch a bit. It was uncomfortable and awkward enough to send back.

Status: Sent back




Queensland Dolman Jersey Top - $48.00



The style of this shirt reminded me very much of the 80s; the sleeves had wings and the shirt cinched at the bottom. I understand that many styles from the 80s have returned, but that doesn't mean that I have to like it.

Yep, I just copied and pasted that from my May post regarding the Aleah V-Neck Heathered Dolman Sleeve Shirt. I like the deep purple color of this shirt, but hate the style, just like I did back in May. Funny how that works.

Status: Sent back





Ada Asymmetrical Zip Faux Leather Piping Wool Pea Coat - $168.00


For a wool coat, this one is not very warm. It has the weight of my other wool coat, but didn't do a great job of keeping me warm, even though today wasn't all that cold.

However, I do like the style and I think it dresses up nicely enough to use for church. I'm just not sure it's worth the price.

UPDATE: After being undecided for a couple of days, Stitch Fix dropped the price to $134.00. I decided to keep it.

Status: Kept




Frieda Corduroy - $68.00


I desperately need pants. I have recently had to throw out two pairs of old, worn out jeans. These cords are comfortable and warm, but a bit on the short side by about and inch or two. I could pair them up with boots as they are a skinny fit.

It looks like, for now, it's a toss up between the pants and the coat.

UPDATE: After being undecided on this for a few days, I decided that to pay this much for cords, they need to fit the way I like. I decided to send them back.

Status: Sent back




Parvin Reversible Hang Tag Detail Tote - $48.00


This tote was HUGE. That's great for a mom, but I tend to lean towards a nice, hands-free crossover bag.

This tote just wasn't for me.

For those of you wondering, it was gold when reversed.

Status: Sent back



Overall


This fix just didn't excite me at all. When it came down to it, I was debating over keeping two items, one of which I didn't really love and the other difficult to justify the price. I was especially disappointed to see another dolman shirt as I really don't like the style and had thought that had been clear in my feedback to the company.

My next Fix is scheduled for January 13, 2015, which just happens to be the day before my birthday. After that, I may consider suspending my subscription for a while as this was supposed to be a reward for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and I haven't been doing too great.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Stitch Fix - November 2014 Review

Stitch Fix is a subscription service where a stylist sends you five items each month based on your profile. You pick what you'd like to keep and send back what you don't like.

This month, I made a note asking for black and classy pieces as I sing a lot during the Christmas season and need "performance" black. So, if you notice the lack of color in this Fix, it was intentional.

My stylist this month was Christina Ann and she did a great job!


Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse - $58.00


I've seen this shirt around the Stitch Fix blogosphere and knew I would eventually receive it. I know a lot of women have liked and kept this one, but I'm not a big fan of the studs. The shirt didn't seem tailored very well as it sat lower on one shoulder than the other, making the  studs around the corner look crooked. I also didn't like the way the sleeve poofed at the elbows.

Status: Sent back




Aveda Sheer Cinched Waist Blouse - $68.00


I really liked the over-all style of this blouse. It had two layers: sheer layer, and then a solid tank top underneath. Cinches at the waist often make me look pregnant, but this one didn't do that.

However, this isn't a Colorado fall/winter blouse. I was freezing while I took the picture. I tried putting a blazer or cardigan over it, but it just didn't work.

I was on the fence for a few days on this, but ultimately decided to send it back as it wasn't worth the price.

Status: Sent back





Collen Straight Leg Jean - $78.00


I could use a good pair of black jeans in my closet, so I was happy to see these. However, I do wish they were just a tad bit longer and I didn't find the fit very flattering. I'm willing to pay the price for jeans that I love, but these just didn't get to that love status.

Status: Sent back




Carver Faux Leather Quilted Bomber Jacket - $118.00


I'm going to be honest. This jacket has caused me to need a trip to the Confessional. When I pulled this jacket out of the box I uttered an "Oh, my ... " as my jaw dropped. I LOVE IT! I'm going to have to dig a bit into my savings for this one, but it's worth every penny!

The material is heavy for a cold day and the collar comes up like a turtle neck which keeps the cold wind off my neck.

Status: Kept




Alfie Chevron Ribbed Edge Infinity Scarf - $32.00


The material on this scarf is very soft and I love infinity scarves. The colors of the chevron stripes are great for fall. This one was a keeper!

Status: Kept



Overall


Even though I only kept two items, this is the closest I have ever come to keeping all five items. I liked four of them and it would have been cheaper to keep all five with the 25% discount I would have received for keeping them all then it would have to just buy the four I liked. However, I just didn't love the jeans and the blouse enough to hold on to them.

My next Fix is scheduled for December 16, 2014.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

BarkBox for Small Dogs - Review October 2014

BarkBox is a subscription service that sends treats and toys that are safe for your dog based on their size. They also donate to rescued dogs.

I have two small dogs, a Shiba Inu and a Puggle. They share just one box.

This month, BarkBox sent a Halloween package. It came while we were away on vacation, so this article is a bit late.



Simply Fido Ghost


Neither dog seemed really interested in this toy at first. It sat in Aki's pin for a few days untouched. It looks like it's getting some wear and tear now, so she must be using it.


Plush Puppies Invincibles Cat


This toy's description starts out by saying, "Nothing to be afraid of here." Well, Aki disagrees. This cat plush has a squeaker in it that has a different sound than she's used to. It's one of those low toned squeaks rather than the higher pitch. Aki is terrified of it and Snuggles will destroy the toy in no time. Probably not the best toy for my dogs.

Twistix Peanut & Carob Chew Treats


Both dogs devoured these treats quickly. Snuggles was on her best behavior when told to stay.



Hare of the Dog Rabbit Jerky


This only had two small pieces of jerky in them. It looked like a sampler. Both dogs quickly ate their piece. I imagine the small nature of this treat is why we received six items this month instead of the usual five.





Superior Farms Lamb Nik-Knacks Chews


This is the only chew that Snuggles took into the other room to eat. That's a good thing as she wants to make sure that no other pets or humans in the house can take it from her.

Aki put down another treat in order to chew on this one. This seems to be one of her favorites.



Etta Says! Crunchy Duck Chews


We got the same thing in rabbit flavor last month. Both dogs much these down.



Overall

Other than the scary cat toy, this box was quite a success.

If you like what you see here, make sure to sign up for BarkBox and get your first shipment scheduled!

Our next BarkBox is scheduled to be shipped on October 15, 2014.