Stitch Fix #3 - Some Good, Some Bad

After waiting with much anticipation, I received my third Stitch Fix earlier this week.  I had been looking forward to it for weeks.  I had finally broken down and joined Pinterest to create a fashion board and link it to my profile, and I had been busy pinning other Stitch Fix pieces I liked from people's blog posts.

When I opened my box, I experienced two disappointments right off the bat.  First, despite that fact that I had specifically requested my stylist from my two previous fixes, I was assigned someone new.  Also, when I had requested my fix, I had specifically requested a skirt, and there was none to be found in my box.  Nor was there any reference in my stylist's note as to why I didn't receive one, which led me to wonder if my request had been read at all.  That said, my new stylist still did a good job picking out some nice items.

1) Collective Concepts Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse ($54)

My first impression of this blouse was good.  It was a beautiful color and a nice, light material.  However, when I put it on, it looked very tent-like on me.  It also washed out my already pale skin.  Plus it was dry clean only, despite the fact that I had requested no dry clean items in my profile.  Status: Returned

2) Pomelo Corinna Striped Dolman Top ($48)

I really liked this shirt when I pulled it out of the box.  I don't have a lot of casual clothes that are also nice, since I usually gravitate toward spending my money on business attire for my work place.  As a result, I spend most of my off hours in sweatshirts or T shirts.  This one had a nice comfy feel and look, was a pretty color, and make me look more put together than I normally do on the weekends.  However, once I put it on I noticed that it was starting to come apart at the seams on both sleeves.  Sad face.

I emailed customer service to see if they had a replacement they could send me, since otherwise I really liked it.  They got back to me within a few hours to say that they didn't have any others in stock, but that if I thought it could be repaired, they would offer me a 15% discount if I wanted to keep it.  I debated for a couple days, but then when I put it on again, I noticed that some of the stripes didn't match up at the seams.  Overall I decided it was just not well made, and decided to send it back.  Status: Reluctantly Returned

3) Just Black Kristy Skinny Jean ($78)

These jeans are the same brand I bought (and still love!) from my first fix.  Like the last pair, they fit like a glove.  However, these were "ankle" jeans.  At first I was very put off by this.  As someone who has trouble ever finding jeans that are long enough, it just seems wrong to intentionally buy short jeans.  However, my husband thought they looked great on me - although I think he was more focused on my butt than my ankles. ;)  I went back and forth on these, and slowly started to come around to the idea of jeans short enough to show off cute shoes.  But eventually decided I just didn't feel confident enough in them to keep them.  Maybe if they had been another inch shorter, they would have looked like true ankle jeans.  As they were, they sort of just looked like they were regular length jeans that were too short for me.  Actually, I think the length looks better in the picture than it felt like it did when I had them on.  Maybe I should have kept them?  Status: Returned

4) Pomelo Carla Contrast Trim Drape-Front Cardigan ($54)

This cardigan was one of the items I had pinned to my Pinterest board, so I was super excited to see it in my box.  My stylist noted that she was including it because I had pinned it, so it's nice to know that she did take the time to check out the board I spent a lot of time creating.  I loved this.  SO comfy.  It's a lighter cardigan but still fairly warm.  I think it will be perfect for chilly spring days or summer nights.  The sleeves came buttoned up, but you can also roll them down and they were nice and long.  I will be getting a lot of wear out of this one.  For those interested, I do think it's worth noting that this is the only item I have received in all three fixes that was not made in the US or Canada (it is from China).  Even the other item from Pomelo was made in the US.  Status: Kept!

5) Vanessa Mooney Davenport Teardrop Nugget Earrings ($42)

These earrings were not my style at all.  They were way too big for me, about the length of my thumb.  Even if they had been my style, I would not have paid $42 for them.  After receiving these I decided to change my profile to reflect that I didn't want to be sent any more earrings.  I just don't like earrings enough to pay Stitch Fix prices for them.  Status: Returned

Overall, I am very happy I did another Stitch Fix.  I was a bit disappointed with the change in stylist, because it felt like a less personal experience this time.  But I still got some great choices of clothing and was able to try out some ankle jeans, which I would never have considered in the store.  I will plan on doing another fix, probably in the early summer.

Check out my previous fixes:
Stitch Fix 1
Stitch Fix 2

Stitch Fix Review #2

I know that fashion has nothing to do with surrogacy, but my first Stitch Fix review post had the second most views of my entire blog (right behind the babies' birth announcement).  So I figured I'd update with the results of my second fix!

Wondering what the heck I'm talking about?  You can see the review of my first fix, with a complete description of Stitch Fix here.

I counted down the days until my package arrived, and once I received the shipping notification I stalked FedEx's website until I saw it was waiting at my door for me.  The package arrived a little beat up (apparently FedEx does not have the same reverence for Stitch Fix as I do), but inside everything was packaged perfectly.

I opened my note from my stylist, Laurie.  I loved her styling so much last month that I requested her again, so I was super excited to see her name on my note.  She is the best!  I could tell she really reviewed all my feedback last time and took the time to really focus on things that would work well for me.  Then she explained why she chose them for me, and she not only told me how they could be combined together, but also which pieces would go well with the items I kept from my last fix!  I love the attention to detail.  I thought about not sharing her name for fear that too many other people would start requesting her and she would be too busy for me next time around, but I figured she deserved a shout out!

Then I checked out my items.  I was so happy to see a box full of COLOR!  Here's what I got (by the way, I apologize for the bleary eyes and bad lighting - it was after 9:00 pm and I had to force my husband away from the Olympics to snap a few pictures):

1) 41Hawthorn Rowson Colorblock Striped Sweater ($58)

From reviewing way too many other Stitch Fix reviews, I had seen this sweater several times in several different colors.  I liked it on other people, so I specifically asked for it in my fix.  I was so excited to see it in there, and in yellow - my favorite color!  Once I put it on, though, I was underwhelmed.  There wasn't really anything wrong with it, but it just wasn't super flattering.  I didn't think the shade of yellow went that great with my hair color, and it was a little baggier in the midsection than I generally like.  If it had been $20 I probably would have kept it.  But at $58, I would have really had to love it.  Status: Returned

2) 19 Cooper Clemency Diamond Print Tab-Sleeve Tunic ($68)

The piece I was most excited to try on in my fix.  I loved the print, and I had requested a tunic style top.  Once I put it on, I really wanted to love it, but it didn't do that much for me.  I tried it with and without a belt, and with and without a cami underneath, and I just couldn't get myself to love it on my body.  Then I looked at the tag and saw it was dry clean only.  That was the nail in the coffin - back in the box it went.  Status: Returned

3) 41Hawthorn Milano Twist-Front Crew Neck Knit Top ($68)

I wasn't super excited about this top pulling it out of the box, since it was just plain black.  But once I put it on, it was very flattering.  You can't see it all that well in this picture, but I thought the twist in the top helped give the shirt some interest and helped enhance my not-so-big bust.  I liked the length and the sleeves were long enough, which is hard for me to find.  Score!  Status: Kept!

4) Margaret M Kayla Skinny Jean ($98) - also pictured above

Red Jeans!  I loved the color, and I have no colored jeans.  Once I tried them on though, I was a bit disappointed.  First, they were super stretchy, almost more of a jegging than an actual jean.  The "pockets" were fake, and they were a tiny bit too short for me.  They did look good with the high boots and longer top.  But I'm just not willing to cough up almost $100 for jeggings that aren't even a perfect fit.  I did really love the color though, I am going to be on the look out for some red jeans.  Status: Returned

5) 41Hawthorn Amelia Multi Chevron Stripe Scarf ($32)

This was the only thing in my fix that I did not like at first sight.  I really like chevron print things, but I found the colors on this scarf to be very childish.  Then I took it out of the package, and discovered it was one of the softest scarves I have ever felt.  Once I tried it on, it definitely grew on me.  As my stylist pointed out, it would go with the purple dolman top I kept from my last fix, but I didn't really see it going with too much more than that in my closet.  Plus, it was dry clean only.  Dry clean a scarf?  No way.  If this had been under $20, I might have kept it for the softness alone, but this one went back to Stitch Fix as well.  Status: Returned

Even though I only ended up keeping one item this time, I still LOVED my fix!  It is just so fun to get a package in the mail full of goodies picked out just for you by someone who knows what they're doing.  I think my stylist did a great job, and I would have kept a couple more if they had fit me better.  But I was on a bit of a budget this month and I told myself I would only keep something if it was perfect, so the Twist-Front top is the only one that found its way into my closet.  The cost was $68 which was more than I normally want to spend, but I had already paid $20 for the styling fee which got credited toward my purchase, and I had another $25 referral credit, so it only ended up being $23 - not bad at all!  And now I have more money to save for my next fix!

Want to try Stitch Fix yourself?  Check it out here!  Please note: I do not get anything from Stitch Fix to write these reviews, but if you use my referral link to sign up for your first fix I will get a $25 credit toward a future purchase. 

Got My Stitch Fix!

A while ago I posted on there that I had signed up for Stitch Fix, and I'm happy to say I got my first box!  I thought I'd give a little review of my experience and the clothes I got.

For those who don't know, Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service.  You sign up for free and fill out a style profile.  The profile focuses on your sizes, what types of clothes you normally wear (business, casual, fancy, etc.) and what type of style you like (preppy, bohemian, edgy, etc) - it also has pictures of different outfits that you can rate, if, like me, you don't know what any of those words mean.  You can tell them what colors and prints you like to avoid, what parts of your body you like to flaunt or hide, if there are any items you would like to skip (get all your jeans at a particular store?  Don't waste your stitch fix on pants you won't buy).  Once you have filled out your profile, you can order your first fix.  For each fix, you pay $20 for the stylist's time, but if you buy something the $20 is credited toward your purchase.  Then you wait with bated breath for your package to arrive so you can see what 5 things they sent you to try!  You get 3 days to try them on in the comfort of your own home in combination with the things that are already in your closet.  Whatever you want to keep, you buy, and whatever you don't want to keep, you send back in the enclosed prepaid envelope.

My first thought when I got my box was that these clothes were expensive.  Now, to be fair, I'm pretty cheap when it comes to shopping.  The idea of spending more than $30 on just about anything makes me cringe.  But I realize that in this case you are paying for 1) The stylist's time to pick things out for you, 2) shipping the packages both ways, 3) the convenience of getting to try everything on at your pace in your own bedroom, and 4) the excited Christmas morning feeling you get at receiving a package of surprise goodies.  Plus, everything I ended up keeping was made in the USA.

For each order, you can tell them if there is anything in particular you would like them to send you.  This can be a request for a specific item you saw on their blog or something general like clothes to wear on vacation or to the office.  For this box, I told them I was looking for items that would be equally appropriate for my business casual office setting or a date night.  I was also looking for outfits that would go well with knee high boots for winter time.  Here's what I got!

This picture is a 2 for 1: Just Black Adora Skinny Jean ($88) and 41Hawthorn Queensland Dolman Jersey Top ($48)

These were the first two items I tried on.  I was excited but nervous to see a pair of skinny jeans, because it's hard for me to ever find jeans that fit.  They either have too much or not enough room for my thighs, and I am usually too tall for the regular length jeans and too short for the long length.  I was worried that these would not fit, but I think my stylist might have snuck into my house and taken my measurements while I was sleeping...they were a perfect fit!  If anything they were a little too long, which is great because if they shrink a little in the wash they will still be long enough.  Even though these jeans are pretty pricey, when I find jeans that fit I will pay whatever they cost...I would have bought them if they were $188.  (Just kidding...don't get any ideas, Stitch Fix.)

You can't really tell from the picture, but the top is a deep purple...very pretty.  It's also extremely soft, and surprisingly warm for being so lightweight.  I wasn't sure if I was going to like the sleeves, but once I put it on I was sold.  I liked that it was flowy at the top and still tighter around my hips.  This is something I never would have tried on in the store, so I'm glad that Stitch Fix sent it to me.  My husband loved the outfit as well, so both the top and the jeans were an instant yes for me.

Next up, Sweet Rain Beth French Terry Striped Dress ($48):

 

When I pulled this one out of the box, it seemed sort of shapeless and I thought it would be super baggy on me.  Turns out I had just the opposite problem.  It was almost too tight.  My husband really liked it on me, but I wasn't sold.  I tried dressing it up with jewelry, a belt, and leggings to see if it grew on me, but I thought it hugged me a little too tight on the bottom and made me look too hippy.  Also, the sleeves were a little too short, and I thought that it might be a too short to be work appropriate - it hit about 3 or 4 inches above the knee.  I figured if I wanted everything else in the box, I would keep this one too (you get 25% off the whole box if you keep everything, so it's usually a better deal to get all 5 things than just 4), but I wasn't in love.

41Hawthorn Rockwell Sleeveless Fit & Flare Dress ($78)

 

This one was just kind of "meh" for me. It was sort of plain, and didn't really flatter me that well.  My husband wasn't thrilled with it either.  Plus it was really expensive.  I didn't even bother trying to accessorize this one, it went straight back into the box.

41Hawthorn Toulouse Collared Wrap Dress ($68)

I really liked this dress when I pulled it out of the box.  It is a wrap dress.  I liked the navy color and the cut, and it looked like it would be great for work.  After it took me a good 5 minutes to figure out how to put it on, I wasn't sure it was that flattering on me.  I felt like the top might be a little too baggy.  My husband liked it.  I ended up wearing it around the house for a few hours (one of the perks of Stitch Fix!) to see how I felt in it.  As I wore it more, it really grew on me.  I liked that I could wrap it tight to accentuate my waist, and that it was long enough to hit me at the knee.  I felt like it would be a good option for work.  Plus, I discovered it had pockets!  I'm not sure why that was so exciting for me, but there's just something extra fun about a dress with pockets.  In the end, I decided to keep it.

In addition to the 5 items, I received a note from my stylist, which explained why she picked each item for me.  I really liked that touch, and I could tell the stylist really took everything I put in my style profile into consideration.  I also got a style card for each item, which gives you some ideas about how to style each outfit to dress it up or down.  Really nice touch, and helpful for someone like me!

 

Overall, I was thrilled with my first fix.  I had been reading some other reviews (they link to lots on their website), and had read that the first fix is often a miss.  So I was excited that three out of the five items worked so well!  I kept the jeans, the top, and the wrap dress.  The price was more than I normally would have spent, but I had already paid $20 for the styling fee which I could use toward my purchase, I got a $25 credit from someone signing up for their fix through my link (thank you!) and I had some Christmas cash burning a hole in my pocket so I didn't mind.  I logged in and left detailed feedback on my fix, and I will definitely be ordering another one soon!

I was not paid or even asked by Stitch Fix to post this review, and I don't get anything for doing so.  But if you would like to sign up for Stitch Fix yourself, I would be grateful if you would do so via my link so I can get a credit toward a future purchase (once you sign up you will get your own referral credit link to share with others).  Happy shopping!

Losing Weight and Feeling Great!

It has been 3.5 months since I had the twins, and I feel that my body is now almost back to normal.  I still have another pound to go to hit my pre-pregnancy weight.  Man they weren't lying when they said those last 5 pounds were hard to lose after the second pregnancy.  I don't know if it was the fact that it was twins, the fact that I'm now over 30, the fact that I didn't breastfeed this time, or just the fact that it was the second pregnancy, but even though I had a lot less weight to lose this time, it's taken a lot longer to do it.  But I've been exercising and doing some ab work, and I am finally starting to get to the point where I'm looking in the mirror and liking what I see again.

I recently realized that after spending so much time the last three years either pregnant or planning to be pregnant, my "skinny" wardrobe has been woefully neglected.  Even though I feel like I look good again, a lot of my clothes make me feel out of style, and frumpy, or just plain boring.  I have tried looking in some stores for cute stuff, but since I generally hate shopping, these trips are painful for me.

So I was super excited when I discovered Stitch Fix!  It is an online personal styling service.  You sign up and fill out a "style profile."  This is where you tell them what styles of clothes you normally like, and if you are a dummy like me who doesn't even know what your style is called, they also show a bunch of pictures of outfits and ask you if you like that style.  You can tell them what kind of clothes you need for your lifestyle (business wear?  casual?  date night?), how much you want to spend, what colors/patters/materials you want to avoid, which parts of your body you like to flaunt, and which you prefer to hide, etc.  Then they send you a box of five items - tops, pants, dresses, accessories, etc. - they think you would like.  You can try them on at home.  You pay for what you want, and return the rest for free with feedback on what you liked/didn't and why, so the next time they have a better idea of what you would like.  I paid $20 for the stylist's time, but that is applied as credit toward whatever I decide to keep once I get my box.  For each box, you can tell them if there is anything specific you are looking for in that particular shipment.  For example, I said that I was looking for winter clothes that could I could wear in my business casual workplace as well as out for a girls night or date night.  I also told them I just bought a pair of boots and am looking for something to help show them off.  I should be getting my box in about 6 weeks, and I'm excited to see what they send me!  Sound fun?  Here is the link if you would like to check it out: http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3295725.

Please note, I do not work for Stitch Fix, nor do I get paid to post this.  It's just something I found that I was excited about, and thought other surros (or random readers) might have the same clothes problems and needs as me.  However, if you use my link and sign up for a Stitch Fix box of your own, I do get a $25 credit toward my order.  So, if you want to sign up, I would love it if you would use my link to do so!

Anyway, I don't really have much going on that is surro-related these days that is actually reportable, although I think I have developed a bit of a pregnancy/surrogacy addiction and I still want to stay active in the community.  (Do I browse the classified ads on Surrogate Mothers Online?  Yes.  Do I keep a count down of how much longer until I can get pregnant again?  Yes - 8.5 months).  So I might stop by from time to time and post something that is mildly surrogacy, or at least pregnancy, related.  Hope all my blog friends are doing well!