June Stitch Fix Reveal

Let me start out by saying I am the worst at surprises! I always need to investigate everything, and I can’t ever be surprised. What I find myself doing once the “Your fix is on its way” email hits my mailbox, is signing into Stitch Fix and clicking the “already received your fix – check out” link. I’m horrible, I know, but I just get overly excited. Once that link loads the information about the items on their way to my doorstep is at my fingertips. From here I do a typical search of the item name/description in yahoo, google, and pinterest. Normally I can easily find 3 out of 5 of the items no problem. I am always interested in what an item looks like on other people, as well as what they paired it with. I still am sometimes surprised by the item I receive because it may not be the same color as the items the search came up with. For example in my search for the BRIXON IVY Jarred Lace Detail Cap-Sleeve Blouse, the results show mainly a very beautiful blue colored top, as well as a pink, peach, and black. I received it in black, when I thought I’d be receiving blue. Ironically I have so much black in my closet, and I contemplate the black will get more wear than had I received it in blue.

Before we dive into my fix, for those of you who are unfamiliar with Stitch Fix, let me spin you up. You can sign up here, and when you do please leave me comments on how it’s worked out for you! You’re going to love it, I know I have.

1. Sign up and get started with the Style Quiz – This will create a profile of your style, likes, dislike, body shape & sizing, so that your personal stylist can get a feel for you. There’s also a notes section to let your stylist know about personal likes and dislikes, and a section to add your pinterest board link. I highly recommend this, sometimes your stylist can get you an exact piece you pin, or an article of clothing extremely similar to something you love.
2. You’ll pay a $20 Styling Fee when ordering your first Fix, which will be credited towards any or all items you purchase in your fix. Stitch Fix carries an assortment of clothing, tops, dresses, pants, jewelry, handbags and even shoes! Your Fixes will arrive as frequent or as infrequent as you desire. Five personalized pieces are delivered right to your door, and that’s when the fun begins!
3. Keep what you love and send back what you don’t want within 3 days, in the postage paid supplied envelope. You’ll only pay for what you keep! You’ll get 25% off your total purchase if you decide you love it all! Then I’d recommend you leave feedback on the experience, because it’ll make your next Fix that much better!

When I first unwrapped my Stitch Fix this month I started reading my stylists note. I had mixed emotions when I realized my stylist this month was not Michelle, whom I’ve had from the start, but Natalie. I was hesitant to look at the goodies, wondering if she was up to date on my “style”. Pleasantly surprised after laying out my arrivals, and seeing the different patterns and fabrics I snapped a quick photo, and excitedly initiated the try on phase.

Loveappella Shelli Split Back Knit Tank Front

Loveappella Shelli Split Back Knit Tank Back

Loveappella - Shelli Split Back Knit Tank, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $48.00

Could this Shelli Split Back Knit Tank be any softer? It’s adorable for sure, and not something I think I would have picked off the rack. It’s one of those comfort, but cute tops I think I could wear to any and everything. I really like the back detail and how it splits. It doesn’t split too much that it’s overly showy, I still don’t think I’d wear it without a tank underneath, but hey maybe over a bathing suit I’ll give it a go.

Skies are Blue Protego Crochet Back Top Front

Skies are Blue Protego Crochet Back Top Back

 

Skies are Blue - Protego Crochet Back Top, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $48.00

Second up was Protego Crochet Back Top designed by Skies are Blue. ADORABLE, adorable, adorable. I really like this top, the fabric is a bit on the stiff side, but being mainly white it’s not see through, (it also is lightly lined). The arrow black and red pattern is very hip right now, making me feel “in style”. I also have a lip color that coordinates with the red accent very well. Can we all take a moment to examine the back of this top, it’s awesome. I say this because it’s just so cute when it comes to the detail, and yet I can still wear a strapless bra, and it not show! I do feel like the straps around the neck are a bit loose, if I take them in about a quarter of an inch the top might fit me perfectly! I’ve already worn this one to work with black pants and a cute ¾ sleeve jean jacket.

Daniel Rainn Celina Split Neck Blouse

Daniel Rainn - Celina Split Neck Blouse, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $64.00

Work appropriate was the first thing that came to my mind when I tried on the Celina Split Neck Blouse. Again steep on the price end, but with the work to play transitional aspect and the 25% off discount I decided to keep this one as well. I’m not a very floral girl, but I think this piece will look extremely cute with white bottoms, and now that I’m thinking about it I might be able to pair it with my pale pink capris for work! This Daniel Rainn blouse feels loose and flowy when worn, but doesn’t look too big when I see myself in a photo wearing it.

BRIXON IVY Jarred Lace Detail Cap-Sleeve Blouse

BRIXON IVY - Jarred Lace Detail Cap-Sleeve Blouse, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $68.00

I’m in love with this Brixon Ivy Jarred Lace Detail Cap-Sleeve Blouse. The lace detail is gorgeous, and I can easily dress this blouse up or down. I’m sure this one will get worn out, but I can’t help but wonder if a brighter color would have shown the lace details more. A bit on the pricey end, but with the 25% discount I’ll give it a go, since this is an easy transition from work to play piece.

BRIXON IVY Canelo Embroidery Detail Blouse

BRIXON IVY - Canelo Embroidery Detail Blouse, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $58.00

The Canelo Embroidery Detail Blouse in a light pink I actually pinned. I thought it was adorable, and it was the first top out of the box I wore. The very next day after getting my fix the tag was pulled on this baby. I’ve had compliments on it already to, stating how people like the detail on this blouse. Brixon Ivy must be doing something right! This is such a simple sleeveless blouse, but the embroidery detail adds just enough umphh to it, that makes me feel girly and cute.

Breakdown

Merchandise Total = $286.00
25% off if keeping all 5 pieces = -$71.50
Styling Fee Credited = -$20.00
Total To Keep it all = $194.50

Granite Yards & Ale Houses

I’m so excited that we have finally decided to update our kitchen! We’ve been talking about this since the day we moved in. Brian says we should replace our kitchen counter-tops, and update the bathrooms in order to make the house more appealing when we go to sell. I wholeheartedly agree, but with renovations comes bills, so it’s one thing at a time. My mother made an excellent point, that if we’re going to do it for resale we should at least be able to enjoy it for a while. Case & Point! With that being said the time has come for the kitchen to get a face-lift!

There won’t be drastic changes, as we’re not changing the layout or the cabinets. I do not Love our cabinets, but there’s nothing wrong with them, so they’re going to need to stay. I would like to play with the idea of new hardware, and browse around a bit though. Now that we’ve settle on the fact, it’s time for granite; the fun began and we headed out to some granite yards! 

Strolling Among the Stones

While perusing the web for ideas I stumbled among some kitchens I thought looked nice and had similar color scheme to our kitchen as far as cabinet color, and wood flooring goes. I sent Brian a few pictures of kitchens with more of a natural tan coloring granite, but I also sent him a few with black. I wouldn’t have ever thought to go black, and while at the yard we focused primarily on the gold/tan stones.

Tan Stone We Originally Were Going With

After discussing with one of the contractors in the yard, he swayed us to look into the darker black stones. He mentioned all new homes use the darker slabs in the kitchens with lighter cabinets, it seems to be more appealing to the masses. If that’s the case we should redirection ourselves that way, being we want to sell the house as move in ready for the next owners.

This Is The New Counter-top

We made our selection with the steel gray granite, and we were sold on this! We then got a quote from two different granite yards, and of course went with the lower price quoted to us by Stone-Tech Fabrications. 

Brian is excited for them to come out on Friday afternoon to laser measure the counter tops for fabrication. While they’re measuring they’ll be able to let us know if we have the wiggle room to insert a bigger sink! I’m excited because I’ve talked Brian into also adding a slab of granite at the footing of the fireplace. This has been sitting just slightly unfinished for a long time now, and I’ll be thrilled to have it polished and completed! Another project checked off the list!

We still have fun in store for us this upcoming week. We can take our sample granite, and shop for some backsplash, and a new facet for our larger sink (Fingers Crossed)! We still need a new microwave, and little does the Hub know, but maybe we can give the kitchen a new paint job to go with the changes coming our way!

Stone-Tech Fabrication will be out this Friday for measurements, and next Friday for the install. Stay tuned for the update photos! Next project will need to be our Master Bath, the fun just never ends!

Celebrations were in order after a unanimous decision such as this, so we swung by the Yards Ale House in the Moorestown Mall. I tried an Ace Pineapple Cider, yum & Brian had a Great Lakes Eliot Ness. 

It was the food that was awesome and will draw us back. Expensive, so I’m not sure how often we will venture back out here, but none the less our meals were excellent. Brian got himself two street tacos. A Grilled Korean Beef Short Rib, which we both agree was the better of the two, and a Vampire Taco. Interestingly you can order any taco and upgrade it to Vampire, which is just a hard shell taco with cheese backed around the outside. I ordered up the Carnitas Enchilada Stack, it was ridiculously flavorful I can’t even put in to words how great that thing was!

VAMPIRE TACO - cheese crusted tortilla, carnitas, bacon chorizo, chipotle salsa, roasted garlic, cumin crema, guacamole, cilantro

GRILLED KOREAN BEEF SHORT RIB - spicy green papaya, sriracha aïoli, chili threads

CARNITAS ENCHILADA STACK - pinto beans, chipotle, pasilla, jack, avocado, pickled onion, jalapenos, fried egg

Have you recently remodeled a kitchen or bathroom, ideas/tips I should look into for our house? Leave me a comment I’m interested.

May, Almost on time Stich Fix reveal

May means Stitch Fix #4 arrived at my door! This month was different than the previous months. I went out on a limb and asked for a pair of cute patterned shorts and maybe a solid summer top to match. A necklace for all the stitch fix tops I now have and a blazer for the same reasons, to wear on a cool day or to work over all my new Stitch Fix tops. Below is what was delivered to my door.

Stitch Fix Unboxed!

Once again though, for those of you who are unfamiliar with Stitch Fix, let me spin you up. You can sign up here, and when you do please leave me comments on how it’s worked out for you! You’re going to love it, I know I have.

1.     Sign up and get started with the Style Quiz – This will create a profile of your style, likes, dislike, body shape & sizing, so that your personal stylist can get a feel for you. There’s also a notes section to let your stylist know about personal likes and dislikes, and a section to add your pinterest board link. I highly recommend this, sometimes your stylist can get you an exact piece you pin, or an article of clothing extremely similar to something you love.

2.     You’ll pay a $20 Styling Fee when ordering your first Fix, which will be credited towards any or all items you purchase in your fix. Stitch Fix carries an assortment of clothing, tops, dresses, pants, jewelry, handbags and even shoes! Your Fixs will arrive as frequent or as infrequent as you desire. Five personalized pieces are delivered right to your door, and that’s when the fun begins!

3.     Keep what you love and send back what you don’t want within 3 days, in the postage paid supplied envelope. You’ll only pay for what you keep! You’ll get 25% off your total purchase if you decide you love it all! Then I’d recommend you leave feedback on the experience, because it’ll make your next Fix that much better!

Bay to Baubles Camelia Pre-Layered Tassel Necklace

Bay to Baubles - Camelia Pre-Layered Tassel Necklace (Verdict – KEPT) $28

The necklace I was sent is nothing like the chunky necklaces I had pinned, but none the less it’s cute. It’s very different than anything I’d pick out for myself, that’s the beauty I find with my Fixes. It’s surely the style the kids are wearing these days. At first glance I was not loving the look of the faux leather tassel portion of this Camelia Pre-Layered Tassel Necklace, but once it’s on it is cute. I’ve actually seen another Bay to Baubles necklace I pinned and hope to see in a future Fix!

Kensie Rebekah Stretch Crepe Blazer

Kensie - Rebekah Stretch Crepe Blazer, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $88

So when I wrote my note to Michele I requested a blazer I could wear over all my sleeveless tops for work, and one that had a pattern on the inside lining so it would still look cute if I rolled the sleeves. Another thing to note was I stated I preferred the blazer to be black or khaki, I find these colors most versatile. I then went on to say I was leaning towards the lighter color since the spring, summer season was upon us. For whatever reason Michele elected to send me a black Rebekah Stretch Crepe Blazer, thank goodness! I say this with relief because about a week prior to my fix being delivered I purchased the same Kensie blazer in cream and gray! I’m now debating returning the gray and just keeping the black. Michele, you rock!

What should I do guys? I love the gray too, but 3 of the same jacket is a bit extreme!

Lucca Clare Scallop Hem Printed Short

Lucca - Clare Scallop Hem Printed Short, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $74

So these are the patterned shorts I got, I’ll be honest at first glance I was disappointed. They’re weren’t as bright and fun as I had expected. In fact I’m still not head over heels about the floral pattern. I love the scalloped hem line on these Lucca shorts, it’s different and I’m attracted to that. The other issue is the Clare Scallop Hem Printed Shorts come in S, M, L and not number sizing which I think is ahhhh if I have to make a call. The small fit, but are a little loose. The other thing is they’re high waisted which is far from my norm. Everyone I showed them to likes them, so I think they’ll grow on me, but I can’t get over the fact they’re $74. That’s really, really steep for a pair of shorts! I kept them because my Mother-in-law gave me a Stitch Fix gift card for Mother’s Day, or I’d have had to send them back along with a few other pieces from this fix. That gift card saved the day!

Alice Blue Ringo Keyhole Back Blouse

Alice Blue Ringo Keyhole Back Blouse - Back

Alice Blue - Ringo Keyhole Back Blouse, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $44

Michele sent this ALICE Blue Ringo Keyhole Back Blouse and mentioned it could be worn with the Lucca scallop hem shorts but I can bring myself to do it. Maybe it’s my body type but I feel the two look ridiculous together, not to mention the colors I don’t see working. This top is shorter than average on me, and it makes me a little self-conscious that you’ll see some love handles it I sit, bend over, etc. I’ve put it on with white capris and it looks cute because of the bright color. I’ve yet to see any skin peeking out, so maybe it’s the perfect length. I do like the details on the back, so I am keeping it. Also the fact that it would cost to return just this.

Market & Spruce Kesey Knit Romper

Market & Spruce - Kesey Knit Romper, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $64

This Market & Spruce Kesey Knit Romper may end up being another one of those pieces that grows on me over time. First glance I wasn’t digging the pattern, a little busy for an entire outfit. I have to say I was pleasantly shocked when it wasn’t too small, on the other hand I thought it was very loose for a size small. Rompers are completely new to me, so I don’t have a fit or style I prefer. I’m not quite sure there are a ton of different romper varieties for that matter. I showed this to everyone around me, and shockingly the likes were unanimous, so I’m keeping this one also, surprise, surprise right?! If you know of any rompers you think I should check out please leave me a comment! Let me know you’re thoughts on this fix, should I have returned any items?

Breakdown

Merchandise Total = $298.00

25% off if keeping all 5 pieces = -$74.50

Styling Fee Credited = -$20.00

Total To Keep it all = $203.50

Fix #3 - It's All For Me!

This Fix I asked for warm weather tops and maybe another dress. I pinned a specific dress I had seen, because I would have loved to wear it to my cousin’s first holy communion coming up in May.  Without further ado…

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Stitch Fix, let me spin you up. You can sign up here, and when you do please leave me comments on how it’s worked out for you! You’re going to love it, I know I have.

1.     Sign up and get started with the Style Quiz – This will create a profile of your style, likes, dislike, body shape & sizing, so that your personal stylist can get a feel for you. There’s also a notes section to let your stylist know about personal likes and dislikes, and a section to add your pinterest board link. I highly recommend this, sometimes your stylist can get you an exact piece you pin, or an article of clothing extremely similar to something you love.

2.     You’ll pay a $20 Styling Fee when ordering your first Fix, which will be credited towards any or all items you purchase in your fix. Stitch Fix carries an assortment of clothing, tops, dresses, pants, jewelry, handbags and even shoes! Your Fixes will arrive as frequent or as infrequent as you desire. Five personalized pieces are delivered right to your door, and that’s when the fun begins!

3.     Keep what you love and send back what you don’t want within 3 days, in the postage paid supplied envelope. You’ll only pay for what you keep! You’ll get 25% off your total purchase if you decide you love it all! Then I’d recommend you leave feedback on the experience, because it’ll make your next Fix that much better!

Renee C Aimo V Neck Top

Renee C Aimo V Neck Top - Back

Renee C - Aimo V Neck Top, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $48

Really like the fushia color on this Renee C Aimo V Neck Top, and how the back is a completely different design. Only negative I have for this top is I feel that the V-neck should be slightly lower on my chest. Being perfect spring/summer colors of course I had no choice but to keep it.

Fun2Fun Decker Mixed Print Spaghetti Strap Tank

Fun2Fun - Decker Mixed Print Spaghetti Strap Tank, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $44

I liked the pattern on this Fun2Fun top, and the shape of the back, but when I first put it on I was sure it was being returned. Then I realized that was a button on the top front, HA, had that not been there it would have been a no brainer return. Over all I am a fan of the Decker Mixed Print Spaghetti Strap Tank, design & cut.

Pixley Eileen Honeycomb Texture Knit Tank

Pixley - Eileen Honeycomb Texture Knit Tank, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $54

This Pixley top was right off of my style pinterest board. I like it, but I had pinned it in a light olive green color, which I would have much rather preferred over the Eileen Honeybomb Texture Knit Tank in navy. I’m weird in that I don’t like to pair navy tops with jeans, and since I live in jeans outside of work I tend to steer clear of navy tops. I also never wear navy with black pants, and those are a staple in my work wardrobe. I kept this top though, I thought about it and I’ll most likely wear it in the warmer weather and I believe it’ll go great with light khaki/bone or white colored bottoms. Thanks Michele, I’m giving Navy a chance for you!

THML Eric Embroidered Dress

THML - Eric Embroidered Dress, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $68

This dress, I just don’t know. I sent a photo of me in it to a few friends, sisters and my mom. They all seemed to like it, but I’m just not feeling it. I don’t have too much to say about this one, my stylist sent me it because she couldn’t get the one I requested. It’s the same designer, and she thought I’d like it based on a top I had pinned. I see where she was coming from, but I’m just not feeling this one. It’s baggy and does nothing to flatter my figure, but with a jean jacket on a cooler day it might work. I thought about adding a belt with it, but that doesn’t work at all. I did end up keeping it, again with my math, it saved me money to keep. I figure maybe I can find some mustard colored sandals to pair it with and I’ll give it a shot. At least once! Clearly I need new white sandals, these are very dated! Where should I begin my search for cute white sandals?!

Gilli Tom Maxi Dress - Back

Gilli Tom Maxi Dress

Gilli Tom Maxi Dress

Gilli - Tom Maxi Dress, Small (Verdict – KEPT) $78

Ah this maxi, at first I was torn. I liked the detail on the back with the little cut out, but I couldn’t get my eyes to stop honing in and focusing on the waist line. Where the fabric changes at the waist it seems to me like the fabric was sew on a slight angle and I’d have thought this was a mistake. I looked it up online on other Stitch Fixers and even on the Stitch Fix pairing guide card, they all show it with this angle. That’s when I realized it’s intentional. I sent a photo to the usual suspects and then response was 100% like, I thought ok they must be right, and I can pair it with a chunky belt. Well I have yet to pair it with a belt, and since wearing it I get comments left & right. I took it with me shopping and found the perfect necklace for it. I love it more and more with every wear!

Let me know you’re thoughts on this fix, should I have returned any items? How’s Stitch Fix working out for you? Any items I should pin?

Breakdown

Merchandise Total = $292.00

25% off if keeping all 5 pieces = -$73.00

Styling Fee Credited = -$20.00

Total To Keep it all = $199.00