Dressed up distressed

Yes!  An actual outfit post with pictures taken outside with my hair actually looking fresh.  It's been a long time since we've done an outfit post.  These are currently my favorite jeans, they are so comfortable and soft.  Plus, I'm kinda obsessed with the "dressed up distressed" jeans look.  When it comes to fashion or art, I've always played it safe.  If I had one statement piece, then everything else around it had to be toned down and simple.  Forget putting different patterns together or mixing colors. But I'm learning to be a little bolder and little edgier with my pieces.  I like the idea of putting two things that don't go together into one look. 

The top and accessories is from my most recent letote box (review coming soon).  I loved everything about it.  The fit, the back, the color, the length is all perfect.  The nude heels are from Ann Taylor; I got these for $20 down from $128 a few months back.  

Bungalow Clothing Box Review

Yes, another subscription box.  What can I say?  It's currently my little obsession.  I also wanted to compare at least one more service to Stitch Fix and this does not charge a styling fee, which was already a big plus. 

Bungalow Clothing is very similar to Stitch Fix in terms of it's service.  I've got to say though, their website is not as easy to use and I'm still kinda confused as to how to use it.  I signed up and didn't really know what to do next.  It looks like you can identify items you would like to get but it's not 100% clear and there isn't a calendar to schedule your box.  But a few days later I received an email from someone telling me that she is going to prepare my box and if there is anything I am looking for in particular.  I really really liked that part of the service.  It seemed more personal than the "notes" box stitch fix has.  The stylist and I went back and forth a few times by email and then a few days later I had a box prepared for me.  Just like stitch fix you can take a peek at what items you're getting and google the names to see what it looks like.  I was excited.

I'm not going to do a piece by piece description of everything I received.  My box contained 7 items and I LOVED 6 out of the 7 (everything except for the vest).  The problem was that it was all out of my price range.  I emailed them to see if they price matched because I found the jeans for less but I never heard back.  At least I found a new brand I love and jeans that fit like a glove.  I love love loved the skirt!!  So cute and fun.  My only concern was that the sequence was going to fall off after wearing it a few times.  The tops were all super soft, comfortable, and fitted perfectly, but I just couldn't justify the price for such basic items.  I'll definitely be on a after Christmas sale hunt for some of these pieces though!

Will I use this service again?  Maybe but I'm still not quite sure how to schedule another box!!  But only when I'm looking for specific pieces as I think they can accommodate those requests better.

Will I use Stitch Fix again?  Yes!!  I'll probably request a box 3-4 times a year, cause it's fun to get a box of clothes.

Am I going to try any other services?  No.  Although there are several out there and if you're wondering some others I was interested in trying were Front Door Fashion, Dailylook Elite, and Golden Tote.

Stitch Fix December 2014: Mother Daughter Affair

My mom is an amazing woman.  She is a woman of strength, courage, and talent.  She is also tender-hearted and compassionate.  She also is a lover of clothes (we have to get it from somewhere).  So, when she said she wanted to try Stitch Fix, I helped her sign up immediately.  It was fun going through the style profile with her and trying to figure out her style.  The items I thought she would like, she didn't and the things I thought she would not like, she liked.  Go figure.

After we set up her Stitch Fix, I went back to mine and rescheduled it so that we would receive our boxes at the same time.  We planned to have a little fashion show when I got home from work.  Unfortunately, that did not happen.  My mom's box actually came early while mine was actually delivered late.

This time I asked for chunky cardigans and sweaters and a cute holiday skirt.

So, here is what my mom received in her first box (isn't she cute?):

Renee C Macklin Polka Dot Print V-Neck Blouse ($28) and Margaret M Emer High Waisted Cropped Trouser ($98)

The pants had an elastic waist and if it were a size bigger would have looked really nice on my mom.  The shirt was a nice pattern and fit on top nicely.  However, as you can see, the pants were bright green (plus a size too small) and the shirt was an awkward length.

Verdict:  Returned

19 Cooper Cathleen Split-Neck Tulip-Sleeve Blouse  ($48)

The color and fit was great for my mom.  But the V-neck line was really flimsy and kept flopping down.  My mom had to continuously adjust herself and she was obviously really uncomfortable in it.

Verdict: Returned

Pixley Edmond Chevron Print Henley Shirt ($54) and Look by M Wallace Zig Zag Border Infinity Scarf ($38)

The shirt was a very soft material, great color, and made my mom look long and lean.  It was also machine-washable.  The scarf was also great quality and very soft.  However, the price was expensive for something so thin and cotton.  The scarf was too thick and once it was wrapped twice on my mom's neck, she couldn't move around.

Verdict:  Kept the shirt!  It looked great on my mom and she will probably get a lot of wear out of it.  Returned the scarf.

And here is what I received in my second box:

Laila Jayde Payton Faux Suede Cardigan ($68) 

 

I asked for a chunky cardigan and I got a suede cardigan. After getting over the disappointment of getting something completely not my style or what I asked for, I tried it on. It's very soft and smooth cause of the suede material but just didn't look right. It felt like I came right off of a modern version of The Matrix. It was too long and I just couldn't see myself reaching for this piece often if at all. 

Verdict: Return

Laila Jayde Vincent V-Neck Hi-Lo Knit Top ($58)

Ummm..I'm not sure what's going on here. I'm not opposed to the high-low tee look but this is not a good look. They actually suggested styling this with a skirt but it's too long in the back. It looks like I have a cape or some weird wings attached to my back. I told them I'm going up north for the winter so they sent me this thin colorless, shapeless t-shirt material top. At least it's long-sleeves?

(The jeans are the $14 ones I bought from the Loft last week--which I absolutely LOVE)

Verdict: Return

Collective Concepts Gustav Textured V-Neck Sweater ($58)

I asked for a chunky sweater and this is probably the closest to what I asked for but it just isn't quite right. It's soft and fit okay but I kinda felt like I was wearing a rug. Maybe it's the ployester material. Also, the arm had a funny stitch (almost as if they originally made it short sleeves and added the rest of the sleeves later).  

Verdict: return

Market and Spruce Jay Mini Houndstooth Printed Skirt ($58)

I asked for a fun holiday skirt. I wouldn't say this skirt is fun or holiday-ish. I feel like it ages me and the length is too long. It's not long enough to be a midi skirt and it doesn't have enough structure to be an a-line. It's a thin knit fabric and something I could easily sew. The print is cute but not cute enough for me to keep. 

Verdict: Return

Bay to Baubles Sia Triangle Link Necklace ($28)

This necklace was probably the only thing I considered keeping from the box but I didn't love it. Maybe it's cause I was so unhappy with the rest of the box and this necklace wasn't making a huge statement. 

Verdict: Return 

Final thoughts:  I have to say Stitch Fix has great customer service.  I was so disappointed with my box that I sent them an email last night expressing my dissatisfaction and they responded immediately.  They acknowledged that this box was a total miss given my Pinterest, comments, and previous feedback and offered to style another box for me with the styling fee waived.  I appreciated their effort in trying to keep me happy.

It's a lot of fun when a box of clothes comes for you, but I think it's important that it feels like the box was curated just for you and not just thrown together randomly.  I was definitely let down with my box this time. Maybe it's best to not request anything specific.  I think when I request something (like chunky cardigans) and I get something not expected (like a faux suede cardigan), I feel disappointed.  It doesn't matter how nice the item is, it's still not what I wanted in my head.  I have seen other bloggers get some really great stuff so I know they have the potential but the question is how do you get them to listen?  I have a pinterest board that I think accurately reflects my style, I give them plenty of feedback when I return items, and I make specific requests.  Obviously stitch fix and I have to work on our communication but hoping that their offer to pay closer attention to my next fix will help get us into a good groove.  

If you're interested in trying, here's my mom's referral code.  She'll get a $25 credit if you sign up.

Distressed Jeans

I have been wanting a pair of distressed jeans for awhile and have been eyeing a few different pairs and watching them like a hawk during the thanksgiving, Black Friday, and cyber Monday sales. The lowest I've seen any of them go was $40 but still couldn't justify getting them. 

Well, the Loft is having a Flash sale RIGHT NOW for 60% off their sale items until 10am tomorrow and one of the jeans I've been eyeing is on sale for $34.99. So, with the 60% off it makes them $14!!!  Say what?  

Yes, I bought them and even paid the ridiculous $8.95 for shipping.  I'll be sure to take pictures once they get here. Happy dance!

Thanksgiving Style Challenge: Results

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I worked the first two days but had a nice time with family and friends the rest of the week.  I was super excited to get started on my Thanksgiving Style Challenge.  Since I already had my 7 items picked out, it actually made getting ready each morning easy.  I wasn't sitting in my closet, blankly staring at my clothes, feeling like I have nothing to wear, when in actuality I have a closet-full of clothes.  Easy mornings made for more time with the babies and less time feeling frustrated. 

Not only did it make for easy mornings, but every time I looked at my 7 items, it made me reflect on how blessed I am and feel grateful for all that I have.

I also took our Christmas photos and went to a holiday party dressed from these 7 items. No fuss, no worries.

Again, here are the 7 items: 

Here are 6 of my outfits:

And here's an outtake from our family photos:

All in all, glad I did it!

Thanksgiving Style Challenge

There have been many versions of minimal style living challenges going around these days and I have always wanted to try it out myself. However, I didn't want to do it just for the sake of living minimally, I wanted to do it with a purpose.  So, I thought Thanksgiving would be a perfect time to do it.  What do I mean by living minimally?  I am going to only wear 7 items of clothing (including shoes) for the next 7 days.  Why would I do this, you ask?  I am hoping to 1) Focus on the most important things this season like relationships and those in need; 2) Be thankful for all the abundance I have; 3) Serve those who are less fortunate than me.  

Feel free to join me in this challenge by taking a photo of your 7 items and uploading it to Instagram or Facebook with #Thanksgivingstylechallenge

I will start Monday and end on Sunday of next week.  At the end of it, I will post my 7 outfits.

Here are my 7 items for the next 7 days:

Happy Thanksgiving!!

My Favorite Fall Dress

As a mom, I often spend most of my time and money on the kids.  These days I rarely have time to shop and when I do it's again for the kids.  In addition, since I'm breastfeeding, I am limited to the types of tops I can wear, particularly dresses.  So, if I'm going to buy a dress, it needs to be functional and versatile.  I actually bought this dress for a wedding and I love that I can dress it up or down.  It's perfect for breastfeeding, and I can take it from the fall into winter.  I can throw it into the washer and it's wrinkle-free.  It's become my fall uniform.

Look 1: Dressed up with a pair of heels and statement necklace:

Look 2: A cardigan and flats:

Look 3 and 4:  A belt or scarf and with boots:

See, so simple!  The dress is Macy's Maison Jules.  Currently it's on sale for $17.99!

Stitch Fix credit via ThredUp

As you all can see, I am having a lot of fun with my online subscription of Stitch Fix.  But obviously, getting a box every month is not budget friendly and even when I do get a box I have to make hard decisions about what to keep and what to send back.  The 25% discount for the whole box is tempting but still adds up.

I mentioned in a previous post that you can refer friends and get a $25 credit but that there's another way to get stitch fix credit.  I held off to share until I did it myself so I can share the full process with you all.

So, there is an online consignment shop called thredUp and they have teamed up with stitch fix so that you can send in your gently used items for stitch fix credit.  The process is super easy.  I ordered my bag, it came in a couple of weeks, I filled it up with shoes and clothes I do not wear, and sent it back.  They received it a week later, sorted through it, and told me how much money I would get for it.  They have an upfront amount and a consignment amount. The upfront amount is for items with a list price of $20 or less.  Consignment items are for higher end items and you get that money when someone buys your item. Then that money gets put into my stitch fix account.  Easy peasy.

So, as you can see. If all my items sell I can make up to $68.48. Not bad!  You can also order a bag and deposit the money into your bank account or buy something from thredup. 

First Stitch Fix November 2014

Yes, I know I'm a little late to the Stitch Fix game but the last year has been a little crazy.  But when I came across this subscription, I was jumping up for joy.  When I joined Wittlebee eons ago, I actually said that I would jump on a subscription box for women's clothes.  Now that I have two little ones, working full-time, and barely getting dressed and ready in the mornings, this sounded like heaven.  I get it's a little pricey than what I would normally spend, but it's saving me time (which I don't have) and effort (which I don't have either).  Forget going to the mall to just "browse," it's even worse when I'm looking for something specific and don't even think about having time to try anything on and lets not even go there when it comes to returning anything.

If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, here's the low-down.  It's a monthly subscription service for women's clothes and accessories.  You fill out a profile, share your pinterest board, and write any other information you want to give them.  Then you pay a $20 styling fee for them to pull together 5 items that is sent to your home.  You keep what you want and send back what you don't want (all included in the $20).  You also put that $20 towards anything you keep (if you don't keep anything you lose the $20) and if you decide to keep the whole box then you get 25% off the total.

I specifically asked for layering pieces since I am nursing or tops that button down.  I also asked for a pair of white skinnies cause I love the look of white on white in the winter.

The moment I got the email saying that my Fix has been shipped, I immediately went to my account to see what I got.  I'm not going to lie, I was a little disappointed.  But, I pepped talked myself and told myself I don't know what colors I'm getting (they only give you the name of each piece) and I've read that the boxes only get better with time. 

When I ripped my box open and saw this, I started feeling really giddy. Look at all the pretty colors and prints. (Please excuse the bad lighting, I had to take pics after the kiddos were down for bed).

So, here's what I got in more detail in order of bad to good!

Renee C Landry Cross Front Abstract Print Blouse ($58)

Seriously folks, when I googled this top, I think I started hyperventilating.  But when I pulled it out of the box, I felt hopeful because it looked nothing like what I saw online.  And it looked perfect for breastfeeding in with the wrap front. Unfortunately, it's too short in length in the front and I wasn't in love with the print.  I like the two prints individually but just not together.   
Verdict:  Return

Market and Spruce Sam Hi-Lo Short Sleeve Tee ($44)

When I first saw that I was getting this, I thought, "great $44 for a t-shirt?"  And after I tried it on I thought, "there's no way I'm spending $44 on this t-shirt."  The material is actually really nice and soft; it feels more like a light sweater than a t-shirt.  But it's too clingy and too thin.  I didn't feel comfortable in it.
Verdict:  Return

Papermoon Talulah Plaid Print Henley Top ($44)

When I first googled this top I only saw it in a pink/purple combo and was feeling disappointed.  But when I pulled this from my pile, it was love at first sight.  The colors are so rich and the gold buttons had me at hello.  My only concern was that it is very thin.  But with the buttons on the front, it would be a great breastfeeding top, and perfect for layering.  I tried it on three different ways and it worked every time.
Verdict:  Keep


Look by M Shareen Heather Knit Snood Scarf ($32)

When I saw that I was getting this scarf, I was a little giddy and just praying that the color would be pretty.  It has been on my wishlist for awhile now.  My problem is I haven't been able to find a knit scarf I like the handful of times I've looked for one.  When I saw this in my box my heart skipped a beat. It is so beautiful and soft and warm.
Verdict:  Keep

41Hawthorn Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan ($48)

Last is this cardigan.  There's nothing special about it, except for the fact that I would probably wear it all the time.  It's a great basic piece, it's comfortable, and goes with everything.  BUT I have one thats very very similar, in the same color, and yes, I wear it all the time.  If this were a different color, I probably would have kept it. But look how nice the plaid shirt, scarf, and cardigan all go together. 
Verdict:  Return

Final Thoughts:  So, for my first box, I was happy.  I loved being able to try everything on at home and with pieces I already have in my closet.  Not everything was a homerun but I appreciate my stylist trying to give me what I asked for regarding layering pieces and pieces that would make breastfeeding easier.  Plus, my budget wouldn't allow for me to get every piece.  Since I have some referral credits and it's my birthday next month, I am going to give it another go in December.  I am going to ask for chunky cardigans and sweaters.  I also have some tips on how to get extra stitch fix credit.  I'll blog about it next time.

If you're curious or want to try here's my referral link.  I do get a $25 credit if you use my link so thank you for helping me keep up my subscription habit!

Friday Fun Finds

So, these days I have been obssessed with putting together a nursery fit for a newborn boy and freshening up a room for a precocious little girl.  I spend a lot of my evenings on Pinterest, Etsy, and Instragram looking for ideas and products that will both fit my budget, be versatile, and have the right look.  I want whatever I put up in their rooms to be able to grow with them.  There are a lot of different small businesses out there with some really cute stuff, but today I wanted to share with you this cute modern, eco-friendly product line from Children Inspire Design.  The thing that caught my eye about this line is their "DIY Room Kits."  They have themed room kits, that come with a combination of posters, wall cards, diy mobiles, and decorative garlands.  They actually had a sale going on at Zulily and I waffled too long before the sale ended, and now I'm kicking myself for not getting one of these cute kits.

Not only are their room kits adorable, but they also have customizable prints and maps.  I'm holding my breath for another sale sometime soon and in the meantime I'll just be creating my shopping list.

All images from Children Inspire Design

Maxi Dresses

So, I've become a little obsessed with maxi dresses with this pregnancy. They make a baby bump look so good and they are comfortable!  You can easily add leggings and a shirt underneath for warmth and no one would ever know. Add a jacket and some accessories and you have a complete look. Here's a dress I recently bought to try to get in the spring mood. I'm so tired of this cold, dreary weather and my dark winter wardrobe. So, I've been on a search for some bright, colorful pieces.  

Fashion alternatives

These days in fashion, if it's trendy then you can find a decent equivalent at much affordable prices.  So, we would like to help you find trendy items for less. 

Last year Céline came out with this minimal white look:

 

But as you may know this purse retails for close to $3,000 and I sure don't have that kind of money.

 

So, here are some alternatives, just as good, if not better options:

 

JCrew Sophie Crossbody--This is the larger one.  There's a smaller option as well.  It's currently on sale for $198 and today they are also having 25% of entire purchase with code HEYSPRING

 

 

 

 

Forever 21 Classic Crossbody--This one is $19.80 from Forever 21.  If you feel like you're only going to carry this purse for just this one season or you like the idea of a white purse but not so sure about getting it dirty.  Then this is definitely a great alternative.  F21 actually has tons of white crossbody options.

 

 

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoying this awesome Spring weather! 

 



Friday Fun Finds

I have become an avid Instagram and Pinterest follower.  I love looking at pretty pictures, new shops, and things that inspire me.  The little artist in me sqeals with delight and wishes that I had a more creative side.  I daydream of having my own little boutique, with my own little logo, and display all my inspirations and ideas.  So, I wanted to highlight one or two of my favorite finds from the week and thought I'd call it "Friday Fun Finds."

This week I have been inspired by the new Oh Joy! for Target collection that was recently released.  I have been following Oh Joy! for many years now and her blog and designs are always right on.  And I love how Target has been using high end designers to make affordable products for everyday people.  If you love the idea of putting together fabulous parties (especially if you see all the great party inspirations on Pinterest) but either don't have to time for DIY banners and party decor or don't feel creative enough to even try, well how perfect is this new collection then?  Everything from the colors to the details, it's perfect for any little (or big) get together you are planning this spring/summer.  If I could I would buy one of everything!

Images from Oh Joy! blog post.

Pregnancy Fashion

Hi everyone,

It's been a LOOOOONNNNGGG time since we've posted anything on this blog.  Life has been kinda crazy for both sisters and keeping up with the blog has become more and more difficult.  However, that doesn't mean we've given up on this blog--it just means that our posts may be fewer or not as consistent.  But I hope that we haven't lost too many of our followers and that we can get back to blogging more regularly soon.

So, as for myself, I am 26 weeks pregnant and one of the most frequent questions I get is where do you buy cute, affordable, maternity clothes.  Well, here is a little bit of what I've learned over the past two pregnancies.  First, there are many clothes labeled "maternity" but is no different than regular clothes after a couple washes especially as you enter into your third trimester.  Also, if it says "maternity" on it, expect it to be marked up in price since it's a specialized market. 

Whether it is maternity or non-maternity there are three things I look for:

1.  Material--I find that the best material is anything with a stretch or jersey.  I actually prefer not to get anything cotton, cause it shrinks, wrinkles, and loses its shape after a few wears.  Jersey will maintain it's shape and you can wear it after the baby not look like there's a pocket where your preggo belly used to be.

2.  Fit--I find that anything that sinches you below your bust is key.  Shapeless maternity clothes only makes it look like you have a potato sack on and often people may not even realize you are pregnant.  So, whether it's fitted so that you can see your belly, or it there's an elastic below the bust, or you wear a belt to accent the belly, show off that belly and wear it proud!

3.  Length--For dresses, full length maxi's are a pregnant lady's best friend.  They look great on, they are super comfortable, and you don't have to worry about shocking the world by showing off the bottom of your belly.  For shorter dresses, just make sure they don't hit you above the knee, cause likely then it'll fit more like a tunic and you may be showing off belly and underwear more than you would like.  Shirts for me are so hard since I have a long torso.  Most shirts are too short (even maternity ones) so I like to stick with short dresses (worn as tunics).

So, there it is material, fit, and length.  In general, I hate the idea of buying clothes I'm only going to wear for a few months, so it's all about versatility and making each piece go a long way. 

I will try to take some more photos but for now I have these three.  The first one was when I was 17 weeks and the other two are more recent at 25 and 26 weeks.