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.

Happy hair day

It's been awhile since I've had a haircut that I've been happy with. There's this guy I've been going to the last five years and he sorda disappeared for a couple of years. Well thankfully I found him again!!  It's my classic do--I love this cut but he's really the only one who can do it well on me. Happy day today.