Monthly Archives: April 2016

Stitch Fix #13 Review: Breaking Up?

Posted in Fashion, Review, Stitch Fix by

Hi, lovelies!

It’s spring! It’s SPRING! While it’s been a crazy few weeks for the weather in New England (ie, mid-70s in early March, but then 4 inches of snow on April 5th!), I think the warmer weather is here to stay.

With that in mind, I scheduled a Stitch Fix for early April and requested spring-y attire, specifically asking for and pinning a green dress, a white blazer and black lace skirt (for colder, tight-wearing days). Despite pulling images directly from SF’s Pinterest page that they’d just put up themselves, I received the items below. For the most part, they’re springy, warm weather pieces, but not what I wanted. Le sigh. 

Items 1, 2 and 3: Renee C Roseanne Faux Saude Swing Skirt ($64), Market & Spruce Lauderdale Knit Cardigan ($48), and Pixley Yelvert Lace Detail Blouse ($48)

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I liked all of the pieces, but none of them were right…

The blouse has a lace yolk AND buttons down the back (both features I love; no photos because, well, back fat), but was thin, scratchy and boxy. It pulled at my bust AND hips, but was way too loose at the waist. The only way I could wear it would be as shown — tucked in and covered up: lame.

The cardigan was all right: nice weight for spring, but I had just purchased a blazer in the same shade, so I couldn’t justify a sweater too.

And the skirt: this was the only thing I considered keeping. Because of the a-line faux suede, it was soft and flowy. Plus — look how tan my pale legs look against it! But it was $64 and I really couldn’t justify that for a skirt that was nice, but nice swoon-worthy.

All returned.

Item 4: Loveappella Celso Mesh Detail Knit Top ($54)

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“HA!” That was my first reaction when I pulled this out. I wanted spring, so I instead received a 90s-era black floral top? Curious.

The size was all right, as it had sufficient elasticity. And I realized as I was packing it up that the shoulder seams actually have mesh insets, which was supposed to be… edgy? I dunno. Inevitably, there was no way to sell me on this one. Returned.

Item 5: Skies are Blue Capaldi Surplice Cross Front Fitted Knit Top ($54)

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This hot mess. Oh. Boy.

The photo doesn’t truly show how this blouse had no idea what it meant to do. It was super fitted, but also had some rucheing to hide the chub that it highlighted? And the neckline twisted around for added drama, but then needed to be sewn down at the bust, which meant that pulled awkwardly. Pretty much, this was made for ladies who do not have breasts — which is so not me.

There are a number of photos of me pulling and tugging, but I really couldn’t put all of them on the internet. (I mean, I have a professional life to preserve, right?) And if I can’t put images of on the internet, how can I wear this to work? Returned. 

Final verdict: 0/5.

I’m debating if this is the last Stitch Fix I receive. While I’ve received some GREAT pieces over the past couple of years, I also have a number of things I’ve kept but don’t love so my $20 fee isn’t wasted. I’ve really taken to scouring TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack sites for pieces because I can generally find items that (1) I love (2) are in my size and (3) are on sale. While it’s not as exciting and takes A LOT more effort, I’m not as disappointed consistently, nor am I breaking the bank on stuff that I only like.

What do y’all think? Should I give up Stitch Fix one more shot? Are you breaking up with subscription boxes?

 

 

God Save the Queen

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After my bout of bad luck a couple of weeks ago, I was trying to overcompensate by dressing like a professional human and prove that I could “adult” despite some bad days.

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Blazer: H&M

Blouse: Ann Taylor

Pants: Gap

Shoes: TOMS

Necklace: Old Navy

Watch: FOSSIL

The blazer is a new acquisition from H&M. While I don’t normally wear blazers because they’re so structured and grown-up and I don’t feel like myself in them, I couldn’t resist the spring pastel pink. It’s a nice weight — jersey outer, but still heavy enough for a slightly mild morning.

I paired it with a cream blouse from Ann Taylor, (despite not looking like it) grey colored dress pants from the Gap, and a pretty pearl-and-jewel necklace, all pieces I’ve had for years. I bought these items in an alternate life, when I worked my first real job after college and was trying to figure out who I am and how I dressed! They somehow have lasted 5+ years each!

There were a few moments that I felt like I was dressed just right, like having a a working lunch with a friend at a nice restaurant downtown where other professionals were in similar attire. But there were other times I felt out of place and more “serious” than needed, especially at the theatre. While I dress casually professional there, my job isn’t a blazer-and-slacks position, mainly because I sometimes get grossly sweaty or need to clean up after people. (Not in the job description when I was hired: cleaning up others’ bodily functions. No joke.)

Best moment of the day though: driving through a local college campus with the windows down, singing along at the top of my lungs to “God Save the Queen” by the Sex Pistols. I definitely had a couple of double-looks as people were surprised to see me rocking out to ’70s punk music in a pink blazer.

Quick Survey

Posted in Fashion, Stitch Fix by

Happy April, friends!

With the warmer weather (hopefully!) comes some spring cleaning! Would y’all answer a quick question for me?

I’ve been looking at my closet full of clothes and really not feeling them. Maybe it’s springtime and I’m pining — or maybe it’s time to cut the pieces I’ve had for a while. Either way, I’d love to send them off to good homes and make a little extra too. If there’s some interest, I’ll definitely pursue it!

Thanks!