Stitch Fix #10 - September 2015

I received a very exciting message from a friend last week who received her first fix.  She had signed up for the service in March and filled out her style profile, but it took her a little while to actually schedule her first fix.  She was THRILLED with what her stylist had sent her and she was keeping the entire box.  It was only a message on Facebook, but I felt like I could literally see the exciting jumping off the post.  

That's what Stitch Fix is like for me.  It's a feeling like, "Wow.  This was created for me and it WORKS!"  I believe in this service and I love it.  That's why I take the time to take pictures of myself and write a little bit about what I receive - it's because of the reaction that my friends have had when they open their first box.  

For those of you who found me from a Pinterest post and might not have heard of Stitch Fix, it's a personal styling program that's takes your input to create a style profile for $20 each time you want a "fix".  I currently have mine set up for every 2 to 3 weeks, but I typically have it set up monthly just because of my budget.  I just adjusted it because I am so excited for new fall items in my closet, and changing the frequency of your fixes is so easy!  If you keep one or more items then the $20 fee is subtracted from the balance due. As a bonus, if you buy all five items they send you, they give you a 25% discount which can be pretty great if you love everything they send!!  




Ok.  So, now for the good stuff.  Here's what was hiding for me in my tenth box from Stitch Fix:

1) 41HAWTHORN Moni Abstract Chevron Stud Detail Blouse ($58)
2) PAPERMOON Locust Embroidery Detail Blouse ($48)
3) 41HAWTHORN Carla Crochet Detail Blouse ($58)
4) 41HAWTHORN Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan ($48)
5) OCTAVIA Adora Stud Border Tote ($68)



41 HAWTHORN Moni Abstract Chevron Stud Detail Blouse ($58)

(Front)

(Back)

I loved the shape and pattern of this blouse, I just wasn't sold on the studs.  I mean I LOVE studs (see amazing studded bag below), I just wasn't sure about this many studs on the shirt.  I have seen many women looking gorgeous in this blouse on Pinterest, so I know it is a flattering top, but just not perfect enough for me to keep.

Verdict: GOING BACK

PAPERMOON Locust Embroidery Detail Blouse ($48)

The embroidered detail on this blouse is so beautiful and so is the color!  Honestly, the sleeves were a bit sheer while the bodice was not and that was the main reason I wasn't sold on it.  I couldn't afford to keep everything from this fix, and there were just other items I was in LOVE with, so I decided to return this top.

Verdict: GOING BACK

41 HAWTHORN Carla Crochet Detail Blouse ($58)

(Front)

(Back)

(Crochet Detail)

I love this top.  It has a fitted shape through the shoulders and bodice but hangs perfectly with jeans!  I don't have anything this color and I am predicting it will pair nicely with my mustard cardigan!  It definitely helps when I can instantly envision a piece fitting into my closet and 'playing nicely' with things I already have!

Verdict: GET IN MY CLOSET

41 HAWTHORN Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan ($48)

For some reason I have recently found myself with a shortage of cardigans, so this little beauty arrived at the perfect time!  The length is great to pair with skinny jeans and it hangs a little lower in the front for an asymmetrical look that I love.  It is very soft and feels high quality! 

Verdict: GET IN MY CLOSET


OCTAVIA Adora Stud Border Tote ($68)

I have been searching for the perfect fall tote and haven't had any luck so far (see previous post).  So, I asked my stylist for some assistance.  And she delivered.  I LOVE it.  The studded detail is so unique and the COLOR...wow.  It's perfect for fall.  When I provided feedback after my last fix, I told her I wanted to ensure my tote had a top closure, and this one has a magnetic snap.  Oh, I almost forgot, it has an optional crossbody strap!  A girl needs her options.

Verdict: GET IN MY CLOSET

SEPTEMBER 2015 FIX #2 = 3 new 'pretties' in my closet.

If you are interested in trying Stitch Fix, click the picture below to get started.  She looks happy, and you will be too!

Mission #1: New Fall Tote Bag

When I become fixated on a certain item that I want, I seem to do excessive research on this item before purchasing it.  I wasn't like this in my 20's.  My 20's was like this:

See it.  Buy it.

I don't miss my 20's, but I have to say that part was kinda fun.

Now, in my 30's (the later kind of 30's) I have this thing called a shopping budget. With kids, and a mortgage and those kind of things, I have carved out a small monthly shopping budget, so in order to make it stretch I need to ensure I am really adding only quality items that I REALLY love to my closet.  Welcome to boring and responsible.

This fall, all over Instagram and Pinterest I have been eyeing the cutest fall tote bags.  I have a Frye Shoulder Bucket bag right now that I love, but I have been getting the itch to try a tote bag.

I use Stitch Fix (if you aren't familar with Stitch Fix see the 'get started' box at the bottom of this post) and I requested a tote in my note to my stylist for Fix #9.  It was the Street Level Parvin Reversible Tote.

I loved the fact that it was reversible, and it was a great size as well but I didn't love how it was just open on top, and I was hoping to find one with some sort of closure (magnetic or snap).




I started doing a little more research on and found these other totes that had a lot of the features I was looking for:

Urban Expressions Delaynie Tote Bag ($59.95):  The color and the braiding are gorgeous on this tote.  Truthfully, I don't see anything I don't like about this bag at first glance.  This is one I have seen a lot of ladies requesting on Pinterest for their Stitch Fix Stylist notes, so I am going to seriously consider this style in the future.

Pieces Premium Naysa Leather Shopper ($96):  Although I couldn't really see myself purchasing a tote with such small straps (just in case I needed to throw it on my shoulder), I had to add it because of the color.  So gorgeous.  I love the stitching as well.  Maybe I will use this bag for color inspiration!

Emperia Side Zip Faux Leather Tote ($54):  This is such a cute tote bag.  For the price I think it is one of the cuter ones I have seen this fall.  However, this bag is unlined and I am wondering if I would like that as I am typically used to having a zipper pocket inside the lining for keys and other items I want to store safely.

Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote & Wristlet ($48):  What a great color for fall!  This similar to the one I received in my fix, however it has a snap option in the center which I like.  Plus, it comes with a wristlet that is an added bonus!

Morris Braided Tote ($48)  (Per Request from a Stitch Fix Stylist):  I love the crossbody strap option.  Since I have little hands to hold onto in parking lots and at the grocery store, I am pretty sure I am making this optional strap a MUST in my search for a new tote.

So, after all my research, I can assure you there is no shortages of cute, colorful totes out there for fall.  Now, if I could just decide on one I could move on to other items I need- like a winter coat. Yeah, that's pretty important in New England.  

The good news is that my Stitch Fix stylist is well aware of my tote obsession AND my budget, so we will see if Fix #10 surprises me with the perfect bag!

If you have a tote you think I would love, let me know - I need all the help I can get.

Happy Shopping!!

Bootie Love

When you find something great it's hard to not share this knowledge with friends - TV show, new book or favorite spot for lunch.  For me, it's these booties.

Meet the Sam Edelman Petty Bootie.

They are pretty much perfect, and here's why:

1)  They won't break the bank.

These babies are about $135 (depending on the style), which I think is reasonable for a high quality shoe.  Once you purchase these you won't even want to buy other booties, so that saves you $$.  I found them for you here and here.  I rarely see them anywhere on sale, but if you do definitely grab them!!!

2) They are so comfortable.

Typically I need to break shoes in over a few weeks to make sure I don't get blisters, but these shoes were great from day 1.  I wear between a 9 and 9.5 and I went with a 9.5 so I can wear thin socks with them in the winter season.

3) This is a three season boot.

Your closet will thank you.  These look great with skirts, dresses, skinny jeans, rompers.  Really, anything.  I have tried to make these boots look bad...I can't.

4) They come in a variety of colors.

I have never been one to buy more than one color of a clothing/accessory.  I typically get tired of something after a couple of seasons, so I don't want to get rid of 13 color variations of the same style tunic top.  However, with these booties I own the Saddle leather (which I wore all last season) and this year I purchased the Putty suede (swoon).  I am seriously considering the black, but trying to hold off a little longer since I have a trip planned to Montreal in October and I want to see if I will discover any booties there I like as much.

5)  The heel.

I don't know what it is, but there's just something about that wooden heel that gets me.

I have to say, I am pretty hard on boots, and the leather pair I purchased last year look brand new. I am very happy with the quality of these shoes (in case you hadn't guessed) and I just recently purchased a Sam Edelman olive green cargo jacket (see link to previous post here) and the quality is excellent as well!

I would love to hear if you are a fan of these booties as well, or if you purchase them after reading this post, let me know if you are as happy as a clam.  I sure am.


Happy Shopping!!!

A Boutique That's Super Sweet

I love a cute online boutique because I don't get out shopping in stores as much as I used to with small kiddos.  Plus, the websites now show you all angles of the clothes on real models, so you can easily get a feel for how the clothes look!

I first stumbled upon the cute clothes and accessories from Sweetest Stitch when I was looking around for summer clothes on Instagram.  

I scored this adorable coral Piko top (seriously, so soft!!) and this colorful infinity top. For those of you who don't know, I'm obsessed with scarves.

Sweetest Stitch is getting new items daily for fall and I LOVE the colors!!! When you visit www.sweeteststitch.com use code 'DVT10' at checkout to receive 10% off your order.  Just because I know how awesome it is to score something on sale!!!

Happy Shopping!!!

Tips on Getting the MOST out of your Fix

I am so pleased with my Stitch Fix stylist that I request her EVERY time I schedule a fix.  She sends me the sweetest notes with my fixes and she really listens to me.  I'm a girl.  I like that.

You can't always control who you will have as a stylist, however there ARE some things you can do to make your fix the best it can be.  

1)  Leave a note for your stylist.

Are you looking for a new pair of black distressed skinny jeans?  Do you have a wedding coming up and want your fix to be all dress options?  Be as specific as possible.  This will help your stylist to customize the box to fit your needs.

2) Include a link to your Pinterest board in your note to your stylist.

This has made a huge difference for me.  My Stitch Fix stylist actually looks at what I am pinning on my Pinterest inspiration board and she has included many of the exact items in my boxes.  Smart AND nice.  I'm telling you...I love this service!!!  If you need assistance on using Pinterest or setting up your Pinterest boards, here is a great resource - (How to Add, Edit, or delete a board on Pinterest).

3) Leave feedback at checkout.

If you hate the color red and your stylist seems to include something red in every fix, let him/her know. They will actually appreciate as much feedback as you can give. This only helps them better form an idea of your style and benefits you in the end!  As a reminder, they do regularly review that style profile you filled out when you signed up for Stitch Fix, so take time to make sure all the information is current and accurate.

If you haven't signed up for Stitch Fix yet, and you are realizing this service is TOTALLY awesome, please (pretty please) click on the picture below of the lovely lady with the box to sign up. I REALLY appreciate you using my link!!!

Good luck with your next fix and I'll be posting pics next week from my 10th fix!!! 

Happy Shopping!!