Stitch Fix Review: Houndstooth & Elephants, Oh My Fix Four

41HAWTHORN Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse, SeaVees Monterey Houndstooth Lace-Up Sneakers, and LIVERPOOL Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean.

My wardrobe is pretty much cabi. As I have said before, I don’t really like shopping. I have a hard time finding stuff that fits and I like. Plus, it takes so much time! So, cabi was a perfect fit and literally often a perfect fit. And while I adore cabi, it means my wardrobe is limited by being mostly a single brand. Stitch Fix may be my perfect solution to that. I don’t have to shop. I don’t have to waste time driving to the mall or store or boutiques. I fill out a style profile, I tell my stylish what I want, and each month a box arrives with a variety of brands that my stylist thought worked for me and my requests. It’s wonderful. The clothes fit perfectly into my wardrobe and lifestyle. Now my wardrobe is a mix of cabi and Stitch Fix. I find myself reaching for some of my favorite Stitch Fix pieces time and again. They mix beautifully with cabi and add a depth to my wardrobe and style!  

But, sometimes the clothes are not me or don’t fit. Not all Fixes are perfect. But so far, I have loved at least two items from the Fix. Let’s see how this next Fix works!

About Stitch Fix

For those who are unfamiliar, Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You fill out a profile, provide links to your social media and perhaps a Board on Pinterest of your style and things you like, and you get a box of five items shipped to you. You set the price point for the box and the frequency of the boxes. Stitch Fix hooks you up with a personal stylist, who sends a note and styling suggestions each time. You can leave the stylist a note before she prepares your box, letting her know your clothing needs, plans, and so on that may impact her choices. You can get clothing and shoes (and perhaps jewelry and other accessories, but I have only gotten shoes and clothes so far). There is a $20 styling fee, but this is taken off anything you purchase. Also, if you purchase all five items you get a 25% discount.

Feel free to check out my Pinterest board for my Stitch Fix stylist. I’m not so good about remembering to note why I am pinning the piece until I pin it. I think the interface just doesn’t match my flow (I say as someone who does research on the user experience with interfaces, so I may not be just making this up).

My Style Profile and Requests

My default pricing is $50-100 per item (it can be adjusted based on type, but I keep it the same), but I moved my price range down to “the cheaper the better” for several areas. I said I wanted more sneakers, since I loved the ones last time, or some nice fall boots. I expressed general interest in fall clothes.

Unboxing

Interested in my initial reactions? I made a video of the unboxing (disclaimer: I’ve only ever done two other videos and I used my laptop, so it is not high quality). It’s casual and you get to hear my voice and learn more about me.

All five items

The Five Items

I received three tops, one pair of shoes, and one pair of skinny jeans. I’m posting an initial review next to each items and my final decision in the Final Verdict section.

41HAWTHORN Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse, SeaVees Monterey Houndstooth Lace-Up Sneakers, and LIVERPOOL Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean.

1)      41HAWTHORN Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse:

I love navy and dark blue colors and have been trying to get more of them, because they go well with my eyes. This is a great color. It’s a ¾ length sleeve blouse in a semi sheer polyester. It buttons part of the way down, and has some nice gathering at the shoulders. The band color is nice, and the sleeves can roll up. This would be a good summer work blouse, light and cool, yet appropriately professional. The fit is somewhat loose/baggy but fairly flattering. It will work well casually, over skinny jeans or even leggings. It’s a nice blouse, with some nice features, but is not particularly special. I think I would wear it, but I’m not sure if I would wear it enough. I have a lot of nice blouses in my closet.

Cost: $48.00

Verdict: Undecided right now

MARKET & SPRUCE Dollie Tie Back Neck Knit Top, SeaVees Monterey Houndstooth Lace-Up Sneakers, and LIVERPOOL Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean.

2)      SeaVees Monterey Houndstooth Lace-Up Sneakers: I love these! The houndstooth print is so much fun! But, they are $98! I don’t tend to spend that much on any footwear other than really nice boots. Also, I think I am an 8.75 in SeaVees, neither the 8.5 or the 9s fit as well as I would like. I find the shoes less comfortable than I would like for sneakers—possibly because of sizing. But, so cute! So fun! Perfect for chasing the toddler around the park or dressing down a fancy skirt.

Cost: $98.00

Verdict: Would be a yes, if not for cost—undecided

MARKET & SPRUCE Dollie Tie Back Neck Knit Top, SeaVees Monterey Houndstooth Lace-Up Sneakers, and LIVERPOOL Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean.

3)      MARKET & SPRUCE Dollie Tie Back Neck Knit Top: This is very soft and cozy. I love the baggy drapes. I also adore the tie back neck. The grosgrain ribbon bow adds a touch of whimsy and pretty to a casual sweater/sweatshirt.  The keyhole in back adds a bra-friendly flash of skin and makes the top even more fun. This is great over leggings when you want to feel like you are wearing PJs. It would look great with the khaki, olive, and army green that are all the rage. This is also very on-trend with the cute loungewear trend. I hope this works with the Spacedye M’legging and the Trek Jogger for stylist comfort!

Cost: $54.00

Verdict: Keeping!

PIXLEY Ellie Printed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, SeaVees Monterey Houndstooth Lace-Up Sneakers, and LIVERPOOL Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean.

4)      PIXLEY Ellie Printed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse: My initial reaction, shown in the video, is “meh” about an elephant print. I know my toddler would love it, but it’s a bit out there for me. I also have some cute print blouses in my comfort zone that don’t get worn enough. The print is beige and black, making it less crazy than it could be, which helps. It’s also a semi sheer polyester, so it breathes easily and work well for work. The ¾ length sleeves are fixed and cannot be rolled up or down.  I do like it on me. It can be dressed down or up easily. It would be cute under a blazer or over leggings. The name is cute.

Cost: $48.00

Verdict: undecided, but do like it more than I thought

41HAWTHORN Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse, SeaVees Monterey Houndstooth Lace-Up Sneakers, and LIVERPOOL Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean.

5)      LIVERPOOL Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean: I have a lot of great cabi jeans, and have requested to not get jeans. These are really more like leggings, with the band-style leggings waist, and sewn on front pockets and “zipper area” (real back pockets). They are very comfortable, and the band will probably work better with my belly (although it does show through some of the tops). It is oddly baggy at the bottom—maybe they are too long? A dark skinny jean/legging can easily be dressed up for a date and down with a sweater or tunic. Depending on your workplace, you could even wear them to work. Of course, they will look great with boots. This nice dark color makes them more versatile, allowing them to be dressed up more. I can see reaching for these when I want the comfort of leggings and the look of jeans. Or when I am bloated.

Cost: $78.00

Verdict: Undecided but leaning yes

Final Verdict

This Fix grew on me. I loved the sneakers and the tie back top at first. But, the other pieces went from “meh” to more and more me. I realized the jean leggings were very comfortable and versatile. The waist was perfect for weight gain (stupid medication), but would also work when I took some of the weight off. I really wanted the sneakers, but the price… However, if I bought the whole fix, I got the sneakers pretty much “free” as they were close to the same amount of my 25% discounts. And I liked the shirts. The more I tried Ellie the more the elephant print grew on me. The Colibri blue top was also very versatile and such a great color. Soon, I have convinced myself to keep all of it (exchanging the sneakers for a 9). I’m very happy I did! I’ve worn all of the pieces. The sneakers are great. I adore styling the Colibri blue top, and even had fun with Ellie. The jeans have become a staple. I wore them a lot recovering from my sinus survey and since then when I want comfort and style. I can’t wait to rock them with some over-the-knee boots this fall. So, while I was not convinced at first, this was a great Fix and a welcome addition to my wardrobe. It just goes to show, you should always try on, always evaluate the place of a piece in your wardrobe, and always try styling it. Then you will know if it really works for you or not.

Stitch Fix Review: Diamonds, Sailboats, and Sneakers Fix Three

As discussed in my last (and first) Stitch Fix review, I joined Stitch Fix recently, thanks to an Instagram friend and fellow cabi addict, Jenni. Stitch Fix is a subscription-based  personal styling service.  For more on how Stitch Fix works, do check out my first review. After two good Fixes, I decided to keep on going with my subscription. I continue to love Stitch Fix and look forward to the delivery of each box!

Keeping with “tradition,” I figured I would review for you my third Fix! My style profile and requests stayed nearly the same, although I did make two requests unique to the fix:

1. I asked for comfortable shoes to run around in
2. I asked for bra-friendly sleeveless tops

The first, because I did not have decent options and had been looking for a while. I want cute and comfy. The second because I have a lot of sleeveless tops that do not have bra-friendly straps and I can only wear a strapless bra so many days week before we all suffer (me and anyone around me). I need more I can wear a normal bra with!

Let’s see how my stylist did!

Unboxing

Interested in my initial reactions? I made a video of the unboxing (disclaimer: I’ve only ever done two other videos before—including one for my second Fix--and I used my laptop, so it is not high quality). It’s casual and you get to hear my voice and learn more about me.

The Five Items

I received two tops, one pair of shoes, one skirt, and a dress. Since I am posting this after I decided, you get my final decisions.

Kedavra Colorblock Cami Blouse, Leena Printed Skirt, Monterey Lace-up Sneakers all from my Stitch Fix, along with older Stella & Dot earrings.

1. Kedavra Colorblock Cami Blouse by 41Hawthron: First, is this bra-friendly? No. I’d need to wear a strapless or have the strap show. I love the soft black (or navy?) mixed with lavender and light pink—it gives it a vintage feel. The waist and draping are flattering, covering my tummy and complimenting my chest. It’s a light cool fabric and would be good for work under a jacket or cardigan or for a date with a cute pair of jeans or pencil skirt. The problem is, I have a lot of tops that fill this niche in my closet. This is the type of top cabi specializes in. I like it, but don’t love it, and I don’t need it. Especially not for near sixty dollars. Now, if it had wider straps and I could have worn a bra with it, I would have probably gotten it. Honestly, asking for bra-friendly and getting this was enough of a disappointment that I was less inclined to purchase it.

Cost: $58.00

Verdict: Did not purchase

Tammi Print Dress from Stitch Fix along with along with older Stella & Dot earrings and Bow Ballet Flats from Canvas by Land's End.

2. Tammi Print Dress by 41Hawthron: Better, but still not bra-friendly (I might be able to wear a racer-back, but highly bra dependent). So, disappointment there. This dress was a bit of a surprise on. The print was not really me—nautical I love, but often less literally. And the orange made it seem… cutesy rather than cute. But I did like the dress on. The cut was fairly flattering, and the fabric soft. I loved the side waist tie—fun and different. But, I’m not sure where I would wear this. My sundresses don’t get worn enough. I have other dresses that work better for work. And, while I liked it, I didn’t love it. Even my husband thought it cute, but limited in use.

Cost: $68.00

Verdict: Did not purchase

Visperas Crochet Back Top, Leena Printed Skirt, Monterey Lace-up Sneakers all from my Stitch Fix, along with older Stella & Dot earrings.

Visperas Crochet Back Top (back) and Leena Printed Skirt from my Stitch Fix, along with older Stella & Dot earrings.

3. Leena Printed Skirt by Renee C: This was an instant love! My concern unboxing it was fit. Pencil skirts and my hips do not always agree (but when they do! Bliss!). But it fit! The fabric is a very stretchy knit. I love the below-knee length—it looks a bit classier and sleeker this way. I love the diamond print. It looks 60s to me, without going overboard. This skirt easily dresses up or down (as you will see later). It’s perfect for work or a date. It’s also great with some sneakers and a fun tee. My wardrobe needed this skirt and I didn’t even know it! (I wore this in all pictures except the dress one)

Cost: $54.00

Verdict: Purchased!

4.  Visperas Crochet Back Top by Skies are Blue: The back of this top is fabulous! The crochet is so pretty and flattering. But look! It’s not bra-friendly! This is three for three. Such a disappointment. I loved the pretty crochet with the small triangle print—nice contract. But the fit of the top was not great. My chest was too big and pulling to top oddly. Plus it did not flow over the belly as much as I would like. And this has the same problem as Kedavra top. My closet is full of these types of top (not with the crochet back, of course). I will buy more, but they have to fit well and be special enough to kick some of the others out of my closet. (top in both pictures in this group)

Cost: $48.00

Verdict: Did not purchase

Leena Printed Skirt and Monterey Lace-up Sneakers all from my Stitch Fix, along with older Stella & Dot earrings, the cabi Spring 2016 Sleeveless Swing Tee, and Pendant Necklace with Teardrop Stone from Target.

5. Monterey Lace-up Sneakers by SeaVees: These are just what I asked for—practical comfy shoes I can run around in. And I love the “light purple” color (what they called it; I might go for “dusky lavender”). It’s a kick of fun, but in a near neutral that will go with so much. I adore them with the Leena skirt to dress it down. I actually had ordered some Converse in a similar, but less neutral, lavender, but they did not fit. It’s like the stylist knew just what I wanted here! Perfect for me and my wardrobe! You can see these also in some of the other pictures--I wore them with each outfit, except the dress.

Cost: $68.00

Verdict: Kept (although I exchanged them for a size up)

So what do you think? Did I choose wisely?

I loved the Leena skirt and sneakers so much, I modeled another fun look with a Spring 2016 cabi top. See how versatile the shoes and skirt are? How fun are they with the Sleeveless Swing Tee from cabi?

If you are interested in Stitch Fix and want to try it out, please consider using my Referral link: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3492600. I’ll get a $25 credit and you’ll get my gratitude here and elsewhere (which can include links to your social media, if you would like). I highly recommend Stitch Fix for an easy and fun way to get styled! Even when I get pieces that are not keepers, I get some I adore!

Check out my other Stitch Fix Reviews for more!

Stitch Fix Review: Yellow and Wood Linen Fix Two

I recently joined Stich Fix on the advice of an Instagram friend and fellow cabi addict, Jenni. As anyone who has read this blog knows, I am a HUGE cabi addict. I wasn’t sure about branching out. But this blog has made me try new things. So, I decided to try it.

I loved Stich Fix! For those who are unfamiliar, Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You fill out a profile, provide links to your social media and perhaps a Board on Pinterest of your style and things you like, and you get a box of five items shipped to you. You set the price point for the box and the frequency of the boxes. Stitch Fix hooks you up with a personal stylist, who sends a note and styling suggestions each time. You can leave the stylist a note before she prepares your box, letting her know your clothing needs, plans, and so on that may impact her choices. You can get clothing and shoes (and perhaps jewelry and other accessories, but I have only gotten shoes and clothes so far). There is a $20 styling fee, but this is taken off anything you purchase. Also, if you purchase all five items you get a 25% discount.

I received my first box in June and was impressed. I couldn’t wait to get my next box. I finally have, and I thought I would share it with you.

My Style Profile and Requests

My default pricing is $50-100 per item (it can be adjusted based on type, but I keep it the same), but I asked in my note for lower cost items (because of my recent cabi purchases), keeping it at or below $50. I let my stylist know about my upcoming Georgia beach trip. I also requested no jeans (I have so many great cabi jeans). In addition, I said I was currently between a medium and large and may need to size up if it buttons (due to the girls) or is clingy. My default shirt size is a medium.

Unboxing

Interested in my initial reactions? I made a video of the unboxing (disclaimer: I’ve only ever done one other video and I used my laptop, so it is not high quality). It’s casual and you get to hear my voice and learn more about me.

The Five Items

I received three tops, one pair of shoes, and one pair of shorts. I’m posting an initial review and will later post (or update this post) with my decisions.

Shown: 1, 2, & 3

1. Cindie Printed Linen Short by Level 99: I love these shorts. The print is fun. The fabric is amazing. It is a made of Tencel a “new age fiber” made from wood! It’s an amazingly soft linen-like fabric. I don’t think it will wrinkle as much though. My stylist, Jaime, saw I pinned some yellow to my board, so she added these. I’m not a huge yellow person, but the amount in this is just fine. The short will go well with some of my cabi spring pieces, such as the Gemma Top and Sleeveless Swing Tee. The shorts are a bit lose around the waist, but stay up. This honestly may make them even more comfortable. They are a bit shorter than I like, as my legs are not what they use dot be, but I can work with this length. These are great shorts for play and casual wear. I see playground trips in their future! Cost: $78.00.
2. Jorgenseon Crochet Top by Daniel Rainn: This is a pretty white lace top with a liner. I’m undecided on this piece. I already have the Needle Lace Shell from cabi Spring 2014 and I’m not sure if I need another white lace top. Plus, as I mentioned in the video, white does not go well with being a toddler mom. It has a cute tuck in the front of the neckline and drapes nicely voer my problem areas (for the most part). I love how the lining stops short, leaving a lace edge. I do love it with the short, which my stylist suggested (shown together). This would be a fun beach outfit. This top will easily dress up or down, and would work for work. Cost: $68.00. 
3. Davina Metallic Thong Sandal by Dolce Vita: Thong! That is what it is called. I had no clue in the video. But now I think I just blanked and forget. I am to a fan of thongs. I don’t find them comfortable between my toes (more on this in the video), and these are not exception. I’m also not sure of yellow shoes, but I do love my orange Newport flats and wear them more than I would imagine. Also, I love the gold accents. The shorts, lace top, and these shoes are a great outfit. However, the shoes are slippery, both my foot on the foot bed, and the sole on the ground. As a toddler mom, I cannot be slipping and sliding everywhere (anyone know why some shoes have that fuzzy fabric on the bottom now? My kid’s shoes do this. The last thing toddler needs is slippery shoes!). I want these shoes to work for me. But I don’t think they do. Cost: $39.99.

Shown: 4 and older cabi capris and Target shoes.

4. Castillo Embroidered Trim Detail Top by Skies are Blue: I nicknamed this top in my pictures “That 70s Top” because it reminds me of what people wore in the 70s. Granted, it is updated. But the embroidered yoke just brings me back to my childhood. I liked this top better on that I thought. It’s a nice gauzy fabric and the trim is fun. However, it is clingy to the girls and a bit to the belly. The arms also look (but do not feel) a bit tight. I think I need to size up. Overall: cute, fun, summery, seventies style, but not me and not very flattering on me. This looks great with jeans and could be cute shorts. Cost: $54.00

5.       Lonni Crochet Back Knit Tank by Papermoon: Just recently I was thinking I wanted a bra-friendly flowy top that I could throw on. And look! This is just the thing. I love the turquoise color with the antique white (color) crocheted trip on the bottom hem and work on the back. This is fun, practical, and has a modern, pretty vibe. It will easily fit into my wardrobe (which tells you that I plan to keep it). This is a dressy casual shirt, perfect for play, fun, dates, and more. Cost: $38.00.

So what do you think? What should I keep? What should I send back?

If you are interested in Stitch Fix and want to try it out, please consider using my Referral link: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3492600. I’ll get a $25 credit and you’ll get my gratitude here and elsewhere (which can include links to your social media, if you would like). I highly recommend Stitch Fix for an easy and fun way to get styled!

Updated 9/13/16: I kept the Cindie Printed Linen Short by Level 99 and the Lonni Crochet Back Knit Tank by Papermoon. I have loved wearing them both! Checkout my Instagram @drJennB for some outfit of the day shots with me wearing them. I opted not to get the Jorgenseon Crochet Top by Daniel Rainn because it I did already have a white lace sleeveless top. I just could not keep from sliding out of the Davina Metallic Thong Sandal by Dolce Vita, and the Castillo Embroidered Trim Detail Top by Skies are Blue was just not flattering.

Cute back, right?