Stitch Fix--#3

That moment when you open your Stich Fix box

I interrupt this quilting blog to say, oops, I did it again.  I broke down and had a second fix in November.  Since we were debating on traveling to my sister-in-laws for Thanksgiving, I thought it might be fun to have a few new things to wear.  Raquel did not disappoint.

I fell in love with the grays, blues and purple as soon as a pulled them from the box.  I was over the moon happy to see that Raquel had read my blog post about the last fix and took a few minuets to get to know me and my little world.  My hope was that linking to my blog in my profile, my stylist would be able to see my clothes on me and that it would aid in picking out future items.  Maybe it helped, because I ended up keeping all five things in this fix.

So let's get on to the goodies, shall we?

41 Hawthorn Lizzy Colorback Striped Sweater

Kut From The Kloth Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean

In my last request to Raquel, I asked for boot cut jeans instead of skinny jeans if at all possible.  Unfortunately, she could not find any to send, but instead sent me the boy friend jean.  Heaven.  I still like my boot cut pants but these are so comfortable.  They are not a tight fitting jean, just soft and great to curl up in.  As for the sweater, I had actually pinned this item on my Pinterest page, so when I pulled it out of the box I was super excited to see it.  It also comes in a black and orange combo, I believe, and either would have been fine by me.

I love this outfit so much, I am actually wearing it as I type this post.

Before I made a decision on the next two items, I had to consult someone I look up to as a fashion guru, my sister-in-law Terri.  Before I committed to trying this service, I spent some time surfing around on Pinterest reading blogs about peoples' fixes...people I do not know and have never seen.  Someone would post that they didn't keep something because it make them look bigger or did nothing for them and I would be like what???  That looks amazing on you!!  So I realize sometime we do not see ourselves as others do.  I tried asking my hubby and daughter for their opinions but didn't really get any answers.  (Note: don't ask during PS4 or teenage drama time.)  So I turned to Terri.

Huebert Space Dye Open Cardigan

The cardigan was another item I had pinned and Raquel was able to hunt down.  When I first tried it on, I feared that it may be to long for me and made me look even wider.   Damn my short legs and torso!  But Terri assured me that I should keep it.  I trust her opinion, so I did.  And I'm very glad I did.  

Papermoon Marsha Mixed Material Top

As a quilter, I LOVE the pattern on this shirt.  I could just chop it up and turn it into something great.

Lots of purples, tans and white.  But I promise this shirt will not be harmed.  I even love those tiny buttons.  The shirt is longer in the back and kind of curves in the front.  Again, I wasn't sure that it did anything for my figure.  When I saw myself, all I could see was my stomach.  So, I snapped a picture and sent it to my guru.  She informed me I'm nuts and said to keep the shirt.

Bancroft Esme Beaded Oval Long Necklace

And last but not least, this long beaded necklace.  As far as jewelry goes, I have to admit that this wouldn't be my first pick.  I like long necklaces and I like beaded necklaces, but it just didn't scream at me.  What did scream at me was 25% discount on everything if I kept this 5th item.  Don't get me wrong, I will wear this and it will go with things that I own, so I'm very happy to have it.  But if I had been sending another item back, I probably would have sent this back as well.

So for my third fix, I think Raquel it a home run.  I love all of the pieces I have kept so far.  They have been great additions to my wardrobe.  Interested in a fix of your own?  Read more about how to get a fix of your own in my first post here and also check out my second fix here.

Well to sort of quote my friend Brianna at The Iron & Needle, I hope you have enjoyed my blind-date with a clothing shipment :)

Stitch Fix--#2

**Warning--I interrupt my normal quilty posts for a Stitch Fix break** 

I came home from work on Monday and found a sight that made me smile...my second fix had arrived.  A little retail therapy in the comforts of my own home.  I quickly retreated to the bedroom to explore the contents of the box.

Lets just say the colors contained within the box made me as happy as the scrappy quilt on my bed.  Before I sorted through the colorful pile, I read the note from my stylist Raquel.

Kut From The Kloth Jonathan Skinny Corduroy 

I think I cringe every time I pick up a pair of jeans and see the word "skinny" in them.  I embrace who I am and "curvy" has always been a better adjective, but I digress.  I had visions of the pair of skinny jeans from my first fix, so with a big sigh I tried them on and to my surprise they fit.  Not only did they fit well but the dark gray color would fit into my wardrobe just right.  Had they been some sort of crazy bright color, I would have immediately put them in the go back bag as soon as I tried them on.

Hawthorn Gideon Polka Dot Sweater

Playing around on Pinterest, I have seen this sweater appear on several other blogs and thought it was cute.  However, I did not pin it.  I was super excited to see that Raquel had chose it for me.  It's heavier weight which will be super warm and fits in all the right ways. 

 Corduroy jeans and the Hawthorn sweater

 And the super coolest thing about the sweater?  It is reversible!  Two in one, I had to keep it.

Market & Spruce Lauderdale Knit Cardigan

I fell in love with this piece the second I saw the color and picked it up.  It is super soft and the turquoise would add a nice pop of color to any outfit.  If it had not fit, I probably would have had a complete meltdown.  Which would have been okay to do, since I was in the safety of my own room without any security guards to escort me out and tell me I'm making a scene.

Plus I was able to look in my closet to see if I had anything that would go with it, instead of assuming that I do and finding later, nope not a thing.

Look by M Sammie Plaid Infinity Scarf

I absolutely loved this scarf.  I hope this picture does it justice.  The colors were beautiful for fall and it was soooo soft.  If it had been a little bit cheaper in price it would have been hanging in my closet or around my neck as we speak.  But since I was sending the next item back I couldn't justify keeping it.  Honestly, I can probably find something a bit cheaper very similar the next time I go out.

Cool side story.  My daughter came home from school and said remember that scarf you got yesterday?  I was in class today and I said to my teacher, "Is that scarf from Stitch Fix?"  She said the teacher looked surprised and said, "Yes, how did you know that??"  Jen laughed and said my mom got it in the mail yesterday.  Good eye, baby girl.  Good eye.

Market & Spruce Sawyer Space Dye Dolman Sleeve Knit Top

I loved the deep burgundy of this shirt and the fabric was super comfortable.  My daughter's first comment when she saw me in it was, "Wow, mom, you look comfy."  However, it was a bit big on me.  It kind of hung like a tent and came almost down to my knees.  So with a sad look on my face I placed back into the bag to go back.

So, to my stylist, Raquel, I say, great job!  I was super impressed with my second fix.  Want a fix of your own?  Check out my first fix here and read about all of the coolness that is Stitch Fix.

Stitch Fix--#1

I mentioned in an earlier post that I gave a new service a try.  A service that I hope will change my attitude about the way I look and how I feel.  This service is called Stitch Fix (sounds like a quilters dream website, but it's not what you think).

So what is Stitch Fix?  The quick answer would be an online personal styling service for women, but lets break down how it works.  (And if you already know how it works, feel free to skip this part)

First, you sign up for an account and fill out your style profile.  It will include things like your measurements (honest measurements), body shape, price range and rating outfits based on color and style so that your stylist can get to know a bit more about you.  You can also link your profile to your Pinterest account so that your stylist can view outfits and jewelry that you like.  Then based on your profile you will be paired with a stylist who will then pick out five items to send to you.  You can even request specific items, like, "Hey, it's getting colder, I am in need of a new coat."  Or, "I do not wear jewelry, please send 0."  And your stylist will do their best to fulfill those needs.  

Next, you can schedule a "fix."  When scheduling your fixes, you are in complete control.  You can set them up to come on a regular frequency, like once a month, or only schedule them when you want one; absolutely no commitment.  When you receive your package, you have three days to try on your clothes (in the privacy of your own home) and decided what you would like to keep or send back.  If you want to send something back, all you have to do is place those items in the prepaid envelope and pop them back into the mail.  

Once you have decided, you log into your account and finish the check out process.  Everything that was included in your fix will be listed and you will check if you are keeping or sending the item back.  Then answer some questions about the product, like how it fit or did you think the price was too high.  You can even leave comments about why you kept it or sent it back.  This feed back is helpful to the stylist the next time they are putting together a fix for you.

Now lets talk a bit about the price.  When you schedule a fix, you are automatically charged a $20 styling fee (things to remember, they have to make a living too and they did the shopping for me so I didn't have to).  However, if you keep just one item from your fix, they credit the $20 back to you, so that all you pay is the price of the item.  So, if for some reason you hated your fix or nothing fit, and you send everything back, you would be out the styling fee.  But even by just keeping one item, they deduct the $20 off of the price giving the styling fee back to you.  If you LOVE, everything about your fix and decided to keep everything, they give not only the styling fee back but will give you a 25% discount also.  

I'll be honest, normally if someone told me they were participating in a program like this one, I would laugh my butt off (silently in my head of course).  Really, you paid someone to shop for you??  I guess I find myself having a change of heart after doing a mass purging of my closet this past spring.  I got rid of so many clothes that did not wear because:

    1) It did not fit correctly anymore

    2) Probably didn't fit to begin with

    3) Outdated

    4)  Thought it looked great on me, then changed my mind

    5)  This list could go on forever

So the moral of the story is, maybe I'm not that great at dressing myself.  After getting rid of so much stuff, I find myself in need of a few classic pieces that fit my body and my personality.  Stitch Fix might give me the opportunity to have someone who understands clothes and fit, send me items to try on in my environment and build my wardrobe with classic well-made pieces.  

For a point of reference, below are examples of what I would normally wear, I keep things pretty simple and for the most part stick to something easy.  

After I scheduled my first fix, I have to admit I was quite curious as to what my stylist might send me.  After about three weeks of waiting I could put any fears to rest.

Contained within the box along with my clothing was a note from my stylist Nat.

Unfortunately, life happens and I was not able to get pictures with the items I sent back.  But I can show them to you anyway because of the nifty little styling cards they send that show examples of how to dress them up and down.

Just Black Dean Skinny Jean

I have to admit when I read the words "skinny jean" in the title of these babies I had to laugh.  If I were to go to a store I would skip over these babies without giving them a thought.  What you can't see from the picture is at the ankles they sport the detail of a zipper, which I thought was a nice touch.  Speaking of touch I have never had a softer denim on in my life.  In length they fit like a charm, but unfortunately they were a too small in the waist and had to send them back.  I admit, I was sad.

Market & Spruce Colibri Plaid Printed Tab-Sleeve Shirt

This plaid shirt was probably my favorite item in the fix from the moment I saw the colors and felt the fabric.  Unfortunately, it was too small around the chest area and I could not keep it.  I did, leave a comment to my stylist that I would not cry if they sent it next time in the next size up.

Market & Spruce Denver Cable Knit Elbow Patch Cardigan

Style wise I loved this sweater from the buttons to the little brown patches sewn onto the elbows.  On me, the sweater was a flop.  Because it was longer and the knit was heavier, it made me look even shorter and quite boxy.   If it had been made of a lighter knit that was more form fitting it would have been a complete winner.  

So what about the two items I did keep?

Mavi Mauli Stitch Detail Knit Top

 I was in awe of this shirt the second I touched it.  For my quilter friends, it was like the difference between touching fabric that is $12.99 a yard and fabric that is $3.99 a yard.  I was beginning to question my past clothing choices, because everything they sent felt like pajamas.  And who doesn't like wearing pajamas??  The shirt is a great deep red/maroon color and has a curvy piping detail running across the front and back of it.  

The best part, it fit just right and looks good with a scarf. 

Loveappella Tif Contrast Sleeve Knit Top

I wasn't completely impressed with the gray on gray of this shirt, but it does look like something I would wear.  Actually, it pretty much screams me.  Plus it is something I can wear to work or just out shopping. 

 I hate to sound like a crazy person because I seem to be yelling, "Hey, touch my shirt."  (and I have made a few people touch the shirts...but not strangers)  These clothes are so soft that's exactly what I want to do.  I want everyone's clothes to be this soft becauseI think we would all be happier.  

So out of five items, I chose to keep two.  I consider this a pretty successful shopping trip.  Especially, since the only place I had to go was to the post office to drop of the pre-paid envelope.  Next time, I promise I will take the time to photograph what they sent and might even get brave enough to show me wearing more of it (I need baby steps).  

Interested in a fix of your own?  If you follow my link to Stitch Fix, you can read even more about it and set up your own style profile.  Plus, anyone you refer earns you $25 credit toward your next fix.

Where has October gone?

October has turned out to be a very crazy month that has left little time for sewing, let alone writing.  It's mainly been a time for family and running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.  (Hope that wasn't too graphic)  So what the heck has been going on??

I did finish my two quilts for the Dog Gone Cute Blog Hop hosted by Lorna over at Sew Fresh Quilts.  The blog hop is going on every Tuesday and Thursday in October with a linky party in November.  You can check out my adorable little pooches in my Dog Gone Cute Post and find a list of my blog hop litter mates.

And the sewing for the most part has stopped right there.  But that's okay, because I have been celebrating things like my daughter's birthday and her first homecoming.  Finding my daughter another year older, I find myself asking where did my baby go?  It's kind of scary how fast time passes.

With all of the birthday excitement, it was also time to watch her cross another milestone (milestone in a teenager's book) and prepare for her first real dance.  With the help of my bff Jackie, my daughter felt like the belle of the ball.  With Jackie's magic touch Jen was able to score the Pinterest hair win she was looking for.  Thank goodness for friends!

For a warm your heart read check out Fate of Chance--You Decide, a story I wrote about Jackie and her husband.  It will make you wonder if some people are just meant to be together.

After a few waves of a magic wand, a proud daddy was ready to send his princess off.

Now that things have slowed down, hopefully I can find a bit more time to finish some projects.  

This is a pile of my finished blocks for Pat Sloan's Vacation Time Mystery BOM I have been working on this year.  At the beginning of October Pat released the final instructions for constructing this quilt.  This is my number one goal right now...must finish this top.

After a bit of work last night I have one row complete, so I'm hopeful there will be a reveal next week and hopefully come up with a cleaver quilting plan.  Stay tuned.  Then the only thing left will be to catch up on the Midnight Mystery Quilt and Gypsy Queen Mystery Quilt Along.  I'm so far behind on the Gypsy Queen one I question if you can really say I'm participating.

The last random event in my mid October adventure is the discovery of an online personal shopping site called Stitch Fix .  Because I am barely 5' tall and well...very curvy, I find it draining to shop for clothes.  The only textiles I truly enjoy shopping for come neatly wrapped on bolts.  (Can I get an Amen?)  Stitch Fix is a company where you fill out a style profile and personal shoppers send you clothes to try on...wait for it...in the privacy of your own home.  Normally, (I'll be honest here) if someone told me they were doing this I would probably laugh (long and hard) at them, but I hate shopping so much, I thought why not.  I'll let people who like to shop, shop and I'll quilt.  Basically, they send you five items, you keep what you want and mail back (in a prepaid envelope) what you do not want.  I thought worse case scenario I send back everything and I'm out $20 and I'll eat some ice cream.  Plus there is no commitment.  After receiving my first "fix,"  I was over all pleased with the results, but I'll talk about that later (you have been pre-warned).

So that pretty much wraps up my October so far.  I think it's time to catch up on what some of my quilty friends are doing out in blog land and run back to my machine.  I always love hearing and seeing what you have been up to.  Until next time...lets all go touch some fabric.