Stitch Fix Review: My Second Fix

The time has come again for another Stitch Fix review - because I got another Stitch Fix box delivered right to my doorstep, duh! This is my second time receiving Stitch Fix (if you missed the first one check it out here) and overall the experience has been great! In case you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, or if you have but you're not quite sure how it works, here's the low-down: 

• It's similar to the typical "subscription boxes" in that you never know what you're going to get - but it's BETTER because you get to choose your frequency (anywhere from every two weeks to only once or twice a year) and you get to choose your price point. 

• You fill out your very own style profile and get your very own personal stylist who chooses your five items (jewelry, tops, bottoms, dresses, etc) and sends it right to your house for a $20 styling fee. 

• It's NOT an all-or-nothing kind of deal - you chose the items you'd like to keep and send back the ones that didn't quite work out. The $20 styling fee is applied to your purchases! PLUS - if you buy all five items, you get 25% off the entire purchase. 

You get to send your stylist a little note before they start each fix, to let him/her know some things you would be interested in trying. This time around, I told my stylist I wanted cute, but casual/comfortable "summery" pieces that would also be useful for my upcoming trip to Canada. Here's what I got: 
PAPERMOON Ramona Ribbon Detail Blouse ($44)

When I pulled this top out of the box, I loved the color, but for some reason wasn't loving the all-over feel of the top. I couldn't put my finger on it because I generally like the flowy-style tops. I tried it on and it fit well, but something was still a little off about it. Even looking at the photos, I can see that it looks good and pairs well with the white denim, but ultimately it just isn't something that is my "style". I sent this top back.


THML Christen Embroidered Tie Neck Top ($54) KUT FROM THE KLOTH Distressed Boyfriend Jean ($78)

I immediately loved this top before I even tried it on. First: I'm a big fan of embroidered styles (just check out my pinterest style board) and second, I'm a big fan of funky patterns and this top had both. I was a little wary of the fit - I know I just said that I liked "flowy style" tops but this one seemed a little too flow for me. Like a mumu. My husband, however, said that it looked good so I decided to keep it.


I'm not a jean-wearing gal. It's hard to find jeans that (1) cover my ass when I sit down and (2) fit both my thighs and my waist. I currently own two pairs of jeans that I wear semi-regularly. I much prefer palazzo pants, maxi skirts, and dresses. BUT I have really been digging the "boyfriend" jean trend. Unfortunately, these were just a little too big all around, so I sent them back.
EZRA Brianna Dress ($88)

I knew before I even got this dress all the way unfolded that I didn't think I would like it. Then I put it on. The cut wasn't right, the sleeves felt odd, and it was itchy. Hard pass on this dress. I did like the cutout/lacy style but the high neck and boxy shoulders made me feel like I was a Mennonite.
MARKET AND SPRUCE Dafne Chevron Maxi Dress ($88)

I think my exact reaction when pulling this dress out of the box was, "Oooohhh, mama likey" or something similar. The reaction when trying it on was pretty much exactly the same. Maxi dress: check. Stretchy material: check. Stripes: check. Great color combo: check. Kept this without thinking twice.

My favorite part about receiving fixes is the surprise factor - you really never know what you're going to get. My stylist chooses things I wouldn't normally choose for myself, and I really like that because sometimes it's something I end up loving. I feel like my stylist is starting to get a taste for the things I like and the things I don't particularly care for. I don't think I'll continue on an every-other-month basis, just because due to my job, I rarely wear "real clothes" to work, and I really don't need all that much. I'll probably get my next fix when it starts cooling down and my fall/winter wardrobe needs updating!

Have you ever tried Stitch Fix? Would you have kept anything from this fix?

*This post is not sponsored nor endorsed in any way by Stitch Fix however it does contain referral links, meaning if you sign up using my link, I will get a referral fee.

On trying more new things // How We Wore It

Several weeks ago, I talked some about trying new things and how much I love doing it. From food, to vacations, to work outs, I really really love trying out things I've never got to do before. So when I had the opportunity to be part of a fashion collaboration post, I jumped on it. 
I'm not a fashion blogger, really I'm far far far from being even a little bit of a fashion blogger, but I'm always up for a challenge.
The goal of this collaboration is to take a look created by a "real" fashion blogger, and put our own spin on it, using items that we already own - thus challenging us to use the clothes we already have to try to come up with fun new combinations and looks.
This month, the inspiration comes from Robin Vilate, pictured below.

original post

If you know anything about me, then you'll know that I'm the queen of laid back outfits like the one pictured above, so technically this challenge wasn't exactly challenging as far as choosing an outfit went, but posing for pictures is a whole other story. Not to mention it was raining yesterday, so I couldn't take my pictures in front of a pretty brick wall like I'd imagined. (Maybe if I didn't wait until the last minute to do these things, I wouldn't have been put in such a pickle?)

I chose one of my favorite tops that I purchased recently from Target and a pair of jeans (also from Target) that I've owned nearly two years. Since I don't own any cute camoflage, I went for the next best thing: floral. 

 My favorite part about this top is that it kind of tricks you. From the front, it's just a simple casual grey tank top, but from the back, it's bursting with fun flowers and color. 

I stopped buying and wearing converses in high school, and even though I loved wearing them then, I'm just not into it any more. Probably because I can't stand to wear socks just as much as I can't stand to wear a bra. 

Be sure to check out the other bloggers participating this month:

Brooke at Silver Lining

Deidre at Deidre Emme

Megan at And Here's to You, Mrs Robinson

Sierra at Sierra's View

Sharlee at My New Line

Laura at Sincerely, Laura

Aubrey at Aubrey Zaruba

Kaycie at Redhead Memories 

Kyla at FordOlogy

Stephanie at The Artist + The Architect

Danica at Danakin Skywalker 

Tayler at The Morrell Tale

Jessica at My Peanut Butter Problem

Emma at Ever Emma

Bonnie at Life of Bon

Rachel at Rachel Sayumi

So tell me, are you more of a comfy/casual kind of gal, or a dress up and glam kind?

My First Stitch Fix

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past two years, then you've probably heard of stitch fix. If you haven't heard of or tried stitch fix in the past, it's an online styling service, where your own personal stylist sends five items (generally clothing or jewelry) to your door for you to try on in the comfort of your home. You keep the items you love, and can send back the pieces you didn't, at no cost to you. After quite some time debating, reading reviews, and some more debating, I finally signed up for my first fix.
The general consensus is that it takes some time for your stylist to really get a feel for what you're looking for, and that your first and second fix may not be exactly what you had in mind. This didn't discourage me from trying though! A few pointers I picked up along the way were to utilize Pinterest in pinning items you'd love and being very detailed in your requests and likes/dislikes when filling out your style profile.
For this fix, I asked for fun, simple summertime pieces. My summer wardrobe is a little lacking and I'm looking to add some diversity in with all my plain solid colored tee shirts that I'm usually wearing. I also asked for a few pieces that could be used for date nights and nights spent out and about downtown.
So without any further adieu, here are the items I received in my first fix:
Yumi Kailani Lace Dress - $88

I really liked the color scheme of this dress, however the fit was just a little off around the waist, but thankfully it came with a matching belt. I thought the dress was very flattering for my body type, but I just didn't think I'd wear it too often. I did ask for "date night" attire in my fix, but to me this dress is a little more of a Sunday church dress than a Saturday night out dress. Even though I liked the dress itself, I wasn't willing to spend the money on something that I wasn't really looking for.
Bancroft Kara Hammered Coin Long Necklace - $34 Market & Spruce Sam Hi-Lo Short Sleeve Tee - $44

I love this top. It's comfortable, but at the same time it's able to be styled up for a casual night of dinner and drinks with friends. The necklace, I was on the fence about. It worked with this outfit, but it just wasn't something I could see myself wearing often enough to keep. I didn't keep either of these items. Even though I loved the top, I actually already have a gray top pretty similar in style to this one and couldn't justify having two of nearly the same top.
Renee C Jordie Ikat Print Maxi Skirt - $58

My stylist hit the nail on the head with this skirt. Firstly, I'm a big fan of maxi skirts in the summer time. They instantly dress up an outfit while keeping the comfort level on point. I once heard someone say that maxi skirts are like the yoga pants of dresses. I totally agree. The pattern is a little funky but I really like it paired with a plain tee or tank. I kept this piece without hesitation.
Sweet Rain Chancery Open-Back Blouse - $44

This top was the hardest decision to make. I love the material and the style of the top - seriously the cut out in the back is to die for, and I love sleeveless shirts that allow me to wear a regular bra - but I wasn't sure I could get past the pattern. It's a little hard to see in the photos, but it's an all over navy top with pink and purple flowers. I'm really not against the floral pattern but the pink was what bothered me. I'm not a pink gal, but I could get past it with this top. The deciding factor was that the shirt was just too big. The arm holes were gaping and you could see my bra from the sides, so I ended up returning this piece as well.
Even though I only kept one item, I think it was a great fix. I was really disappointed the navy blouse didn't fit. I think my stylist has a good idea of what I'm looking for and I definitely plan to use Stitch  Fix in the future.
Have you ever tried Stitch Fix? What were your thoights?
 *This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix however it does contain referral links, meaning that if you sign up using my link, I will get a referral fee.

When you find the perfect online store

I don't remember the day, or the month, or even the year, that I found SammyDress. I do remember, however, that it was love at first site. They have clothes that are not only sylish, but they're super affordable. Some of my favorite purchases have been this cardigan and these floral leggings.

When I found this dress, I instantly knew I had  to have it. It just whispered (loudly) "pick me, pick me!" and who was I not to listen to a magical whispering dress?

 This dress is definitely one that I can see myself wearing throughout the summer, with it's fun pattern and "flowy" bottom half (because really, anything flowy is perfect in my book).

Also, does anyone else find it the epitome of awkward to have someone take pictures of you? Just me? Okay.

My sweet piper decided to get in on the action, and how could I say no to that precious face??


*I was provided this dress free of charge in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was provided. 

Spring Essentials

With Spring just around the corner there are a few items that I consider essential around this time of year. And I'm writing this as it's 42 and raining outside, but I'm pretending it's 75 and sunny (the best kind of weather, duh) like it was over the weekend.

A basic tee. If you were to look into my closet at any given time, you would find anywhere from 7 to 10 basic tee shirts in an assortment of colors. I actually have this exact shirt from Target and I love it. Target and Old Navy are my favorite places to get basic tees and they usually have some kind of awesome deal like 2 for $12 (which might explain why I have so many).
Bright bag. I usually am a neutral kind of girl when it comes to my purse, but I'm loving this blue cross-body by DKNY. It's the perfect color for spring but still not "too much" that it won't go with everything I wear.
Barnes and Noble Nook. If there's one thing that's essential all four seasons then this would be it. But I especially love having it in the spring when I can go sit in a chair outside and read while soaking up some sun. I like the original version because it's not touch screen, and  it doesn't have a glare outside.
Colorful rain jacket. We all know that April showers bring May flowers, but you don't have to look ugly during the "shower" portion of these events.
Camel sandals. There's nothing I love more than letting my tootsies come out to play when it gets warm enough and these sandals by ASOS are perfect for any outfit, dressy or casual.
Sunnies. Duh, the sun is out, you need sunnies. My personal favorite are mirrored aviators and I usually end up getting several $10 pair from the gas station because I either loose them, sit on them, or lose them. I've never owned a name brand pair of sunglasses and probably never will.
Spring colored nail polish. Spring means pastels and brights and what better way to showcase pretty colors than on your nails. I've recently mastered the art of finger nail painting without it chipping within an hour and I can't wait until I'm done with school and I can paint my nails regularly again.
What are your spring essentials?

Weekend/Oscars recap

The weekends never seem to last long enough around these parts but maybe that's because I always decided to do too much. We rode bikes (again) at Oak Mountain, this time for 17.5 miles. My endurance is definitely getting better with each ride. I'm going to be sad when it gets to hot for us to go every weekend. But also I'll be happy because that will mean it's time for boats/fishing/other water activities and those are my favorites.

This weekend I also co-hosted a Blogger Brunch with Ashten from Always Ashten, and it was DA BOMB. Every time I do one of these hangouts I take more and more blogging advice away from it, and more than that I get to make some new friends! Afterward, I spent the afternoon basking in the sun while reading a good book.
Sunday night was the Oscars and I wasn't planning on watching but then they overtook twitter and my curiousness got the best of me. Long story short, Leo didn't win and and everyone cried. Including me but I cried more so at everyone's acceptance speech because I'm a huge sap.
Also I chose my best/worst dressed.

Best dressed: Lupita Nyong'o, Emma Watson, Julia Roberts.
All of these ladies dresses were fabulous and wonderfully age-appropriate. Several people had something to say about Julia's dress but I think it looks amazing on her and the lace detail works for someone her age. The only thing I would have changed about it was the peplum aspect and just kept it a simple sheath. Emma can do no wrong in my eyes and this dress only increases my love for her (and her stylists). 

Worst dressed: Jennifer Garner, Liza Minnelli, Angelina Jolie
I really hated to say Jen was the worst dressed and I almost put Angie on the undecided but I just thought that dress wasn't "her" even though there are parts of it I love (everything from the waist down). There were just too many champagne/nude dresses and some were okay but most I didn't like. Also, Liza needs to stick to her signature black and stay far far away from blue numbers like these.

Undecided: Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett
When I first saw Cate's dress I was like YES but the more I looked at it, I didn't like it. I can't exactly put my finger on it but there's something that makes it not amazing. Anne's dress fit her like a glove and was perfect for showing off her figure but I just couldn't get past the mirrored breast plate thing going on with it.

Favorite overall: Anna Kendrick Vanity Fair after party
Since this wasn't her red carpet look, I didn't want to list it along with my best dressed (plus I didn't like her red carpet dress all that much either). But this dress is PHENOMENAL. It fits her perfectly - her figure and her personality. It's fun but it's also Oscar appropriate. I'm also really glad she let her hair down for this look.
What did you do this weekend? What were your thoughts on the Oscars?

Linking up with Rachael and Meg!

Fall things + Questions with Always Ashten

bag // cardi // book // boots // mug // scarf

When fall rolls around, my mind immediately jumps to cozy cardigans and reading books with a hot cup of coffee or tea. I don't drink coffee in the summer, something about a hot drink on a hot day just isn't appealing to me. But the minute it drops below 65 you better believe I turn into a coffee drinking fool. I just bought the book thief, but haven't started it yet so I'm hoping I enjoy it.

And what is fall without the perfect boots and scarf? I actually bought these exact boots a few weeks ago and I am absolutely loving them. They have a zipper, which my last fall boots were missing and I don't think I'll ever buy a pair of boots without a zipper again. I feel like when fall comes, it's time to put away the bright colored bag and go with a neutral that matches everything and this bag from Fossil would be perfect.

What are your fall essentials?

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Today I'd like to introduce you to the lovely Ashten of Always Ashten. The moment I started reading her blog, I knew she and I would get along and I have not been disappointed! This lady is seriously the bomb dot com, she hosts an awesome vlogging link up every Friday where she vlogs like a boss (and all of us pretend to be bosses) AND she is one of the fabulous hosts of Happy Hour Hangout and if you don't know what that is, click on that link and prepare to be amazed.

1. What exactly made you want to become a blogger and what inspires your writing?
I've always blogged in some capacity since 2005. Writing has always been my creative outlet, the way I express myself and the best way I know how to get my feelings out, without having to pay for therapy. I finally got serious about blogging in June of this year and am amazed at how quickly my blog has grown. I'm inspired by my life experiences, the lessons I've learned and the people who have always stood by my side.

2. Tell us about your decision to move across country from California to Georgia.
When I graduated college in 2009, jobs in my field of study were scarce. I needed a change of scenery and the South had always interested me so I got a job, packed my bags and moved to Atlanta in 2 weeks. People call me brave for doing it, I just think it was necessary.

3. What are three things you couldn't make it through the day without and why?
The simple answer to this is coffee times 3. But I know I couldn't make it though the day without my dog, Warner too.

4. If you were to win a million dollars what would you spend it on?
I would pay off some debt, save some, get a new car and take a vacation. Adulthood is a mofo.

5. Lastly, share a few of your favorite posts with us.
You are Enough
On Grief
A Female Football Fan's Thoughts on Lane Kiffin
That's Mrs. Wahlberg to You

Go say hi to Ashten! You can find her via: Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook // Bloglovin

Gameday Attire

It's FRIDAY! That means three things: Fan Friday, Football Friday, and hello, last day of the work week! I think by now you may know that i love football and I love tailgating and everything that has to do with either of the two. I love getting decked out in team gear and looking awesome on gameday. Here's some typical outfits you'll find me in:

When football season begins, it's still pretty warm outside. And when you're tailgating, being hot is the last thing you want to be. So I throw on a cute dress in my teams colors (orange and navy, duh) with some cowboy boots or cute sandals (be careful with sandals though, you may have to walk far later). Add a braided belt, sunnies, and football shaker and you're good to go!

When game day starts to get cold in November, that cute sundress isn't going to cut it anymore. Around this time I like to transition to skinny jeans with boots and a chunky sweater. Add an infinity scarf for some extra warmth (or just because you want to). And don't forget your shaker!

Linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzup Friday!

I cannot get enough of this song

How to do buisiness casual

As I mentioned earlier this week, I have a new job title at my place of employment. With this new job title comes new responsibilities, new hours, and new clothes. No more scrubs, ponytails, or Nikes for this gal. The dress code for my office is "business casual" but what exactly does that mean? Depending on your employer, business casual can lean more toward casual where nice jeans and tops are okay. Or it can lead more toward business where only slacks and closed toed shoes are acceptable.

 

Whether you are the former or the latter (we fall somewhere in-between) you should always keep some general rules in mind.

 

Dresses:

vs

While the outfit on the left is cute and would be fine for a brunch with girlfriends or a casual date with your boo thang, the dress on the right is much more appropriate for work.

-Dresses or skirts should reach the knee, or below the knee. Anything shorter would be considered inappropriate.

-Sleeveless is okay, but straps should follow the "three finger rule" (they should be as wide as three of your fingers.

-Dresses should not be too tight or form fitting (no panty lines), see-through, open back, or low cut

-Neutral colors are easy to spice up with fun accessories or shoes. Try pairing a black dress with a bright colored belt and matching necklace.

-When wearing a dress or skirt with a print, keep the accessories neutral. As you can see, I chose nude pumps and minimal jewelry and let the dress be the stand-out part of the outfit.

 

Separates:

vs.

Althought the outfit on the left is nice, the shirt is sheer and the pants too long for flats. The outfit on the right is much more appropriate for work.

-Pants should not be too tight, too baggy, or too long. If the pants are too long (you are stepping on the back of them) consider wearing heels or getting them hemmed.

-Shirts should also follow the three finger rule. If the sleeves are too narrow, consider wearing a cardigan

-Tops should not be sheer or see-through. If the top is semi sheer, wear a camisole underneath

-Jeans should not be worn, unless stated in your companies dress code as appropriate. If you wear jeans, consider a dark wash or trouser cut. Avoid lighter, distressed, or ripped jeans.

 

Other tips:

-Cardigans are a great layering piece that aren't as formal as a blazer or jacket.

-When it comes to shoes, it varies with most work places. Some say closed toe only, however at my company open toed and thong shoes are appropriate, as long as they have a back (like white sandals in the top left picture).

-Nude shoes are a great staple item (the heels I'm wearing above were from Target) but flats are okay too. They are great for wearing with colored outfits or prints.

-If you are unsure, always lean toward the more business side of business casual. Look to your female boss and co-workers and build your wardrobe from their examples. You could also ask your human resources department for a copy of the dress code.

 -Business casual staples: khaki pants or slacks, grey pants/slacks, black pants/slacks, casual blouses, knee-length dresses, cardigans or casual jackets, black and nude shoes, a neutral bag and jewelry for accessories.
-Avoid looks that are too "trendy" or "out there" remember, you are in a professional environment and just because you would rock it on a weekend, doesn't mean it's work-appropriate. For example, leather is in right now, and fun details like leather sleeves are okay, but stay away from full leather pants or shirts.

Some other helpful articles:

What does business casual mean for women?

How to dress business casual for women

The hunt: Work appropriate T-shirts

 

What is your office dress code?

Do you find it hard to find the balance between "business" and "casual?"