stitch fix review #1...

Have you heard of Stitch Fix?

It's basically an online shopping service where a stylist picks out clothes/accessories for you, sends 5 items in a cute little box to your door, you try everything on, keep what you like and send back what you don't in a handy prepaid envelope.  It costs $20, but that money goes toward whatever purchases you make.

I recently got rid of most of my clothes in The Great Closet Purge of 2014 and thought Stitch Fix would be a fun way to find some high quality pieces that I really loved.  (Clearance rack tees can only get you so far in life...I was NOT feeling very cute.  Hence the purge.)

I filled out the style profile, linked up a Pinterest board of looks I love, and anxiously awaited my box of goodness.  (And shamelessly checked out all the blog posts about Stitch Fix I could find while I waited for my Fix.)  It actually shipped early...yay!

Each Fix comes with ideas of how to style each piece...pretty handy!

I decided to post what I received so other Stitch Fix googlers can see what I got. :)

(Pardon the lame pics...I was home by myself and couldn't model for you.  I know you are all sorely disappointed.)

Pomelo Missy Polka Dot Tab-Sleeve Blouse - returned

I know it doesn't look like much lying on the table, but I thought this looked SO cute on.  Mint green with cream polka dots--darling!  However, it was too small across the back of the shoulders, so I couldn't move my arms freely.  Bummer.

Sweet Rain Isaac Floral Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse - kept!!

Once again, the shape doesn't look like much...but it is so flattering!  I love the print, the colors, the tab sleeves.  I feel really pretty in it.  I'm excited to wear it all summer, then I can throw a cardi over as the weather changes.  Had to keep it.

Bay to Baubles Faye Beaded Statement Necklace - returned

While I like the colors, I just didn't see myself getting a ton of use out of this necklace.  And I'm cheap when it comes to trendy accessories...don't want to invest money into pieces that will go out of style quickly.  Nice quality, but not for me.

Renee C Malcom Abstract Chevron Dolman Sleeve Top - returned

This top is tight on the hips, then blouse-y on top which actually works well for the post-baby midsection.  Unfortunately, I don't like the print at all.  I love color, but these read kind of juvenile.  Plus, the dolman sleeves had too much fabric for my taste.  I felt like a bat.  No thanks.

Papermoon Remmie Multi-Color Chevron Print Max Skirt - returned

I know people love chevron...but I'm kinda over it.  And this particular chevron print is NOT my favorite, to put it nicely.  It's a shame the pattern wasn't my style, because the fabric was a nice quality and it fit perfectly!

The cool thing is that Stitch Fix provides a survey so you can tell them what you did or didn't like about each piece.  I only kept 1/5 this time, but it was really fun to try new things and really think about my personal style...so I already signed up for another Fix. :)

If you are interested in signing up or want to learn more, click on over to Stitch Fix.

(If you sign up & order a fix using one of my links, I get $25 towards my next order.  And after you register, you get assigned your own affiliate link so you can earn your own credits when you share Stitch Fix with your friends, family, blog readers, etc.)

light & delicious chicken salad...

My mom developed this recipe awhile back when we threw a luncheon after my son's baby blessing.  It was a huge hit!

I made it again last night with my own tweaks and we're enjoying the sandwiches again for lunch today with no complaints.  You know a recipe is good when people are excited for leftovers. :)

The best part?  One serving is only 186 calories!  

Pretty darn good for creamy, delicious chicken salad.

Light Chicken Salad

by Mauri Kendrick

adapted by Kacey Kendrick Wagner

Ingredients:

3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded*
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 cup red grapes, halved
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream (I prefer Naturally Yours brand.)
1/4 cup skim milk
1/4 cup cashew pieces or slivered almonds
1/2 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
1-2 dashes Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper to taste

Directions:

Put shredded chicken and nuts in a large mixing bowl. Chop celery, green onions, and grapes and combine with ingredients in the bowl.

In another small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, lemon juice, brown sugar and salt and pepper and dash of cayenne pepper.  Taste test for appropriate saltiness/seasoning. (Add a little more salt and pepper than you think it needs.  No one likes bland chicken!)  Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is thoroughly combined.

Allow the salad to chill for several hours or even overnight. Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.

*Time saving tip: I frequently buy rotisserie chickens at Costco (so cheap!) and shred/freeze the already cooked chicken for future use.  I always have cooked, shredded chicken ready to go for any recipe...including this one!

Servings: 6