stitch fix review #2...

I received my second Stitch Fix order this week!

This time I asked for a bunch of specific items and I thought the stylist did a really great job trying to find pieces to fit my requests.

I also changed my style profile settings to clothing only--no accessories.  I don't like to spend a lot on trendy jewelry and scarves.  I'm happy with my Target and Forever 21 finds. :)

Once again, pardon my hurried photos.  Naptime is short and I've got to get my returns in the mail.

Market & Spruce Dash Button-Front Chambray Shirt (returned)

I asked for a chambray shirt that was more tunic style, than full button down.  The fabric was soooo high quality--amazing to the touch.  Unfortunately, I struggle to find button downs that fit well and this one was no exception.  Too small across the chest.  I also decided I didn't love the color...I think I would prefer a grayer chambray.

Ezra Ritz Mixed Pattern Front Pocket Knit Shirt (returned)

The mixed prints are so cute and I had some tees just like this on my Pinterest board, so I really wanted to like this.  However, this top is cut so strangely.  I have a couple of loose drapey tees that I love, but this one is the weirdest shape. You can see that the back polka dot piece is cut larger than the front stripe piece...it just hung really awkwardly.  I don't need any extra awkwardness in my life. ;)

41Hawthorne Ivy Abstract Triangle Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse (kept!)

When I opened the package, I crossed my fingers that this top would fit because it was my favorite at first glance.  I asked for a top with a bold black & white geometric print, and I like this print a lot.  It fits perfectly and the cut is really slimming and flattering.  I can't wait to wear it accented with a bright pop of color.

Chris & Carol Jill Jersey Maxi Skirt (returned)

I requested a geometric or lattice patterned maxi, but the stylist said they didn't have any in stock so she sent this solid colored one instead.  I was not impressed.  The knit fabric is very thin.  I frequently sew my own maxi skirts and the jersey knit I get from JoAnn is better quality.  Good knits with trendy patterns can be hard to find, so that's why I requested a maxi in a print.  I think I'll just stick to sewing my own (for a fraction of the cost) from now on.

Kut from the Kloth Jenna Bermuda Short (returned...sniffle.)

I have super long legs, so finding jeans and shorts that are long enough in the inseam AND rise is a practically impossible task.  I asked my stylist for a pair of colored bermuda shorts, not expecting her to be able to find any that would fit.  Imagine my surprise when these fit really well!  I was tempted to keep them...but I just don't love the color.  The red is really orange-y and doesn't look amazing with the skin tone of my legs.  And it also doesn't really jive with the other pieces in my wardrobe.  I am bummed to send them back.  (Google revealed to me that these shorts also come in teal, which would have been perfect.  Drat!)

Anyway, thanks for tolerating my Stitch Fix excitement.  

If you want to try it out, use one of my links and I get a $25 store credit. :)

(You also get your own affiliate link when you sign up.  

Share it with your peeps to earn credit for yourself!)

If you don't know what I'm even talking about, check out my Stitch Fix Review #1 here for the details.

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.)

DownEast Basics at Walmart?!...

I went to Walmart on Wednesday to do some grocery shopping.  When I walked in I saw a whole display of cute clothes with tags like this...

Never heard of Bella Bird.  Hmm.

But the clothes were just so cute.  There were layering tees, knit tops, skirts, cardigans and dresses that looked like they came from DownEast or Modbe or something like that.  At WALMART?!  Then I turned one of the tags over...

THAT looks just like a DownEast Basics tag to me.

So I tried on a dress. It was super cute, long enough for me (!!!) and only $22.

Normally DownEast/Modbe dresses are like $30-45.  

(And most of the knee length styles are still too short for tall people...)

So I got it. 

(It looks WAY better on.  Trust me.)

When I got home, I googled Bella Bird, but didn't come up with much.

So I got on the DownEast facebook page and asked them if they are behind this whole Bella Bird line.

And it's TRUE!!

I'd say the line isn't quite as nice as the regular DownEast/Modbe stuff, but for a lower price point that's to be expected.  Anyway, Walmart clothes just got a whole lot cuter--in Utah at least.

what we're wearing...

for the SMS! giveaway...go HERE.

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 if you're looking for some last minute gift ideas (or just sick of what's in your closet), here are some recent purchases that i think are worth sharing.  i'm not getting compensated to write this either...i just like this stuff!

you know modbe is back, right?  they went out of business a few years ago, but downeast bought them and brought them back.  and i couldn't be happier.  i bought this dress about a month or two ago...

if you are tall, buy this dress.  NOW.  it's called the long & lean dress for a reason.  i'm 5'10" and it's the perfect length.  plus, it's cute (...at least that's what the husband tells me).  and the fabric rocks...not too thin, great drape.

speaking of husbands, mine gets a lot of free tees and polos from vendors at work.  which is fine...if you like a company logo on everything you ever wear.  i, however, feel there are some occasions which an actual shirt that doesn't involve business promotion is in order.  so i took matters into my own hands.

i picked up these bad boys at old navy for 8 bucks each....yesssss. they look great on their own or under a graphic tee...and my husband likes them!  in fact, complimented me on my outfit constructing abilities.

it's nice to know i'm good at what i do. :)

if only i were on tv...

...then i would be GLEE guidance counselor emma pillsbury just so i could have her amazingly adorable wardrobe.

she has the cutest necklaces, floral brooches, embellished cardigans, perfect skirts, colorful shoes, and blouses with feminine details. ever.

when i'm watching the show, all i do is admire each new ensemble. brandon probably gets sick of me exclaiming, "LOOK at her outfit! i want all of her clothes!" at the start of every scene she's in. but i can't help it.

(i know i'm not the only one. you love her and everything she wears, too. admit it.)

sigh.

if only i were on tv...

the devil's in the details...

i've been trying to be even more economical/thrifty/budget-minded since my decision not to teach full-time anymore. but sometimes colorful home decor...or an artsy necklace...or a trendy accessory...causes me to become distracted. :)

as queen of the solid colored top (no seriously. nearly every shirt i own is a plain, solid knit.), lately i've been drawn to the feminine detailing that has made it's way into casual fashions. that way i can still rock the solid colored comfy fabrics, but with a little more flair than a boring old tee.

i recently ordered this little number at a bargain price...


and i NEED this to go on sale NOW....

it comes in so many colors. if it does go on sale, i don't know how i'll ever decide. although that deep teal is right up my alley...

who knew the a frill here or a floral there could make a plain ol' shirt so much more desirable.

and speaking of frills, one of you ladies out there needs to purchase these...
i generally stick to flats these days because a) they are more comfortable and b) sometimes i tire of being gawked at like i'm freakishly tall. so i keep the heel purchases to a minimum.

but seriously. a purple, ruffled, peep-toe pump? they make my artist's heart quiver.

someone needs to rock these. asap.

feathered friend...

i picked up this clip several months ago and have been loving it ever since...
i thought i should document it. you know, for posterity.