June Stitch Fix Review

I am coming out of my blah-ging funk a little, so thought I’d post my Stitch Fix finds for this month!

You know the drill with Stitch Fix (referral link) – after filling out a detailed style profile, a personal stylist picks out 5 pieces she feels will best suit you. Last time around I kept EVERYTHING, let’s see what the verdict was this time…

1. Ronda Crochet Detail Button Up Tank
Price: $48
Status: Kept!

The broom makes its appearance again. I loved the color of this and I don’t have anything that looks like it. It was super comfy and lightweight and a great addition to my summer wardrobe! I already wore it to work on Friday and got a ton of compliments. Success!

2. Ezra Ritz Mixed Pattern Front Pocket Knit Shirt
Price: $44 (I think, I honestly don’t remember)
Status: Returned

I loved the idea of this shirt…mixed prints/patterns, the pocket. But it made me look pretty boxy. And slightly pregnant when I turned to the side haha. It just wasn’t the right fit for me.

3. Fun2Fun Winchester Chevron Striped Henley Tank
Price: $48 (again, I think? All the shirts were in the 40s)
Status: Returned with a frown

I did like this tank a lot…it reminded me slightly of Fruit Stripe Bubble Gum haha but I liked it nonetheless. This was a tight budget month for me so I had to say no to this one because I didn’t love it.

4. Jo Maxi Skirt
Price: $58
Status: Kept!

I asked for a maxi skirt in this fix and Patrice delivered again! I don’t own any so this is a great staple. I am trying to figure out the best way to style it, but I love it.

5. Colorblock Maxi dress (don’t remember designer, sorry!)
Price: $78…I think. or $68. I clearly wasn’t on the ball this time 😉
Status: Returned

Buzz, your girlfriend, woof. I hated this dress, hah. Which is quite an accomplishment because I haven’t hated anything yet. But these colors are so not right for my pale skin, and the fit was all wrong. Loose/baggy on top and then not long enough for my height. I couldn’t take it off fast enough!

I had Patrice again this month and still think she did a stellar job. I was a little more strict with what I kept due to a tight budget from summer activities. But I am still happy with my two choices!

If you’re interested in trying Stitch Fix, you can click on my referral link here and get started!

May Stitch Fix Review – the sequel

Since I received two Stitch Fixes this month, I decided to make this a May one as well so as not to confuse you!

You know the drill with Stitch Fix (referral link) – after filling out a detailed style profile, a personal stylist picks out 5 pieces she feels will best suit you. Last time around I kept 3, let’s see what the verdict was this time…

1. Loveappella Carlita Jersey Maxi Dress
Price: $78
Status: Kept!

I loooooved this dress. It was so comfy and the material feels like a dream. Plus I love the color. $78 seems high for a jersey dress, but, that is what it goes for at Nordstrom (I checked) and this is such a great summer staple. Uh, sorry there is a lovely broom in the background. You all get treated to the looks of my bathroom every month. Figured I’d keep it real.

2. Bay to Baubles Lydia Faceted Stones Long Necklace
Price: $38
Status: Kept!

I am wearing this necklace in the picture with the dress, but here is a close-up. I absolutely loved it! I have nothing that looks like this and it will go with anything. It’s a keeper!

3. Kut from the Kloth Mona Boyfriend Short
Price: $68
Status: Kept!

So these shorts, as with every single bottom piece I’ve gotten from Stitch Fix, fit like a GLOVE. When I saw a picture of them I was like no way, these are going to look like “mom shorts.” But nope, they fit perfectly and are another great summer staple. I am not crazy about the price. I did some research and looks like they go for about $10 cheaper in retail stores (assuming you’d have them shipped makes up that difference, though). So I am just going to monitor my next Fix and give them any feedback about pricing…I’ve heard complaints about it being inconsistent. But alas I loved these shorts too much to say no.

4. 41Hawthorn Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 blouse
Price: $58
Status: Kept!

Also shown in the pic with the shorts, I loved this shirt! It’s such a “me” shirt (as Brian pointed out that it was a total Rachel shirt). Material is lightweight enough for the summer and can also wear to work. I did request more summery things in my next fix, like tanks and perhaps a maxi skirt. They’ve sent a lot of 3/4 sleeve blouses that once the dog days of summer hit I won’t be able to wear.

5. Papermoon Wynn Mixed Dot Print Front Pocket Blouse
Price: $48
Status: Kept…begrudgingly 

This shirt was not my favorite. Had I not really loved everything else in the box, I would have sent it back. But Stitch Fix really gets you with their 25% off deal, so it was actually cheaper for me to keep it than to send it back. I am sure I will find a way to work it in to my wardrobe!

My stylist Patrice really hit the nail on the head this time, and mentioned multiple times how she had browsed my Pinterest board. Plus, I had a $25 referral credit from some lovely who decided to click on my referral link – so thank you to whoever you are! Total cost ended up being $197, not too bad for things that will go in regular rotation in to my wardrobe.  But no more clothes shopping for me for a while 😉

If you’re interested in trying Stitch Fix, you can click on my referral link here and get started!

5 on Friday!

TGIF everyone! Thanks to our ladies for hostessing the 5 on Friday as always. Here we go!

1. Mother’s Day
   As you know Mother’s Day is Sunday – the weather here is looking to be gorgeous! Bri is out of town AGAIN, this time camping til Sunday with some buddies. So I am having my parents over for Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday. I will be making this spinach and artichoke egg casserole, along with cinnamon rolls, turkey bacon, fresh fruit, and of course mimosas! here is a sneak peak of what it looks like, I can’t wait to try it!

2.  New TV
OK, with Bri gone again and a pretty low-key weekend ahead, I am looking for a new TV show to binge watch. Any suggestions? I am a huge Game of Thrones fan, Scandal, House of Cards…any guilty pleasures you love to watch?!

3. Countdown
One week from today I’ll be standing up for one of my best friends in her wedding in Long Beach Island, NJ! I am so excited for that event, plus the 3 days off that come along with it 🙂

Me and Kaitlin

 

4. Sunless tanner
I hate to admit this, but I have been “fake baking” the past couple weeks to get ready for Kait’s wedding…it’s on a beach, and I am pale as pale can be. And I know it is soooo bad for you!! So from here on out, I am looking for rec’s on sunless tanners…mind you, as I’ve already mentioned, I am a pasty lady. I have been wary of trying spray tanning or anything for fear of streaking and/or a Ross moment from Friends (anyone remember that?! “Were you counting Mississippi-ily?!”) What do ya think ladies?

My future?

 

5.  These sandals
I want. That is all.

Have a great weekend, everyone! xo

May Stitch Fix Review

Hello lovelies! I arrived home from a board meeting last night to that fun little box on my foyer table. I attempted the selfies this time around…better than last time, but I’m thinking I’ll need to have Bri take pics next time, the lighting in our bathroom isn’t the greatest.

You know the drill with Stitch Fix (referral link) – after filling out a detailed style profile, a personal stylist picks out 5 pieces she feels will best suit you. Last time around I kept 3, let’s see what the verdict was this time…

1. THML Collie Graphic Panel Detail Blouse
Price: $48
Status: Kept!

I wasn’t sure about this one at first, it felt a little long. But, it grew on me and I loved the color for spring/summer. I figured if I wear it with shorts I can also tuck it in. And the price wasn’t bad at all, so a keeper it is!

2. 41 Hawthorn Ivy Tulip Print Tab Sleeve Blouse
Price: $68
Status: Kept!

I was also unsure about this one at first, mostly because of the price. Wasn’t sure I loved it enough for $68. But, the tulip pattern is adorable and again it can be worn with jeans or shorts and I could wear it to work. Plus the material was very soft and silky which I loved.

3. Pixley Emelia Scratched Metal Link Necklace in Silver
Price: $42
Status: Returned

I did like this necklace and I don’t have any pieces like it, specifically in silver, but I didn’t love it enough for the price and wouldn’t wear it enough to justify keeping it.

4. Pomelo Downing Striped Knit Shirt
Price: $44
Status: Returned

This was a cute shirt but fit me very oddly. If you can see in the picture, it’s cut high on the sides and I have a very long torso. So when I lifted my arms up it was way too short! It just didn’t fit my shape correctly. So back it goes.

5. Kut from the Kloth Denna Colored Skinny Jean
Price: $78
Status: Kept!

I LOVED these jeans. You can see them in the picture above this one as well, but the color is a bright cobalt and I was dying for a pair of colored skinnies. Again my stylist has knocked it out of the park with the pants fitting perfectly. They make my bum look fantastic, too, which is always a plus!

So there you have it, kept 3 items again. My stylist mentioned she had been browsing my Pinterest board which I love.

If you’re interested in trying Stitch Fix, you can click on my referral link here and get started!

5 on Friday

Good morning loves! Hooking up with our fabulous hostesses this week and sharing some Friday things.

1. Etsy

I wanted to send a quick thank you to Lisa, Nina and Jennifer for their suggestions about getting my own blog template off Etsy. Who knew?! I seriously never thought of looking there. So over the next few weeks I am going to peruse the selection and will unveil a new design!

2. Rent the Runway

Most of you have probably heard of RTR (referral link), and if you haven’t, you MUST try it! I’ve been using them for about a year and a half now and I’ve become slightly addicted. You see, I have this problem where I feel that I need a new dress for every. single. occasion. (Can you relate?) The issue is that I spend all this money on dresses I only wear once that end up sitting in my closet. So for most weddings and sometimes showers I’ve attended, I call on my trusty old friends at RTR! You literally rent a designer dress for four days (and there are some STEALS on there) then plop it in the mail when you’re done. So, I get to be donned in designer threads for about 50 bucks a pop. I’ll be wearing this fun number to my friend Kaitlin’s bridal shower tomorrow (pics to come!)

3. Kait

Speaking of Kaitlin, we are throwing her a fabulous bridal shower tomorrow! I am so excited. It feels like we’ve been planning forever and it’s finally here. We’ll be having it at this amazing restaurant called Laci’s Tapas Bar. I threw a shower there last year and they did such a great job. Plus, the food is amazing. Can’t wait to share some pictures from the weekend! Here is a preview of one of the tapas on the menu, Mexican Sliders…yum!

4. Easter

We’ll be celebrating Easter a week early with Bri’s family this Sunday since our nieces will be around. I made their Easter baskets the other night and I can’t tell you how giddy I get doing stuff like that! I love buying them Christmas and birthday presents. I am an only child so it is such a blessing to have them in our lives. The second we got engaged they started calling me Aunt Rachel, haha 🙂 It’s so fun to watch them grow up and turn in to little ladies.

5. Quote

I keep seeing this quote pop up, either on Pinterest or Facebook or some other social media site, and I am reminded and also humbled every time about how much I love it and how true it rings. It’s something I often have to remind myself of when I feel angry with someone or perhaps upset with a co-worker. You just never know what else may be going on in someone’s life.

Have a great weekend, everyone! xo

Stitch Fix April 2014 review

I got my first Stitch Fix in the mail yesterday and after a tough day at work I was so excited to see it waiting for me on the front porch!

I apologize that the picture is very poor quality, I promise next time I’ll bite the bullet and take some selfies. But, I had great success with my first box!

I kept:

– The Betty chevron infinity scarf ($32)
– the Huebert space dye open cardigan ($58) – hard to see because of our bedding, sorry!
– The Kensie Johnny regular length skinny jean ($88)

Since it was my first box I decided to splurge a little. $32 seems like a lot for a scarf but, you do get the $20 credit towards your purchase for the styling fee. I loved the cardigan because it was totally my style, and the jeans fit PERFECTLY. I couldn’t believe it. I am 5’8″ so it’s difficult for me to find skinny jeans that go all the way down to my ankles and these fit like a glove. They are a very dark denim, not black.

I loved the color of the dolman top but it just looked weird on me…I think because my arms are so long perhaps? So I sent that back along with the vest which just wasn’t really my style and for $78 not worth keeping.

So I would call this a success! I am already excited to see what’s in my next one (arriving on April 30!)

If you’re interested in trying your first Stitch Fix, you can check them out here.

5 on Friday – Spring edition

Linking up with our lovely hostesses as well as Running MOMentum on this Friday! I’ve decided to make it a spring edition since the snow is FINALLY almost all gone here in good ol Syracuse, NY!

1. Shoes
   I broke out my running shoes this week…last summer I could run 4 miles non stop and sadly I can barely run a mile at that now 😛 But, I am so happy the weather is turning nice again and it felt so good to get outside.
   
2. More shoes
   So, I’ve decided on a new rule. I am sick of wearing socks. I am also sick of washing and matching said socks. So any time the weather forecast is above 50, I will be sock-free! Hello ballet flats season. I picked up these Steve Madden beauties from DSW and have been waiting to wear them. They’re such a good neutral and will go with anything!
   
3. Blood orange
   Since you may not want to look at my feet anymore, here is a picture that will make your mouth water. Bri is in Boston for the weekend at a bachelor party, and I’ll be heading to Rochester tomorrow for my good friend (and bridesmaid!)’s 30th birthday fiesta and it will be at my favorite Mexican restaurant in the ROC, Salena’s. I spent most of my adult life there before moving back to Syracuse. I am usually a traditionalist when it comes to margaritas, but they make the most fantastic blood orange margarita. Not too sweet but has a kick. I can’t wait to have one tomorrow, and it’s the perfect drink to kick off the springtime weather!
   
4. The Following
   I’ve been known to binge -watch a tv show or two. or three. When I should be perhaps planning our wedding or maybe doing grad school homework. Whoops. But last night was one of those nights, and I am officially hooked on The Following. I usually don’t like creepy shows like that (though I did love Dexter) but this one really got me! We just finished season 1 and will have to wait for season 2 to come out once it’s finished. But springtime means one of our other favorite shows will be back on the air very soon – Game of Thrones! Any other Thrones lovers out there? To me, nothing will ever compare to LOST but many of these come in a close second 🙂
5. Ballet Slippers by Essie
   Sigh…springtime nail polish. I am totally an autumn girl but once the temps get warmer I get excited for all the pretty pastels. Essie comes out with the best stuff. I’m currently sporting their Ballet Slippers. I would post a pic of my nails but I am the worst manicurist ever and am too ashamed to do so 😛 So here is what it looks like from their website.
    

   Signing off for now…hope you all have great weekends!xo
   Rachel

Stitch Fix

So I took the plunge and ordered my first Stitch Fix box. It is set to arrive April 2 and I am very excited! I’ve heard mixed reviews but I am a sucker for the idea of getting 5 pieces of new clothing/accessories in the mail.

For those who aren’t familiar, you go to the site and fill out a very detailed form on your sizing, style, etc. I did mine about a month ago and the earliest they could get me a “fix” was April 2 (it must be getting pretty popular). You pay a $20 styling fee once it’s shipped. You try on all the clothes in the comfort of your own home, then return what you don’t like and pay for what you keep. The $20 goes towards whatever you purchase.

Once mine comes I will be sure to post a full review with pictures on here! Has anyone tried it and had success? Pros/cons? Would love to hear from you!

Jane.com – my guilty pleasure

So I’ve been getting daily emails from Jane.com for a while now. I first heard about it on the Elvis Duran show (another guilty pleasure I listen to every morning). And I have to say – I am obsessed. I look forward to opening my email every morning and finding what goodies await.

The gist is that boutiques across the country that sell trendy things (think clothes, fashion/statement jewelry, housing decor, baby headbands) sell them on Jane for a limited time at a super discounted price. Most of them have their own Etsy shops as well. I’ve found some awesome things and snagged up a couple things today I can’t wait to get in the mail! A great spring blouse as well as a really cool statement bracelet (I’ve decided I don’t wear enough bracelets). Check them out, can’t wait to get them in the mail!