[sponsored post] eShakti Hummingbird Dress

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by eShakti.com.  However, all opinions and photos are my own! 

Recently, I was contacted by a representative of eShakti with the opportunity to choose and customize a garment from their stock, providing that I write a review of the garment on my blog.  First of all, um...free clothes? YES PLEASE. Secondly, I have never done a sponsored post before, so I will just be straightforward and no-nonsense about all of the linkage required:

Find eShakti on:

• the Web
• Pinterest
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

There! Now that that's taken care of, let's talk about the clothes! 

The thing I love about eShakti is that they have sizes ranging from 0-36W and each garment is made according to your specifications.  This is amazing for several reasons.  For one thing, there aren't a lot of great options out there for plus-sized (or, as I like to call it, "normal-sized") women.  Or, if there are options, they are this stock, shapeless or shape-specific type of thing that doesn't fit all curvy bodies the same way.  eShakti provides options for customized measurements, hem length, sleeve length, neckline and pockets (though, why anyone would choose to remove pockets from a dress is beyond my comprehension!).  

I chose this dress:

Stock image from eShakti confirmation email

A boat neckline is not the most flattering on me, so I had it customized with a sweetheart neckline. I kept the cap sleeves, and chose "below the knee" for length.  I wanted a dress that would work in the later summer months in Texas, but still be appropriate for the crisp, autumn months with the addition of fall staples (tights, cardigans, booties, etc.).  

The dress arrived promptly, and I'm wearing it today!

 (Check out that morning light! So yummy!)

The dress ended up being the perfect length. So many dresses on me these days are somewhere in between "way too short for a working mom in her early 30s" and "ugh why do I keep tripping on this?!" So the "just below knee" length works perfect.  I also love how the overlay is just a bit longer than the skirt of the dress.

The neckline ended up being a little more ornate than I was envisioning, but I don't own any other dresses with a similar neckline, so it stands out among dresses I usually wear.  I can't decide if it makes me look more or less top-heavy, but I do like it.  So that's a plus!

The embroidery is beautiful on the skirt. I absolutely love the colors for fall, and they work really well with my skin tone.  I have to admit, I don't love the sash at all. I almost thought it was a mistake when I found it in the garment box, because it just doesn't seem to work naturally with the dress. There are no belt loops, so the sash slips around a lot.  I might try this dress with a belt of my own some time.  Maybe a braided brown one or a black leather sash belt I already own.

I styled this dress very simply.  Nude heels (I got them from a secondhand shop - Plato's Closet - but the label says they're Rue 21), plastic feather earrings to go with the bird motif (PUT A BIRD ON IT!), also from Plato's closet, and my black & gold reversible braided headband from Target.

The cap sleeves are perfect.  Sometimes, especially on curvier girls, cap sleeves can be the devil, and squeeze the tops of the arms really badly.  This dress is made in such a way that the sleeves have that perfect flare at the top, but scoop way back under the arms.  Plenty of room!

Every eShakti dress also comes with pockets, as I mentioned (love!) and bra strap stays (little snaps that hold your bra strap in place! genius!).  

The only cons:

• It's hand-wash only. Note to self: don't spill anything on this dress and try to change out of it before dealing with the toddler.
• The sash - not my favorite, but not a deal-breaker.
• Wrinkles easily (but also irons out easily with low heat iron. Also! The overlay irons easily without getting weird as netting/mesh sometimes does.).
• The side zipper is a real struggle, especially zipping it over the waistline, where the seam is.

That's it!  Overall, I love this dress.  It's a great quality, well-made, and I love the quirky design.  eShakti has some of the cutest prints and patterns. It was really hard to choose just one dress, and I think I'll have to go do some shopping before the weather really cools down...

If you'd like to do the same, please feel free to use a coupon code that eShakti was kind enough to provide readers of this blog! Enter code "theoperawife" (minus the quotes, not case-sensitive) at checkout to receive 10% off your order.  Coupon code only valid until 10/16/14. 

• Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.   It is not case-sensitive.  
• Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. 
• It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.
• This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.
• Not applicable on previous purchases.  

Stitch Fix #5 - We have a WINNER!

Ladies and Gentlemen...we finally have a winner!

(For back story on my last two disappointing fixes, read here and here.  If you want to know what Stitch Fix is all about, read about my first fix here.  If you wanna try it for yourself, please use my referral link so I can hopefully get more clothes like these from Michel'Le, who should be my stylist FOREVER.)

So after the last (very disappointing) fix, I was ready to throw in the towel. However, I still had about $80 in referral credit sitting in my account, and I was NOT READY to give up on Stitch Fix.  Especially since the other mail-order-clothing option I was looking into, Gwynnie Bee, is more geared toward plus-sized women and I'm in this awful, in-between size that's not quite plus-sized but definitely not teeny tiny. 

So I scheduled my next fix for the next-closest date and, before I knew it, another box was on my doorstep. I let Z take a look at it first because what's more fun than a box to a one-year-old? NOTHING, THAT'S WHAT.

I opened the styling card first and let out a WHOOP of joy when I saw three dresses and two tops on the list.  THREE DRESSES.  FINALLY, someone was speaking my language!

Let me post the photos and just tell you that, with the exception of the black patterned shirt-dress (which just was TOO much pattern and simply did not fit my curves well), I would have kept everything in this box.  The colors were on point, and everything would have worked seamlessly into my wardrobe and fit my style.

Roma Cowl Neck Jersey Knit Top (Market and Spruce) - Despite how clingy the fabric of this blouse was, I LOVED it. I loved the drape and the color so much. It was quite thin, but cool and silky.  The price point was a little high (I think it was around $48) for just basically being a knit shirt.  But I did love it!

Lana Lace Detail V-Neck Tank (Pomelo) - This black and white sleeveless blouse with the embroidery detail was another instant like. I can't actually say that it's the most flattering thing I've ever put on, but it was comfortable and loose in a "problem" area for me...so it would have been perfect on bloaty days.
 

Joe 3/4 Tab Sleeve Shirt Dress (Renee C) - This dress was just all kinds of wrong and a "LOL NO" as soon as I put it on. It looked great on the card, and I wanted it to work just for its versatility (could wear it in at least 3 out of 4 seasons with the right accessories) but...no.  Darn.

Gillian Sleeveless Dress (Gilli) - THIS DRESS.  The color, the length, the silhouette! Joy! Instant winner. Wore it to work the very next day and got a million compliments.  (okay, not actually a million, but SEVERAL, and I felt awesome in it.)  This dress is so on point. It's perfectly ME, and it's age and work appropriate.

Carlita Multi Chevron Print Maxi Dress (Loveapella) - YOUGUYS, a Maxi dress that isn't too long! It's a Christmas-in-July miracle! Also colors I love.  If you zoom in (or click on the image for a larger version) you can actually see my swimsuit hanging on my closet door behind me and it's almost the exact same color palette.  The necklace I'm wearing is one I already own, and the color matched just perfectly. I know the beauty of maxi dresses is that you can wear them for pretty much any occasion, but I felt so super sexy and dressed up in this one (bonus: my husband loved this one) that I'm saving it for our upcoming date night.

So I ended up keeping just the two bottom dresses.  They were a little pricey so, even with my style credit I still had to come out of pocket some, but it was worth it because I will wear them often.  Plus...as cliche as this sounds...it's really hard to put a price on feeling amazing in an outfit.  So, it was worth it to me.

I'm officially back on the Stitch Fix bandwagon.  It is obviously ALL about the stylist.  The next time I'm able to afford a fix, I will ask specifically for Michel'Le to style me again! 

Stitch Fix #4

(I know I owe everyone a Z at One Year! post, and that'll be coming as soon as I stop sobbing over the fact that  my baby is just about to be toddler!)

Last week, during some unprecedented completely ALONE time while hubby and Z were on a road trip, and coming off a terrible stomach virus, I got a package on my doorstep with that familiar blue tape and got really excited that my latest Stitch Fix had arrived.  

My referral link -- you sign up, I get $25! Yay!

You may recall that I wasn't thrilled with everything in Stitch Fix #3 out of the box, but ended up polling the Facebook hive mind and keeping three things!  I got great feedback via email from the company, but....Stitch Fix #4 was, unfortunately, a disaster.  So much so that I wasn't even going to post photos, but I want to be honest about it.  However, I did not and will not post these photos on Facebook for the hive mind to weigh in.  One, because it didn't matter: I didn't like how any of the items FELT on me, and two, because it would come across as self-deprecation which I loathe.  I don't want a bunch of "oh but you look great (for just having had a baby) (a year ago)!" because it makes me feel weird.

My biggest issue with the Stitch Fixes right now is that what I see online (via customer blogs that they post or that the company itself posts on Instagram) doesn't match what I see in my fixes.  I LONG for some of the A-line dresses and skirts and even some of the pants.  But my stuff always seems really kind of boring.  Maybe that's just really good marketing, which, hey -- good for them! I mean at the end of the day I still ordered another fix because a) I really want to love it and b) I still have referral credit $ hanging out.

Also, I'm frustrated that I keep getting a different stylist.  That may be because I don't have monthly fixes set up, and I can totally understand that!  But I honestly can't afford to pay the styling fee every month, let alone the cost of clothing every month.  Not with daycare costs.  Even getting the fix feels like a Mommy luxury and I have buyer's remorse and guilt.  But that's my issue!

Ricardo (the stylist for this fix) got it WAY wrong this time.  He mentioned putting in "working mom" looks, but honestly?

Believe me when I say this was the ONE photo in a long line of selfies that I deleted.

 What 32-year-old working mom is going to wear a FITTED, short, horizontally striped, sleeveless dress? It's super cute -- for a 22-year-old. Even with a cardigan and heels, it'd be too short.  That's not even to mention the fact that it hugs me in the WORST possible place (mid-section) when my Style Profile clearly states that I like "fitted on top, loose on the bottom" because I'm still "self conscious about my tummy after having a baby."  Total fail.

On the other hand...

This tunic, while I LOVED the color (kind of a bright tangerine/pink) and pattern (mini Chevrons), it is completely shapeless and wrinkled if I looked at it funny.  And it's hand-wash only.  Not many working moms have a) the time or b) the clean tub needed to hand-wash clothing.  Sigh.  Back in the box, too.

HOWEVER -- unless it seems like I'm just totally bashing Stitch Fix, which I don't mean to do ("I'm not mad; just disappointed!")....these shorts were a contender.  I didn't like the fit of either of these tops they sent (too small by just enough, and too pricey for what I thought the material warranted), but when I paired them with one of my own t-shirts, I actually considered keeping them.

Over it. Sad.

I actually said "UGGGGHHHHHHH" (direct quote) when I pulled a pair of SHORTS out of the box.  I don't have the time or the webspace to talk about my long-standing rocky relationship with shorts. I have awful, short legs and quite a bit of junk in the trunk, so shorts-shopping (along with swimsuit shopping and jeans shopping) is high on the Suicide Watch list.  HOWEVER, imagine my surprise when they both fit over my thighs AND buttoned without cutting me in half!

Truth: if they'd been a) pants or b) a different color, I'd have kept them. I saw on another Blogger's Fix that she got a pair of red, ankle-length skinny pants in this same brand and I was like "WHY NOT ME?!"  They looked awesome.

So anyway.  Sad.  Back in the bag everything went and back to the Stitch Fix HQ.  I immediately scheduled another fix for many reasons:

• I really love the idea of the company.  I really, really do.  I still pimp it out! I just warn curvier girls not to get their hopes up too high...my body shape must be hard to style, and I get that.
• I don't give up on things or people easily
• They have GREAT customer service and excellent response via their email/social media team!
• I still have referral credit and I really want to get some new pieces.

I also went and double-checked my style profile, made a few tweaks, and was very honest in my feedback.  I wish I could go out there on one of those Blogger trips and SHOW them how bodies like mine -- real, postpartum everyday mom bodies; not just the cute bloggers with fancy cameras -- are tough to style and what things to avoid and what things to ALWAYS SEND. 

But as always, I am hopeful. Here's to Stitch Fix #5 being AWESOME.  :)

Stitch Fix #3

It's been a LONG time since I blogged, and I still owe you guys an 8-month update on Z, AND now a 9-month update (?!?!), but man...where is the time?! And why is it going by me so quickly?!

Til then, I want to share my latest Stitch Fix, which is the third one I've received since discovering this awesome service. Want to know all about it? Start here, with my first post about it!

Click here to get started! This is my referral link!

It's been several months since I ordered a fix.  Mostly because life with an infant can get pretty expensive, and I couldn't, in good conscience, spend money on myself buying clothes when I knew other things were higher on the priority list.  But, thankfully, some of YOU have been using my referral link and I suddenly had $125 in referral credits!  So I ordered a fix.  It arrived on Friday, and I dutifully waited until the babe was asleep before trying everything on and snapping some photos.

For this fix, I told my stylist to "send me stuff that will make me excited about Spring!" hoping that, since my style profile said I mostly wear dresses, I'd open my box to find pretty florals and skirts/dresses.

Full disclosure? I was MAD when I opened this box.  Four solid SHIRTS and one dress that was fall colors.  Ugh! But, I tried them all on, and then I let my hive-mind (aka "Facebook") weigh in, which was a LOT of fun:

109 comments later (and yes, I tracked the results!), I made my decisions. Here are my thoughts on each, as well as the verdicts (I left the packing sheet at home, so I'll update later with the names of the items):

Until I find the official name, I'll call this one the "Sheer, button-sleeved, hydrangea-colored blouse." $48

I immediately liked the material of this one (kind of sheer, very silky) and I LOVED the color. I've kind of been into Seasonal Color Analysis lately (and I've discovered that I'm a Soft Autumn) and this color is pretty close to being on my color palette.

It's a little bit snug across the chest when it's fully-buttoned, but I could always wear it open.  My husband loved this one and said "It's not like what you usually wear."  I figure that's kind of the point of paying an internet stylist, right?

Facebook verdict: this one was the 3rd most popular. 

My verdict: Keep! 

Cobalt blue cowl-necked blouse $48

This one looked like a giant "NO" when I pulled it out of the box.  I didn't even think it would fit; it looked too small!  But when I put it on, it surprised me.  Pros: the color is fabulous, and the cowl neckline hides a myriad sins and stains (I have an infant; this is a selling point).  Cons: totally sheer (not as much of an issue in the front, but in the back? big issue), hemline shorter than I usually like, and the cowl neck would constantly distract me. Even trying it on, I was constantly adjusting it to hang properly. It's also quite dressy, and not really appropriate for summers in Texas (which we all know start in May).

Facebook verdict: 4th in votes; everyone loved the color. LOVED it. 

My verdict: Send it back.

Turquoise open cardigan $48

This one made me purse my lips with frustration when I pulled it out, because I didn't feel like my stylist tried very hard. I've seen SO MANY open cardis on different blogs and Instagrams when I search the #StitchFix hashtag or look on their customer reviews.  But, I tried it on. And, lo and behold, it actually fit perfectly and hangs really well on my body.  Tried it on with one of my own tank tops. 

Facebook verdict: Tied for first place in votes. Some praised its versatility/color and others said "Nice, but will you really wear it in the coming months?" Valid, but I spend a lot of time in a cold office/cold theatre, so...yes.

My verdict: Keep. 

Jade green 3/4 sleeve heathered blouse $48

I think I actually exclaimed "Are you kidding me?" when I pulled this one out of the box.  It literally looked like an extra-large Hanes t-shirt with a v-neck.  It wasn't until I put it on that I noticed the cool sleeves (I called them bat-wings) and the fitted bottom.  I thought it might hang off of me when I saw the huge  neckline, but it actually sits on my shoulders really well.  I probably would wear this with leggings, honestly.  The fitted bottom-half looked weird over my jeans' back pockets.  Love the color, very comfortable, and the color, once again, fits perfectly on my Soft Autumn palette.

Also, the material is heavenly.  It's so soft and light! 

Facebook verdict: Tied for first place. Almost everyone said to keep this one.

My verdict: Keep, with humblest apologies to my stylist.
 
Striped jersey wrap dress $68

My husband and I dubbed this one the "sexy Freddy Krueger dress."  The stylist card was very effusive in its push for this dress: "Wear it with tights and boots in the fall, and with wedge sandals on warmer days!"  True. I could.  But this material is thicker than it looks, and I can already imagine the sweat on those 95-plus degree Texas days.  This dress might get worn once or twice this spring, then put away til October. 

Truth me told, I did feel like it was sexy.  But that's not what I should be spending my money on.  I need practical-yet-stylish/professional.

Also: too much cleavage. Yes, could wear a cami underneath, but see above comments about layering/the Texas summers.

Also also: TOO SHORT

Also also also: Horizontal stripes = meh. A Facebook friend's comment made me laugh, though: "...horizontal stripes isn't the most flattering pattern on anyone. That said, you've got boobs and butt and a small waist, so you full them out and turn them into curves, so that's hot..."  Love it. :)

I went round and round and and round about this dress.  I was getting some great comments from respected sources (BFF, my gay friends who work in fashion, straight guys who said "perfect for dates with your hubby!" and trusted female friends), but I just wasn't sold on it.  Yes, wrap dresses are lovely and perfect for any and all seasons/occasions, but this just isn't the wrap dress for me.  

Facebook verdict: 5th place.  Least amount of votes for this one. 

My verdict: Send it back.

So how am I feeling overall about Stitch Fix right now?  

Honestly, this box was still frustrating, even though I could have kept all 5 items and worn them plenty in the right occasions/seasons.  But I'm frustrated at the lack of variety. I've gotten a LOT of tops in 3 fixes, and only two dresses...both of which were wrap/belted varieties.  And everything is very loose-fitting this time around.

My style profile clearly states that I prefer fitted on top, loose on bottom (I'm short-waisted and hourglass-figured, so loose tops don't always work well on me), and that I wear dresses almost always.  However, as much as I snarled at everything in this box, it all fit me and all got VERY positive responses from outside sources (husband and friends).

So...what to do now?  I think I'll schedule at least one more fix this summer, but then I may give it a rest and try a service such as Gwynnie Bee, which my friend Amanda suggested to me this weekend, just for more variety and a quicker turnaround on items.  

Oh! And I already am wearing the cardigan today! It happened to match my Peter Pilotto for Target dress just perfectly!

 

Outfit of the Day

I haven't done one of these in a LONG time!  For one thing, I just ran out of ideas after a while and started wearing some of the same things over and over. 

Also, I had a teething baby that started waking up in the middle of the night several nights in a row (I know, I'll cry you a river.  But when you aren't used to it for months, it's a bit of an adjustment) for feedings and cuddles.  In the mornings, I was lucky if I had on two matching shoes.

Also also, we were iced in for about 5 days in a row.  I wore...the same pajamas all 5 days.  Yup. 

So here's a mix of some of my favorite outfits from the past few weeks when I remembered and/or felt cute enough to take a photo:

.......I think I need more bright colors in my wardrobe.  Especially my fall/winter wardrobe. 

Top Left: Shirt from Stitch Fix, blazer from my closet (probably thrifted), pendant necklace from Plato's Closet, jeans from....Kohl's, maybe?

Top Right: Scarf from Target, jumper is Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker, shirt and leggings...I've had forever.  You can't see it but I'm wearing my black TOMs in both the top pics.

Bottom Left and Middle: Faux Leather peplum top is Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's. Black slacks have been seen on the blog several times!  Necklace is from a local boutique, gift from my best friend.

Bottom Right: Dress is from Plato's Closet, leggings I've had forever, leopard print belt is from my mom's closet!

I've most definitely slacked off recently in my clothing choices lately...worn more jeans and long-sleeved shirts with TOMs more often than I'd like to admit.  But November and December can be quite hectic! 

Here's to some possibility for brave new fashion choices (and brighter colors) in 2014!!

Stitch Fix #2

Don't know if you've all been paying attention to the news and weather reports lately, but most of North Texas, where I live, has been essentially SHUT. DOWN. the last few days because of an ice storm.  Normally, I think that Texans overreact and/or are ill-prepared to handle winter weather, but this one really was no joke.  Overnight we had 4-5 inches of solid ice on the ground, making travel very dangerous, if not impossible. 


Also, my house has been trading a stomach bug back and forth since Thanksgiving (we're all on the mend now!) and the Little One has been teething.  So please forgive the fact that I look like a WRECK in these photos!  But let me say that Jaime, my stylist, NAILED this fix!  She really listened to what I said in my feedback last time, and I loved every single thing she sent me. 

If you're saying WAIT WAIT SLOW DOWN, WHAT THE HECK IS A STITCH FIX?? then let me point you to my post about my first fix, in which I explain how it works!

Onto the fix!

Click here to get started!

I specifically asked Jaime to send me something that would be perfect for holiday parties in this fix.  She took my request and sent something perfect that would also work for the office!

The Paltrow Stretch Lace Hi-Lo Peplum Top -- $98. This emerald green, lace top would be PERFECT with jeans, heels, and a blazer with a sparkly brooch or statement earrings.

I didn't take a picture of the back, but it also featured an exposed, gold zipper, which I thought was a nice touch of glitz and a fun surprise.  Unfortunately, this top was both a little out of my price range and a little too snug around my midsection, which is still fairly lumpy after having Z.  I knew I'd be self-conscious in it.  But the quality was lovely and the color PERFECT for me. 

Mavi Denim Jacket -- $98

Guys...I LOVED this jacket.  A good denim jacket is SO hard to find!

 

I loved the cut, and it was a perfect dark wash. It was soft and stretchy and would look fantastic dressed up or down.  Unfortunately, we ran into another size+price issue.  The price actually isn't terrible, to me, when you consider how much people spend for a good pair of jeans.  This denim jacket would last forever, and would have been worth the investment.  But, despite the sleeve length and where it hit my torso being perfect, it was just a little tight in the arms and would not button across my chest.  Sigh.  Back it goes...

The Nickelle Striped Long-Sleeved Shirt -- $48

When I pulled this shirt out of the box, I LOVED the style, but I was hesitant about horizontal stripes...

But I love this shirt so much!! I think that tiny bit of diagonal stripe on the pocket offsets the horizontal stripes perfectly, and I love how the boat neckline and the navy & white stripes give it a nautical look.  This would be so fun with a pop of color in another item...yellow, red, etc.  KEEPING this shirt!  The price is perfect for me.

Benian Mini Chain Detail Crossbody Bag -- $58

I nearly purrrrred with delight when I pulled out this bag!  It says "off-white" in the description but I'd call it peach, actually.

 

It is made of SUCH soft leather, and I love the style and the chain detail! There was a smaller pouch of the same material inside, as well as a longer shoulder strap.  Guys, this was so tempting!! But I had a budget since it's near the holidays, and I wanted another item from my fix instead.  Also, I do love my Dooney & Bourke purse, and I'm not one to have multiple handbags.  But this price is a steal for the quality of this bag!!  Sending it back.  With a tear in my eye.

Albertson Chambray Henley Blouse -- $68

When I saw on the packing slip that I had another chambray item (after the disappointing shirt dress from my last fix), I was cautiously excited.  I love chambray, and it's really big this fall.  I see it all the time on campus, with leggings and boots and those cozy-looking, tall boot socks and scarves!

I knew as soon as I put this shirt on that I was keeping it!  It's so soft and I love the way it fits! I love the asymmetrical hem (it's slightly longer in the back), and the rolled sleeves with the button closure to keep them up.  My stylist clearly paid attention to my disappointment that the last chambray item didn't work for me, and was Jaime-on-the-spot to find me another one!  KEEPING.

I know the prices seem high, but let me remind you that you get a 25% discount if you buy all 5 items, AND your $20 stylist fee goes towards your total.  If you have credits from people clicking on your referral links, it takes the price down even further!

Here's how this fix would have worked out for me:

Total: $370 - $20 stylist fee - $37 credit - $87.50 for the discount = $225.50.  Just over $200 for 5 items of such high quality is a great deal, in my opinion. 

I actually got another referral credit while I was trying these on, so by the time I decided on my two items, plus my referral credits, plus my $20 stylist fee, I am only out of pocket $34 for this fix!  Cannot beat that!

I'm extremely happy with this fix! I can't wait to schedule another one after the new year! 

Interested?  Please click on my referral link to get started!

Outfits of the Day

Last week's/today's outfits!  (Obviously, anyone who can count and knows the number of days in a week knows that there is an outfit or two missing...but sometimes I can't find time to go and awkwardly take a selfie in the break room bathroom.) (Or I just really dressed like crap that day.)

Left to Right:

Cardigan: Old Navy party cardi.  Thrifted.

Tank: Old Navy (there's a really pretty floral embellishment on the side, covered by the cardigan)

Pants and shoes: same as seen here.

Black and Grey top: Old Navy (sensing an Old Navy trend...)

Skirt: Stitch Fix.  Worn with same tights and shoes as seen here.

Leopard print dress: Phillip Lim for Target.

Purple long-sleeved shirt: Old Navy. 

Scarf and necklace: Gifted and Thrifted

Jeans: MATERNITY SKINNY JEANS, YO.  No shame here!


***


As the weather goes up and down here in North Texas, it gets really difficult to dress appropriately. Mornings require a heavy coat that leaves you sweating when you leave at 5pm.  I'm anxious for the weather to even out a bit. 

Outfit of the Day

Playing some catch up today!  Last week was a bit crazy.  I had my Big Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, and that always takes up a huge portion of my time and energy.  I also got the wind knocked out of my sails on Friday with a monster migraine, so there are a few outfits missing.  I'm actually wearing the red dress and tights in the top left photo TODAY. 

I wore a lot of black this past week!  I think I need to work on integrating some more colors into my wardrobe.  The red dress and that bright blue blouse are a start, but I do wear a LOT of black. 

Also shown in this collage are two things I LOVE about fall fashion: boots and patterned nights! 

Most of the things in this collage are repeats.  The red dress was last seen here.  The blue top was seen here, and the skirt is from my first Stitch Fix.  You've seen (and will see) the black cardigan MANY times.  The slacks and black draped neck top in the top right picture are both from Kohl's.  The leopard print flats are from Target and the shiny black shoes are another favorite you've seen before. 

One thing I've found that I need is MOAR CARDIGANS.  I love them so much, but I'm not very adventurous with them re: mixing and matching yet.  I'm going to work on that. I love this black cardigan with my whole heart but I need to start wearing other ones and mixing up my look a little.

Stitch Fix #1

Good morning!  It's Stitch Fix Day!

(Well, actually it was yesterday, but I'm sharing my Fix with you today, so...)

Let me ask you a few questions:

• Do you find that you never have time to go shopping?  
• Do you get frustrated in poorly lit dressing rooms with funhouse mirrors that make you look nothing like you look in real life?  
• Isn't it frustrating to try on separates and try to figure out how you'll match them with what's already in your closet after you leave the store?  
• Wouldn't it be great if you had someone picking out things just for you and your body type? 

If you answered "YES!" to any of those questions, then Stitch Fix is the perfect solution!

How it works:  Go to the Stitch Fix website and create an account, then fill out a style profile questionnaire.  (Full disclosure: every link to Stitch Fix on this post is my referral link. It's a great way to earn $$$ for new clothes with each fix!) Pay a $20 styling fee, and wait for your fix to arrive!

You will receive 5 items (could be any combination of clothing and accessories), which you can try on in the privacy and comfort of your OWN home and with your OWN clothes!  Send anything you don't want back in a prepaid envelope within 3 days of receiving it, and you will be charged ONLY for the items you keep!

This is especially easy for new moms! If you did what I did and threw out a bunch of your clothes in a pregnant, hormonal rage and now only have maternity clothes for the fall...this is the way to go! I can try everything on after Z is asleep without leaving my house! And I can send it back SO easily without having to go to the post office!

How much does it cost? Every fix costs $20 for the styling fee.  If you decide to keep any items, that $20 will be applied to your purchase! If you keep nothing, you do not get the $20 refunded.  If you decided to keep all five items, you receive an additional 25% off your purchase! The items themselves are a wide range of prices, but the website says that you can expect an average of $65/item.

Is it a monthly thing? Will I get charged $20 every month? Nope! You can sign up for monthly fixes, or you can go in and order a fix on an as-needed basis. 

But what if my stylist gets it completely wrong? You can go back to the site and offer feedback on every single item you receive and you can update your style profile at any time!

Okay! So onto my Fix!

I was SO excited to get the box! It's wrapped beautifully, which says a lot to me, and the packing slip included a personal note from my stylist, Jaime.

The first item I tried on was the Ashlee Floral Print Swiss Dot Blouse.  I loved this item as soon as I pulled it out of the box.  Sadly, it was too small. :( It just barely buttoned over my chest, and the sleeves were way too tight.  Getting it back off my body was an aerobic activity.

Verdict: Will not keep.

The next thing out of the box was the Foster Chambray Shirt Dress.  I love that Chambray is so "in" this fall! This dress was deliciously soft and very comfortable.  Unfortunately, it didn't do much for my figure. I tried it on alone and then as an "outfit" with my own scarf, leggings and boots.

Verdict: Will not keep.

Next was the Galena Solid Pleated Ponte Skirt.  I was skeptical of this skirt because of the length and the fact that it had no zipper or buttons or anything.  But when I put it on, with my own blouse and shoes, I loved it! And it has pockets!

This skirt will be perfect for the fall & winter months because it's thick and sturdy and incredibly comfortable and versatile.

Verdict: will definitely keep!

Next was the Vivianna Open-Draped Knit Cardigan.  This item was VERY warm and cozy (a little too warm yet for these balmy October days in Texas...).  The style card attached to it (oh I forgot to mention! there's a style card on every item with suggestions on how to wear it!) suggested it with jeans and over a dress, so I tried it both ways.

Verdict: Undecided. It's a great piece, but it's a little on the high end, price-wise, for my taste.  I can see myself wearing it a lot, though, especially on days that are too warm for a coat but too chilly to go without a sweater or light jacket.

Finally, the last item in my box was an accessory: the Facet Rectangles & Floral Jewels necklace.

This necklace is lovely, and would be perfect for the upcoming holiday season.  However, the price is way too high for a necklace that, in my opinion, felt a bit light and cheap.  A friend's wise words to me were, "if it feels cheap in your hand, then it is." I could find something very similar at Plato's Closet or TJ Maxx for at least half the price.

Verdict: will not keep.

Overall, my stylist did a great job. I loved the way everything in the box looked...just not necessarily how it looked on me.  So, she did a great job based on what I said in my style profile!  I'll definitely be leaving her feedback and ordering at least one more fix before the year is out!