The Serial Fixer.

My second Stitch Fix came today!! If you're not sure what Stitch Fix is, it's sorta like your own personal stylist who shops for you, then sends to your door the 5 items she thinks fit your style best. No shopping headache, no weeding through loads of meh clothes to find what you really like, and my personal favorite aspects, all this happens and I don't have to leave my house or speak to anyone! HOORAY! If you'd like more info, check out my first post and click my link. If you choose to do it, use that link and it will get me a referral credit :) Thanks!

So, on to the clothes! Like my first shipment, I received an adorable turquoise box with clothes packaged beautifully and a personal note from my stylist. She referenced my blog and my Pinterest page and how the items she chose fit the sort of style I've been pinning.

See? So cute!

My stylist sent me 2 sweaters, a blouse, a dress, and a skirt. A pretty healthy mix of items. I had been pinning bright blues and turquoises (my favorites), some tribal prints, and chunky sweaters for an upcoming trip to Colorado. I also have a work function in March that I mentioned.

... and I like this Kirsten already.

So, here's a rundown of what was in the box, and how I felt about it:

Item #1: Gilli- Auden Ikat Print Dress, Black

I love the colors! It's black, white and turquoise with a sort of tribal print to it. V-neck, which is versatile, and a decent length that could easily go into Spring. I liked it a lot, so I styled it a bunch of different ways to make sure, and even went down and got hubby's opinion.

Wide black belt & necklace. Denim jacket, skinny belt. Turquoise belt and tank. Skinny belt & same necklace.

Sidenote: I finally mounted my mirror! Today, between photos 2 and 3, after taking the first pictures and realizing they were awful. It had started snowing and our skylights got blocked by snow, so we had no more light coming in the room. You can even tell the difference in light between 1 and 2! Much better pictures now :)

Ultimate decision: Possibly. I love the colors and the ikat pattern. Clearly I could wear this a bunch of ways: more conservatively for school, and without the tank for a more dressy occasion. Plus, hubby approved. However, I'm still not sure that it's flattering on me, so I'd love to hear your opinion. Should I keep it? Which look is best?

Item #2: Fun2Fun- Janina Split Neck Tulip Sleeve Blouse, Cobalt

Again, great color. I've been pinning a bunch of bright blue because it's so fantastic, and I'm really looking forward to getting out of winter and the muted tones that it brings. I'm not really a blouse person, so I was skeptical of this top. I know short sleeves tend to make my arms look big, so I was ready for that, but I gave it a try twice.

Black dress pants. Jeans.

Don't mind the hubs. He was interested in my new stuff, too! (plus the cat was there)

Ultimate decision: Nope. No big difference, still don't like it, although I didn't hate it like I thought I would. I also tried it with a skirt just in case, but it wasn't worth photographing. While I love the color, the blousy style and sleeve length didn't do it for me. I actually really liked the idea of the tulip sleeve, but it was not flattering on my arm. I could see it really looking great on someone with long, slim limbs.

Item #3: Market & Spruce- Aleah Heathered V-Neck Dolman Top, Burgundy

I loooved this coming out of the box. Loved the color, loved the length, love v-necks, loved the banded sleeves, loved the softness of the material. Seemed perfect.

Jeans and toms. Chill. Black pants, black boots,

chunky necklace, braid. Cozy.

Ultimate decision: YES! This is so me, and very much what I was looking for to wrap up my winter wardrobe. I could also see doing this with a scarf, a jean jacket, or any other basic items. A very comfortable winner!

Item #4: Gilli- Kelsey Skirt, Black

This pattern really wasn't grabbing me and that and the flare reminded me a little bit of Little House on the Prairie (sorry!). Nonetheless, I tried it on, as the stylist recommended, with the dolman top. Ugh. Then I tried it with a brighter color. Better, but still ugh.

With dolman top. I look huge. With bright color & boots, not much better.

Ultimate decision: Absolutely not. So after the skirt from my last fix was so small, I went in and sized up, just in case I had my size off. This one was definitely too big, so I'll go back and change it. But, of course, the style didn't work for me either, so that was just a miss. Fortunately, I already have 2, maybe 3 black and white skirts :) so she wasn't really THAT far off from my taste! I prefer a straight or pencil-like skirt though, it's much more flattering on me.

Item #5: Market & Spruce- Cordelia Striped Boat Neck Sweater, Black

Initially, I had a lot of negative thoughts about this sweater. I thought it was boring, too chunky, and a weave that might stretch and become huge. But when I put it on I kinda liked it, and it didn't seem to stretch at all.

With jeans and flats. Meh. With snazzy red jeans. Most likely to succeed,

black pants, boots, braid.

Ultimate decision: HELP! Should I keep this, or not? I don't have anything like it, and I have been seeking warm sweaters to wear in this freakishly cold weather we've been having.

So that's all for Fix #2, but I have 1 definite keep and 2 possible contenders. I'd love to know what you think of my stuff to help me make a decision. Of course, if you're interested in trying Stitch Fix after all this, click right there on that link and check it out. It's so much fun!

SO EXCITING!

So, I finally caved and signed up for Stitch Fix, and my first shipment came in today! If you've never heard of this, let me be the one to tell you about it! Details below...

You sign up online (just follow the link above) and fill out a quick style profile about what you do and don't like to wear. You will be given a stylist who will pick out and send you 5 items that they think you will like based on your likes and dislikes. I also began a Pinterest board and linked it to my Stitch Fix style profile so my stylist could really get a good idea of what I like. It's $20 per shipment for a stylist fee, but it's included if you buy any of the items. Fun!

Lately, I've been feeling pretty... sad about my clothing situation. I sold/am selling a lot of things that I didn't wear anymore, and I still have a ton of things that I don't love but keep because I need clothes. A girl can't wear the same thing every day, right? I love fashion and enjoy wearing new clothes, but I hate shopping. This seemed like a good way to find cool, trendy items that work for me without having to waste my time searching for the perfect whatever at a mall or online. I can never find it! Stitch Fix amps up the excitement of getting new clothes because, while you have a say in what you get, it's not exactly spelling out for you. Instead, it's a wonderful surprise waiting at your door!

Though I'm not a writer or blogger, I wanted to share this experience for a few reasons. When waiting for my Fix box, I read a bunch of blogs from sticherfixers and I really loved it! It was helpful to see what I could expect and to know that I wouldn't love everything in the box. My expectations were real. Also, I want to get feedback from readers about items that I'm undecided on, in case I'm really stuck. So, feel free to leave comments! Finally, I will send this to my stylist so she knows what I look like, my body type, what I like/dislike, and what I'm really looking for from this. All very useful.

When I signed up, I had to wait a bit for my first shipment, but I was pleasantly surprised that it arrived 4 days early (eeeek!!!). They sent me a shipping email with tracking information saying it would be on my doorstep in 2 days, and I almost couldn't sleep the last 2 nights.

I was suuuuper excited to come home and open up my first box, and I must say, the packaging is adorable. Great first impression!

There was also a card included with a letter from your stylist and suggestions for how to wear each piece. I had 2 sweaters, a top, a skirt, and a necklace. I initially loved everything I saw! My stylist noted my fondness for polka dots and skirts, which she saw on my Pinterest board. It seemed like she nailed it.

So, here's a rundown of what was in the box, and how I felt about it:

Item #1: Renee C- Macklin Polka Dot Print V-Neck Blouse, Navy

Cute coming out of the box, though probably not something I would've picked out from a store. I tend to gravitate towards brighter colors, but of course I still gave it a try. When I put it on, the arms were too tight and the rest was too big! I looked a little sloppy, plus I was afraid I was going to hulk out of the sleeves. I know I have ~~chubby~~ shapely limbs, so we can chalk that one up to my body type.

Ultimate decision: Nope. Cute dots, but weird fit. Bummer. Also would've preferred a brighter color.

Side note: I learned two things about myself today. 1). I love my new house, but the lighting SUCKS. I have nowhere to take decent pictures. 2). I have no idea how to photograph myself! I'm hoping this improves rapidly with practice. I apologize for everything until then, and I'll try harder next time.

Item #2: 41Hawthorn- Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan, Jewel Tone Purple

Love the color. I put on my Pinterest board some pin with 10 or so jewel-toned items with a comment about loving jewel tones. My stylist definitely understood! It covered my butt (hooray!), and I will take any excuse to wear leggings, so I tried that first. Then I tried it with a belt and a bun. Pretty, but I feel very "school teacher" in it. I know I am a school teacher, but I don't feel like I have to look like one. Finally, I tried it with a black dress, as recommended in the suggestion card. Still undecided.

Ultimate decision: Open to suggestions? I'll prance around at home in it a few more times before deciding. Great color, and I love long sweaters, but it might be a little plain.

Item #3: Bay to Baubles- Cadence Double Layer Square & Triangle Necklace, Silver

I'll admit, this is pretty precious. And it brings out my inner elementary school teacher, because I immediately thought how I could incorporate it into my lesson (yikes). Nonetheless, I am drowning in jewelry, so with the exception of something wildly fantastic, it's probably out. I still tried it on and photographed, just in case. Maybe a little hard to see, but it's understated and dainty with a triangle and a square charms.

Ultimate decision: Nah. I'll stick with what I have already. I was a little disappointed that I missed out on a 5th item here, but to no fault of my stylist! Now I know. I will remove jewelry from my style profile on Stitch Fix so everybody is on the same page.

Item #4: Pixley- Pheobe Chevron Print Sweater, Grey

This one is totally cute. It's pink and grey, and even though I'm not a pink girl, I find myself wearing it all the time. I am increasingly attracted to grey, so that was right on point, and I've been seeking a decent, substantial sweater that doesn't make me look chunky for quite some time. So, I tried it with my black dress pants first, and then I got real and put it on with my jeans, typical necklace, and standard lazy side-ponytail. The pants don't look any different in my pathetic bathroom lighting, but I promise they are! :)

Ultimate decision: Yes! After taking it off, I realized it's cashmere. Sigh and swoon. Even though I don't look too thrilled in my 2nd photo, I promise I'm super happy!

Item #5: Market & Spruce- Reanne Skirt, Dark Grey

So, again with the grey, which I'm totally fine with. My stylist noted that she saw I have a thing for skirts on Pinterest (totally true), so she included this because ruching is so flattering. It looked cute and comfy at first glance, so I tried it on with a lacy black top. Once on, I was very confused: how does this thing work? I couldn't figure out how to orient the ruching, and it seemed pretty tight and short. Hmm.

Uh-uh The ruching just looks lumpy and squeezy. Not so flattering.

Errrr, how is this thing supposed to lay?

Ultimate decision: One guess.... NO. Maybe I'd need to size up for this to be better? I'm not sure that would completely help. But really, I'm just not that into it. I have a number of other cute skirts that work much better for me.

So, how do I feel after my first Fix? Pretty great! I was hoping at least one item would work so I wouldn't have to pay the $20 styling fee, so I'd call it a success. If I had loved and bought every item in the box, I would've gotten a 25% discount, but I'm happy it didn't happen right away as I need to prepare myself financially! I will definitely be doing this again next month.

If you're interested in trying it for yourself, check it out here! As my Kindergarteners say, it's "easy peasy, lemon squeezy!"