Fashion - Pocketful of Joules

Keep or Return: Maxi Skirt

Okay, I need your help. I’m having one of those days where I’m kind of living in my own head and focusing on my flaws. I’ve never really been a long skirt kinda girl – with dresses or skirts – but I’ve recently been intrigued by the idea of a maxi skirt.

I like that they look nice, even though you’re basically running around in a fancy nightgown. Not that I actually wear fancy nightgowns… but you know what I mean.

I recently saw this pin on pinterest, which sparked the idea that I might need a maxi skirt. I loved that it looks super casual with the comfy v-neck t-shirt, but has a little bit of edge with the fun flowy skirt and sandals. I wasn’t sure if the solid color skirt would work best for my figure though, since I could use a cool pattern to camouflage problem areas.

Last night I saw an ikat patterned skirt at TJMaxx for $24.99, so I snapped it up to try out at home. It’s made out of a super soft and stretchy rayon/spandex blend, so I figure it will wash and wear well. I’m 5’7” and the length of the skirt seems to fall where it’s supposed to by my ankles.

I paired it with a casual black v-neck t-shirt, long necklace and sandals. Looking at the picture, I think a darker colored sandal would look better, but I haven’t unpacked my summer shoes yet.

I really like the way the t-shirt looked knotted on the pinterest girl… but I don’t want to stretch out one of my favorite t’s by knotting it. Instead, I did a little front tuck. Looking at it I think it’s growing on me… it is out of my comfort zone though. Which can be a good thing.

So, I want to know what you think – am I pulling it off or should I return it?

#TheJoulesPurge and a Giveaway!

Now that the weather is finally warming up, I feel like it’s a great time to launch the spring version of The Joules Purge!

I did it for the first time in the fall (you can check out the initial post here) and was thrilled to end up with a closet full of clothes that I actually wear (here’s how it turned out)! Now I’m going to go through all my warm weather clothes and I thought it would be fun if you guys would join me by cleaning out your closets too. To sweeten the pot, I’m going to give away a $150 True&Co gift card to a randomly drawn participant!

Here’s how you play:

Step 1: When you get dressed, post a picture of your outfit on Instagram. Use the hashtag #thejoulespurge and let us know which item you are considering purging. (Be sure to follow me on Instagram at PocketfulofJoules so I can follow you back and see all your fun outfits!)

Here’s an example: {stupid hand on hip pose optional}

Today’s #thejoulespurge item is this dress from #bananarepublic — I’ve had it for a couple years but tend to not wear it because I get self conscious about my tummy. Let’s see how I feel at te end of the day… Leather cuff bracelets from #leighelena and #thecuffchicetsy #ootd #wiw #styleblogger

A photo posted by pocketfulofjoules (@pocketfulofjoules) on Dec 3, 2014 at 3:11am PST

Step 2: At the end of the day, decide whether you are going to keep or purge the item. For my wardrobe, I ask myself three questions but your criteria may be different based on your lifestyle.

At any time throughout the day did I feel uncomfortable because of the item’s fit?
After a full day of work, do I feel messy, disheveled or super wrinkly?
For work clothes, do I feel like I look nice and professional?

Step 3: If the item fails, remove it from your closet. I have an extra laundry basket in my closet so I can immediately throw purged clothes in and then later sell them to Twice or donate them to a thrift store.

I’m going to run #thejoulespurge contest from now until Monday, May 18th. Every single photo you post on Instagram with #thejoulespurge will be entered into the contest (one entry per photo). On May 18th, I will put all the names in a hat and pick a winner to receive a $150 True&Co gift card!

If you need some ideas on how to start, I wrote a special post over on BlogHer, How to Spring Clean Your Wardrobe in 4 Steps. I’d love it if you would click over and check it out!

Are you going to play along with the spring version of #thejoulespurge?

5/6/15: So, apparently this idea is lame. Dumb and lame. And nobody wants to play with me, so I’m just out there on Instagram playing with myself. Which is weird. So, I’m ending the contest early and naming myself the winner… because I’m the only person who played. The end.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by anyone, including True&Co or Instagram. I earn referral credits in my True&Co account when readers use my special code, so I’m using them to purchase the $150 gift card to give away as a contest prize.

Reviewing DAILYLOOK Elite

First I tried Stitch Fix (again and again and again), then I tried The Ms. Collection, and now you guys get to hear all about DAILYLOOK Elite.

What is DAILYLOOK Elite?
Straight from the press release: Known for its trend-setting e-commerce site, DAILYLOOK now offers DAILYLOOK Elite, which offers a box of hand-picked items by your personal stylist delivered to your doorstep. For $20 a month, users will receive a curated collection of new fashion items selected for their wants and needs. DAILYLOOK Elite can send multiple boxes monthly when you’re stocking up for a new season or send a special request box for a perfect first date outfit – just give them a week’s notice.

While it does sound very similar to Stitch Fix, here are some differences:

DAILYLOOK has their own website where you can buy items, so if you see something you like you don’t have to cross your fingers that it will be in your box… you can just buy it. Same goes if you see a blogger talk about an item – if you love it, you can just buy it for yourself.
They include 6 – 8 items in each box, instead of just 5. In both my boxes I tried, I received 8 items. You get 7 days to decide if you want to keep any of your items.
They have a “closet” feature on their DAILYLOOK website where you can store items you like off their website. This gives your stylist a chance to see your style, as well as include items you have selected.
You are assigned a stylist with a direct email address. You can email back and forth whenever you’d like with your needs and your feedback on the items that didn’t work for you.
They have a very quick turn-around and can get you a box out with just a week’s notice.

To celebrate their launch, DAILYLOOK Elite is offering a three-month trial ($60 value) for free.

My First DAILYLOOK Elite Box
My first box did not go well. I’m trying to type that with a straight face. In reality it was absolutely terrible. However, I can imagine that it is very difficult to style a box for a customer that you never met and only saw their style survey results.

My first box contained:
DAILYLOOK Two Tone Sweater – $20.95 – no longer online
Classic Cotton Button Down Shirt – $29.99
DAILYLOOK Corningstone Vegan Leather Satchel – $49.99
Polka Dot Tulip Back Top – $29.95
Lucy Paris Classic Textured Blazer in Ivory – $66.99
DAILYLOOK Midi Skirt in Navy – $49.99
DAILYLOOK Pleated A-Line Midi Dress – $59.99
The Fifth Label Blown Away Blazer – $104.99 – no longer online

I actually didn’t bother taking pictures of this entire box because it was kind of a crap-storm of ill-fitting clothing. I did take a picture of the best and the worst from the box though…

Here’s the best:

The color is pretty, the cut is okay. The “midi” length is not great on me and if I were to keep this I’d chop it to knee-length instead. However, I actually own a dress super similar to this that I got at Banana Republic a few years ago. Note to those who are interested in purchasing this dress, it is cut small. Typically in dresses I wear a large and they sent me an extra-large (which is what I am wearing in the picture).

Now are you ready for the worst? My friends on Facebook and Instagram already got a peek of this one.

Yes, that’s a crop top. Actually, the polka dotted part is the crop top… I added the striped tank top for my own modesty. Here’s what I have to say about this top:

What is funny is if you click through to their model wearing the top, it’s not horrible. However, they state that the model’s measurements are a 22” waist and a 32A bust…

I wanted to give DAILYLOOK another chance. I mean, with their deal of trying them out for three months for free there is no reason NOT to try them again. I emailed my stylist with super specific feedback about what I liked and didn’t like, and I also added a few items that I liked to my online “closet” for her to see.

My Second DAILYLOOK Elite Box
Okay, this box was SO MUCH better. The style was more in tune with what I would wear, so I tried each item on for you guys:

DAILYLOOK Midi Wrap Dress – $69.99
I love wrap dresses and have a few already in my wardrobe, so props to my stylist for sending one over. The dress fit fine, however even though I have a total weakness for Ikat this fabric is just SO MUCH. It’s like I’m wearing a curtain from the 70’s and not in a sexy ‘I’m at a toga party’ kinda way.

Arquette Flared Gridline Skirt – $49.99
I feel like you guys will either love this skirt or totally hate it. I mean, it does look a bit like a 50’s housewife grabbed a tablecloth and just went to town with it. But it’s also kind of cute. Right?! Once again, I hated the “midi” length and wanted to chop a few inches off this skirt to make it look better on me. However, it wasn’t fitting perfect anywhere else either, so I decided to let this one go back into the wild. Or the tablecloth section. Whichever.

BB Dakota Fenna Stripe Cardigan – $104.99 and Joe’s Jeans Chanelle Mid Rise Skinny Jeans – $178.99
Okay, I’m wearing the cardigan and jeans together in this picture for your enjoyment. The jeans look okay in the picture, but in real life they are squeezing out a big ol’ muffintop. Good thing I have the blanket sweater to hide it! The sweater is kind of cute and I like the black and white design. I’m not really a big fan of fluffy open cardigans though, although I guess they are kind of everywhere right now. I’m also not a fan of the price for a sweater that doesn’t make my heart go pitter-pat.

Velvet Heart Zena Button Down – $87.99
Do me a favor and click over to see what their model looks like in this shirt. Sexy, yes? Now, look at me. Case closed.

Veronica Tailored Blazer – $49.99
I was almost feeling like I should buy this jacket. I mean, it’s a gray suit jacket and it fit pretty well. But then I looked at the pictures of me wearing it and there is nothing really good about it. I mean, there is nothing really BAD about it either. But, who wants to buy a jacket that is just bearable?

Quay Invader Laser Cut Sunglasses – $39.99
I was kind of tempted by these glasses – I mean they are an interesting cross of weird and cute. So, I asked you guys on Instagram and Facebook and the consensus was… they’re just weird. They make for a funny picture though, so there’s that!

Baggu Shoulder Tote Duck Bag – $39.99
The only item that I wanted to keep from this order was the cute striped bag, but I was really disappointed when I saw that it was only $24 on another website. I used the chat feature to ask if DAILYLOOK price matched and got an immediate response of “No.”

Um… okay. I went ahead and kept it though because DAILYLOOK gave me a credit as a thank you for trying out their service and considering it for a review. When I did my box feedback form, I noted in the comments that I was really disappointed that they didn’t price match and was pleasantly surprised when my stylist send me an email the next day apologizing and refunding my account with the difference in price. So, maybe you just need to make a little noise to get a price match?

Should You Try DAILYLOOK?
My recommendation: click around on the DAILYLOOK website. If you see lots of stuff that you like, order the DAILYLOOK Elite box. If you click and click and click some more without seeing one thing you’d want to buy… give it a pass. They still have their promotion where they waive the $20 stylist fee for your first three boxes, so you have nothing to lose by trying them out!

Did my silly ‘crop top’ picture make you laugh? Are you loving or hating the “invader” sunglasses? Do you think I should have kept any items that I sent back from my second box?

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by DAILYLOOK. All thoughts, opinions and ‘yuck face’ photos are my own. I used the promo code for the free styling fee for each of my boxes. I did, however, receive credit on my account which I used to purchase the tote bag.