Fashion - Pocketful of Joules

November Stitch Fix: Help Me Decide!

I can’t believe my THIRD Stitch Fix is finally here. I feel like I’ve been looking forward to this Fix as soon as I scheduled it. That’s how they suck you in, right?!

If you are interested in checking out my first two Fix’s, you can see my first Stitch Fix box here and my second Getting Warmer Fix here.

Claire styled this month’s fix and I think overall she did a really great job. It’s actually my FAVORITE Fix so far… even better than last months Fix. Which is why I really need your help in deciding what to purchase!

They updated the styling cards that come with the Fix so that now the outfit suggestions are all on one sheet of paper. I actually really like the new design because you don’t have a big laminated tag poking you while you try on the clothes. I also like that I have all the outfit suggestions in case I want to mimic any from my own clothes.

Here’s my first item, which is the only one that wasn’t a winner AT ALL. I really like the color of the shirt… but there is no way that I’d ever pay $78 for a extremely thin short-sleeved blouse. You can’t see it in this picture, but it’s so thin that you can easily see my bra. As you can tell by my face, Joules no likey and this isn’t even included in the voting.

So I need your opinion on this top. It’s a Dolman Sleeve Jersey top, which means that I kinda look like Batgirl when I lift my arms. Is this a good thing? Do I WANT to be Batgirl? I thought it looked cute as a date night top (even though I accidentally cut my head off in the picture…) and maybe for a more casual work outfit. What do you think?

I really like the feel of this sweater, but the color and shape doesn’t really do anything for me. Thoughts? The jeans are also from this Fix (also worn in the last picture) and I love the way they fit…however I JUST bought an identical pair of jeans a month or so ago.

When I pulled this jacket out of the box I was like, “UM…didn’t I JUST leave feedback on how awful asymmetric jackets look on busty girls?!” and kind of glared at it for a while. I really didn’t even want to try it on because I was convinced that I’d look like a busty heifer. I was pleasantly surprised though that when I actually tried this top on…it looks kinda cute. Right? Or am I fooling myself? I like that the two zippers on the front are working zippers, so you can wear the jacket zipped asymmetrically or straight up the middle. I think this could be really cute as a more badass version of a work suit jacket. Do you think I should buy this one?

After trying everything on with my clothes, I’m strongly considering purchasing the black and white dolman sleeve top and the asymmetric jacket. I have until Friday to make my final decisions though… which is why I’d love to know what you think. Feel free to use this snazzy voting tool or just leave your comments below.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix, I pay for the $20 styling fee and any clothing I purchase with my own hard-earned money. I do have a special referral link though and if you decide to click through and sign up I will receive a small referral reward. Here’s my link. So thank you for anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction.

11/21/13 Update: Thank you so much to everyone who gave feedback! I ended up purchasing the black and white BATGIRL top from this Fix. I was on the fence on the asymmetrical jacket… but after trying it on for the 10,000th time, the zipper stuck and I figured it was a sign that I should pass. I already scheduled my next fix for December and requested a holiday party dress and all fun tops!

Psssst…Do you love checking out what other people received in their Fixes? I added quick links to every single one of my reviews on my Stitch Fix Reviews page!

Stitch Fix Review: Getting Warmer

Okay friends, I had high hopes for my second Stitch Fix box. Hiiiiigh Hopes (yes, let’s break into song now…).

High Apple Pie in the SKY hopes.

After receiving and reviewing the first box, I was pretty excited because the stylist then looks at your feedback when selecting the items for your next box. I also added to the notes section that I’d love some “fall transition pieces” since I will be going on our anniversary trip to Hershey Park and wanted to look kinda cute while chilling out with my boys.

Oh and in case you aren’t familiar with the concept, you can read my first Stitch Fix review here. The short version is that Stitch Fix is your own personal stylist that picks 5 items that she thinks you’d like and sends them to you. You try them on in the comfort of your own home (with your own stuff from your closet) and send back whatever you don’t want.

Here’s what I got in my October Fix:

Street Level Kirkham Crossbody Tote with Side Pocket – $66.00. And yes, that is Ollie’s face in the corner, just checking things out.

Street Level Kirkham Crossbody Tote with Side Pocket – $66.00. If I were in the market for a cute tote and purse, I would have totally have purchased this cobalt blue set. However, I already have a purse that I love so I don’t need this one.

RD Style Genoa Seamed Ponte Knit Pant – $58.00. As you can see, I’m not wearing them and there is a reason for that.

RD Style Genoa Seamed Ponte Knit Pant – $58.00. I liked the color and weight of these pants, but just did not dig the style. With the seam running down the front of the leg and the elastic sides on the waist, it just reminded me too much of the under-the-foot leggings from the 1980’s. I tried them on, but totally hated the way they looked. If this were a pair of skinny jeans in this color, or even a pair of work-appropriate trousers in cranberry, I would have kept them in a heartbeat. As they are, they went back into my return bag.

Under Skies Elissa Terry Cloth Moto Jacket – $68.00. It’s grey, but it’s kind of a beige-taupe-grey.

Under Skies Elissa Terry Cloth Moto Jacket – $68.00. I like the IDEA of this jacket, kind of rocker-cool in a soft snuggly fabric. Unfortunately, the problem with asymmetrical zippers is that they tend to make a busty girl look even more broad and busty than she already is. And not in a va-va-voom way, in a chunky-chunky-monkey way. Back in the return bag it goes!

Sanctuary Pfister Crochet Detail Sleeveless Top – $48.00. Here is the close-up so you can see the pretty detailing.

Sanctuary Pfister Crochet Detail Sleeveless Top – $48.00. This one ALMOST ended up in my closet. I love the crochet/lacy detail on the front of the shirt and of course I love a nice black top that I can dress up for work or dress down for play. Unfortunately, this top had two things going against it – first it was see-through, so I’d have to wear a tank underneath it. Yeah, a tank under a tank.

That was actually do-able. It wasn’t until the second time I tried it on (for the pictures) that I noticed that one of the middle buttons was straining just a bit. So since the fit was a teeny bit off, I decided to send it back.

41Hawthorn Abrianna Long-sleeved Knit Cardigan – $48.00. Outfit experiment #1, I did a double-knot in the cardigan and put it over a red dress from Banana Republic. And yes, you can totally see the back view in the mirror.

41Hawthorn Abrianna Long-sleeved Knit Cardigan – $48.00. It’s so funny that they sent me this sweater, because I pinned it on my pinterest board from the Stitch Fix blog. I really liked how they showed four different ways to wear an open front cardigan and I was planning to try their tips with a short-sleeve one I have.

Here it is in outfit experiment #2, I left it open and put it over a taupe-colored tank top and a pair of black skinny jeans.

Now that I’m looking at their tips again, I wish I had taken a picture of this cardigan belted. Oh well – I did try it both open and tied in a double-knot over a dress. What you can’t see in the pictures is that the cardigan is so incredibly light AND super soft, without being see-through. So I love it and am definitely keeping it.

So, once again I’ve ended up buying one item out of the five that Stitch Fix sent me. I ALMOST bought two though, which is why I think they’re getting warmer when it comes to sending me stuff that I love. I’ve decided that for next month’s box I’m going to ask for: a pair of work appropriate pants, a dress or two, a skirt and the rest tops. That way I can give them an idea of what I want (no purses) but still give them full control of surprising me!

Also, just so this is perfectly clear this is not a sponsored post. Stitch Fix did not pay me or reward me in any way to blog about them. However, if you do decide to give Stitch Fix a try and use my special referral code, I will receive referral rewards. Here’s my link. So thank you for anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction.

What do you think, did I choose wisely? Have you tried Stitch Fix? If so, how long until you got that coveted five items box where you purchased everything?

Psssst…Do you love checking out what other people received in their Fixes? I added quick links to every single one of my reviews on my Stitch Fix Reviews page!

Do you REALLY need a diaper bag?

I’m doing something crazy. It’s flying-by-the-seat of your pants crazy in the mommy world… I’ve gotten rid of my diaper bag.

{I can hear the parents out there with their shocked gasps now!}

Ok, it’s not that crazy. And if you’re not a parent you’re probably wondering why it’s even a big (ok, medium-sized) deal. Honestly, I do feel a bit naked and maybe even uneasy with this change.

For the past 20 months, every single time I’ve left the house with Jack I’ve had my diaper bag.

It’s not your typical diaper bag from Baby’s R Us or Target… it’s actually a large purse from Fossil that I fell in love with and asked my parents to buy me for Christmas two years ago. It has worked great for lugging around everything you need when you have a baby: bottles/formula, cups, a changing pad, spare clothes, diapers, wipes, medicine, snacks, my wallet, etc.

But, it’s HEAVY.

And you tend to just throw things in there and later pull out three used cups, 8 empty snack containers and 3 socks.

I came to the realization a few weeks ago (and I’m almost afraid to share it because I might jinx myself) that I never change Jack’s diaper when we are out and about. Never. I change his diaper before we leave and he’s typically mostly dry for a few hours at a time. Also, Jack prefers to be home when he has his own personal twosie time… so I’ve never had to do that ‘oh no my kid just launched a poo granade’ thing in public.*

lunchbag — Skip Hop lunchie *(Source: www.Skiphop.com)*

For most trips, I’d find myself leaving the diaper bag in the truck and just grabbing out my wallet. So I had the bright idea to just give up on a diaper bag altogether. Instead, I packed a cute Skip Hop lunchbox that we had gotten from Citrus Lane with the necessities – 2 diapers, a small pack of wipes, a change of clothes, teething tabs and an emergency pacifier – and left it in my truck for good. I also packed a gallon baggy containing 2 diapers and wipes for my husband to keep in his truck. So now, for our normal trips I’ll just throw a baggie of goldfish in my purse and be done with it.**

So much easier, right?

And if we do run into a changing emergency, I have everything I need in my truck without lugging it around daily. Why didn’t I do this months ago?!

Part of me feels a little sad because I most likely carried my diaper bag for the very last time, but another part of me feels so much lighter – mentally and physically – without the heavy bag o’ crap on my shoulder.

If you have kids, how long did you carry your diaper bag? Is there something that you think I should add to my truck ‘necessities’ bag?

*The only exception to this is that Jack apparently likes to poo on planes.

** For longer trips, like when we go to Hershey Park, I’ll put some necessities in a backpack or in a small bag to keep in the bottom of the stroller.