My September Stitch Fix Review: Happy Birthday to ME!

Oh my goodness, I feel like I’ve been waiting for this Stitch Fix delivery FOREVER! My schedule got all discombobulated in July when I got a ‘do over’ Fix. Since I ended up buying every darn thing in the box, I figured I should skip my August fix and just have one come for me in September… on what happens to be my birthday week.

Before we get into what I received in my September Fix, if you are wondering “What the Heck is Stitch Fix” you should probably check out this post. If you’re feeling super stalkery and want to see ALL my Stitch Fix posts, you can find them here.

In the notes section for this month’s Fix, here is what I put: “Stylist: Sara J again! I love the moto jacket you sent me, but it’s more of a comfy yoga-type moto jacket. I’d really like to try more of a ROCKSTAR kind of moto jacket in my next fix. I’d also like some fall transition pieces, like maybe a colored pencil skirt and a pair of fall colored jeans (like green or teal). Check out my pinterest page!”

Ok, on to the FASHION SHOW!

Market and Spruce Colibri Abstract Print Top - Stitch Fix Review

Item #1: Market & Spruce Colibri Abstract Print Sleeveless Top – $44
I love a good sleeveless top. I mean, I KNOW it’s September and the weather will soon be quite frightful, but it’s a great layering item. I love to throw one on with a cardigan, or top it with a blazer for a work event. That way, if I get overheated while I’m running around like a nut getting things set up, I can strip down for a bit.

Market and Spruce Colibri Abstract Print Top - Stitch Fix Review

My initial thoughts on this top were that it would have been perfect for spring. The pattern is a really pretty mix of an orangish-red and gray and for some reason initially said ‘spring’ to me. The back of the top is a bit longer than the front (but not in full mullet territory), which makes it nice for skinny jeans.

Once I actually tried this top on, I really liked it! The fit is perfect and there is no pulling around chest buttons or gaping at the armholes. It looks super cute on its own with my gray skinny jeans (Kate Spade by way of Nordstrom Rack) yellow necklace (etsy) and brown gladiator wedges (DSW). Since it will soon be a bit chilly for a sleeveless top, I also tried mixing some patterns by throwing on a brown & taupe polka dotted cardigan (Nordstrom Rack).

Keep or Return? I’m leaning towards buying this one. At $44, I feel like it’s quite reasonable for a top I can wear to work all year long. What do you think?

Renee C Alondra Ruched Pencil Skirt - Stitch Fix Review

Item #2: Renee C Alondra Ruched Pencil Skirt – $58
When I asked for a colored pencil skirt, I was hoping for something like this from my Pinterest board. Instead, I got this navy blue jersey skirt. It’s okay, I know what you’re thinking and I’ll say it for you: Not Flattering. But I just wouldn’t be me if I didn’t show you the good along with the ‘oh HELL no.’

I can rock a good pencil skirt, but it has to have some stiffness to the material – a jersey skirt is NOT flattering on me and even though it is a couple layers you can still totally see panty-lines in the back. Also, the front runching isn’t doing it’s job of camouflaging problem areas… it actually makes my stomach and hips look much larger. Not cute.

Keep or Return? Not flattering at all, so it’s going back. It’s not me…it’s you.

Mystree Delanie Mixed Stripe Cotton Sweater- Stitch Fix Review

Item #3: Mystree Delanie Mixed Stripe Cotton Sweater – $28
First off… $28?! I’ve never gotten something in a Fix that was only $28! AWESOME! When I initially saw this sweater I was in LOVE. The mixed stripes were calling my name and whispering sweet nothings into my ears.

Mystree Delanie Mixed Stripe Cotton Sweater - Stitch Fix Review

I tried this one on with my favorite jeans (Stitch Fix) and some adorable gray boots (9 West). Unfortunately, the sweater was cut with a swing-style bottom that just looks terrible and dumpy on me. So sad. If it were hemmed to be fitted (like I’m holding it in the second picture), I’d snap this baby up in a heartbeat.

Keep or Return? Sorry Stripy, we could have made sweet, sweet love together… but you’re going back!

Mavi Gold Nigel Tall Skinny Jeans- Stitch Fix Review

Item #4: Mavi Gold Nigel Tall Length Skinny Jeans – $138
Oh geez, now I see why they threw in something so inexpensive… to even out THESE pants. Well, I asked for it. I really wanted to try a pair of fall-colored jeans and these olive pants are EXACTLY what I wanted. I don’t know if I would actually consider them jeans, they’re made out of a lightweight cotton material. I styled them for a daytime hanging out look with a casual shirt (Lucky Jeans) and a pair of Toms. Then, I did a work-appropriate look with a black top (Stitch Fix), leopard print wedges (DSW) and a snazzy statement necklace (J.Crew).

Mavi Gold Nigel Tall Skinny Jeans - Stitch Fix Review

The pants are SUPER soft, but because the fabric is so thin they show every lump and bump going on. I like them, but when you compare how flattering the gray jeans are in the first picture to these… well, these are just NOT winning that contest. And for $138, they would need to win. And win BIG.

Keep or Return? I love almost everything about these jeans – the color is fantastic, the fit is pretty good, but there is certainly room for improvement. I think they’re going back. What do you think?

Skies are Blue Terese Quilted Faux Leather Jacket- Stitch Fix Review

Item #5: Skies are Blue Terese Quilted Faux Leather Jacket – $88
So, this would be my rockstar moto jacket? Initially I was a bit disappointed when I pulled it out of the box, because it doesn’t look much like the moto jackets I pinned on my Pinterest page. Actually, it’s not a moto jacket at all, it has a straight zipper in the front.

Skies are Blue Terese Quilted Faux Leather Jacket - Stitch Fix Review

It does have some GREAT quilted stitching though and fits really well. There is plenty of room in the arms/chest area to move comfortably and it looks equally nice with a pair of distressed jeans (Stitch Fix) and boots (9 West) as it does with a work dress (Loft) and strappy gold sandals (Loft).

I’m super undecided on the jacket and every time I pass it in my room I throw it on with what I’m wearing. Over a sweatshirt… hmmm. With my pajamas… hmmm. I think what’s throwing me off is that I wanted a jacket to wear with jeans and this one seems a bit dressy. Which makes it good for work, but what about that first picture for a casual look?

Keep or Return? I’m SO undecided on this one, so please help me decide!

Help me!
Now it’s time for you to chime in and tell me what I should buy! I’m leaning towards buying the sleeveless top and maybe the quilted faux leather jacket. I really like the olive-colored jeans, but they don’t seem like they fit as well as I’d like them too. Same goes for the cotton sweater, I WISH it fit better because it is so freaking cute. An absolute NO WAY on the jersey pencil skirt. Blegh.

Please take a minute and help me decide – leave your comments below!

Also, I’d like to give a big THANK YOU to the person who used my referral code a couple days ago. Because you were so nice as to use my code when signing up for your own Stitch Fix, I received $25 in my account. So anything I purchase will be $25 less. Thank you!

 9/16/14 Update: In the comments section, Mary suggested that I try styling the quilted faux leather jacket a different way… so of course I did what she asked x 2. The first new picture  is as close as I can get to an image I pinned AGES ago with a t-shirt (J.Crew) and my snazzy red jeans (Stitch Fix):

Skies are Blue quilted faux leather jacket - Stitch Fix review

The second styling is exactly as Mary requested, jacket open with a colored t-shirt (Loft) and jeans (Gap). Apparently Ollie felt left out, so he jumped in and gave a little pose too:

Skies are Blue quilted faux leather jacket - open - Stitch Fix review

 9/18/14 Update: I ended up buying the sleeveless blouse and already wore it to work once! I also decided to buy the quilted faux leather jacket after doing a quick peruse of Nordstrom Rack to try on the moto jacket style that I THOUGHT I wanted. Well, apparently I don’t want it anymore. While browsing the store I came across this little number that’s almost identical to the one I was sent, so I decided to go for it and just buy the Skies are Blue version. And yes, I’m ALREADY wearing it today as a blazer for a sassy suit look. Thanks everyone for your help!

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. If you enjoyed my review and decide to try Stitch Fix for yourself, the biggest compliment you can give me is by using my referral link. Thank you to anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction!

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!

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Reviewing MissionCute: the August Box

You know how I like a fun surprise gift in the mail? I mean, who DOESN’T when as a grown-up most of your mail is bills, coupons to places you don’t go, and junk you don’t even open?

We were getting the Citrus Lane boxes for a long time, but stopped a few months ago when Jack grew out of them. I’ve also tried out the Wantable boxes, Brit Kits, Darby Smart boxes and even Fair Ivy’s subscription.

Yeah, that’s right. I tried them ALL like a kid running around in a candy shop. At this point, I don’t have any subscription boxes coming to our house on a regular basis (other than Stitch Fix, of course). So, I was extra excited when MissionCute contacted me.

Mission Cute - August box

MissionCute offers subscription boxes that give back. Each box comes with at least two items made by small artisans and local business. Each month they also partner with a different nonprofit to help promote their mission, raise awareness, AND donate 50% of their monthly net profits to their organization. You can check out all of their previous nonprofit partners here.

Pretty impressive, right?
Let’s take a look inside this month’s box:

Mission Cute - bracelet

Item #1: Ekubo Ministries bracelet
The August MissionCute box benefits Ekubo Ministries. Ekubo Ministries works towards accomplishing the goal of serving the vulnerable children and developing strong and sustainable communities in Uganda. They also provided the very first item in the box, a bracelet made by women by taking otherwise discarded paper and rolling it into beads, which are then varnished.

I love this bracelet and I think that I’ll get a lot of wear with this stacked with a few others. I’m also totally adding this shirt from their Etsy shop to my Christmas list. Anyone want to buy it for me?!

Mission Cute - wine topper

Item #2: Wine Topper from CapaBunga
I know what you’re thinking… “Joules, you actually open a bottle of wine and you DON’T FINISH IT?!” Um yeah, all the darn time. So I love having some wine toppers around the house to keep the wine fresh. This one is made out of silicone and fits virtually every wine bottle. They say you can even rest a bottle on its side or upside down without leaking… so I’ll need to open a bottle ASAP so I can try this out.

Mission Cute - key chain station

Item #3: Birdhouse Key chain Station
Holy moley this is absolutely adorable. The white birdhouse mounts on a wall and the pink bird key chain slips out to attach to your keys. No more setting your keys down somewhere and forgetting them… now you can just dock the bird in its house! To add to the cute factor, the bird is even a whistle. Tweet, tweet.

Mission Cute - soap

Item #4: Proper Soap in Elderflower
Is it odd to want to snort a soap? It just smells so darn GOOD! The Elderflower soap also has lychee, pear and marine notes… which is fancy for saying “yum.” The Proper people are real French artisan soap makers who uphold the French tradition of milling soap, which means no parabens, animal products, unnecessary dyes or chemicals. Oh, and it’s darn cute. I’m beginning to see where they got their name MissionCUTE.

Mission Cute - headband

Item #5: Soft Cotton Headband
So I see these headbands on fashion girls all over the place, which means they are super cool right now. This one is a pretty grey color and made out of an incredibly soft cotton… so I really WANT to like it. I guess I’m just not a thick cotton headband kinda girl. You know who DOES look good in it though?

Mission Cute - Ollie in headband

Sexy little minx.

So there you go my friends, I think I have actually found my new FAVORITE subscription box for a hodge podge of fun stuff! The cost of the box is $39 for one month, $108 for three months, or $198 for 6 months. Yes, it’s a bit pricey… but this could be the PERFECT gift for someone on your holiday gift list that is so hard to buy for. Or yourself.

They also offer a refer-a-friend bonus. If you refer two friends who purchase boxes, you’ll get the next month’s box for free. Click here if you’d like to use my special MissionCute referral link.

What do you think, does this subscription box look like something you’d like to receive? Do you look adorable in those cotton headbands? And by that, I mean cuter than Ollie…?

 

Disclaimer: MissionCute provided me with a free box for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. If you choose to click through on the referral link I provided, I will be able to earn a free MissionCute box for the future. Thank you in advance for anyone who decided to click through, because I’m in love with this box and would totally want to get another one!

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Keeping it Classy with Ashbury Hats

You guys know how when I’m obsessed with something I want to shout it from the rooftops? Well, I’m in LOVE with Ashbury Hats.

I had the chance to meet Hannah and Kristin from Ashbury Hats when I was in California for BlogHer in July. I was blown away by how incredibly cool and friendly they both were. Oftentimes when you meet someone for the first time, it can be a little awkward… but I totally wanted to have these ladies over for a wine party pretty much the moment we met.

What really struck me was how passionate they were about Ashbury Hats. Hannah had on this AMAZING hat, that she even let me try on… you likey?

Trying on hats with asbury hats - Pocketful of Joules

All the hats are handmade in California and looking closely at them you can see the quality and love that go into each creation. Hannah and Kristin let me pick out a few different hats to try and the moment I put on the Soho, I knew it was meant to be mine.

Asbury hats pic - Pocketful of Joules

The hat is made out of leather and SMELLS divine, if you’re into that kind of thing. Which I totally am. The Soho has a bit of a vintage vibe and is made out of oiled “crusher” leather, which means you can totally smush it into your suitcase and it will pop back into shape.

The best part was that I could totally throw it on with any outfit and it immediately looks WAY cuter. I wore it to the BlogHer expo hall the first night and could not walk 10 feet without someone stopping me to compliment my snazzy hat. So if you’re looking for attention – you can totally skip the cleavage bearing dresses and hooha bearing skirts – just add a hat!

Let’s call it a more CLASSY sort of attention…

For fashion’s sake (because why not,right?!) I decided to style the hat for summer and fall so you can see how it pretty much goes with everything.

Here is my take on summer:

summer time Asbury hat look - Pocketful of Joules

I threw on my new Stitch Fix tank top (Renee C Tucker Mixed Print Tank), my favorite pair of jean shorts (Gap) and a cantaloupe colored sweater that I’ve had forever (Loft). This could totally work for an outdoor wine festival, concert or just running around to do errands if you feel like you want to add a little extra cute to your look.

I was DYING to do a fall look too:

Fall look - Asbury Hats - Pocketful of Joules - small

For this outfit, I mixed in a t-shirt that you can hardly see (J.Crew), my red Stitch Fix jeans (Kayla Skinny Jeans), a military-style blazer (Loft), a pair of animal print shoes (Sole Society) and a scarf (The Paris Market). Just add a pumpkin spice latte and I’m totally ready for the leaves to change color! I especially love this look because the leather hat can do double duty – making my outfit look extra sassy AND keeping my head warm.

And in case you’re wondering, I’m pretty sure EVERYONE would look great in this hat. BOOM… put a hat on it!

Jack modeling Ashbury Hats - Pocketful of Joules

So, what do you think… do you want one?

The ladies at Ashbury Hats have hooked us up with a Soho hat (retail price $99.95) for one of my fabulous readers. We can totally be hat twinsies! You can earn 5 points per entry, but only the first one (leaving a comment) is required.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ashbury Hats has also given me a special code for my readers, so if you see something you’d like to buy on their website, you can use Joules14 to get 10% off until September 5th, 2014!

If you are interested in seeing more from Ashbury hats, check out their webpage, Facebook page, Twitter, Google+ page, and Instagram!

Are you a hat person? If so, what is your favorite hat style? Do you think we can make ‘put a hat on it’ a thing?

 

Disclosure: Ashbury Hats provided me with a Soho hat for review purposes; however all thoughts and opinions are my own. The person who wins the giveaway for the Soho hat will be chosen randomly by the Rafflecopter widget and will receive their hat directly from Ashbury Hats.

 

 

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