Product Reviews - Pocketful of Joules

March Stitch Fix: Fixin’ for Spring

I’m not really sure how Stitch Fix does it, but somehow as soon as I send back each month’s Fix, I’m already excited about my next one. I’ve been thinking about skipping a month, but I just simply cannot deprive you of my awkward modeling pictures, right?! And um… I’m kind of in love with having clothing delivered right to my door.

My March Fix is #7 if you’re keeping track (you can check them all out here). Each month I’ve only purchased one or two items, so it’s not really breaking the bank. Stitch Fix may actually be SAVING me money because I’ve pretty much stopped most of my impulse purchases from cheapo stores like Target or Old Navy. Instead of buying a bunch of inexpensive items that will inevitably pill up or shrink oddly after just one washing, I’m buying better quality pieces that I actually love.

Speaking of love, let’s talk about this month’s Fix!

When I sent in my request, I asked for the same stylist that put together my February Fix (Meagan) since I felt that she was on track with my personal style. I requested a blazer for work, an interesting cardigan and tried again for some casual tops. Unfortunately, there weren’t any interesting blazers available in my size for this Fix… but Meagan still knocked it out of the park!

Here’s what I got:

Item #1: Kayla Skinny Jean, $108
When I checked my account after the order was sent and saw that I was getting a pair of $108 skinny jeans, I laughed. Um… a pair of jeans for more than ONE HUNDRED dollars is not my typical purchase! Last night, I opened the box and saw a pair of Orange-Red skinny jeans and snickered a little. Then, I put them on…

First off, let me just say that my butt would NOT have fit in these jeans before I did the DietBet. They are obviously magical skinny jeans – they have just the right amount of stretch, the fit is PERFECT and I don’t even have a muffin-top! Is it possible that I like BRIGHT RED skinny jeans?! Actually, I kind of love them. I was worried that they wouldn’t go with anything in my wardrobe, so I styled them three different ways using clothes already in my closet. What do you think: keep or return?

Oh, and to ensure that you are making an informed decision, here is the back view:

Item #2: Healdsburg Loose Knit Open Cardigan, $68
At work, I pretty much live in cardigans. With crazy temperature fluctuations between outside, crazy office air and running around all day, I like to have the option to take off a layer. I also like a more casual-type cardigan for home to throw over a t-shirt and pretend that I look like a grownup.

I’m not sure about this cardigan though. It’s a nice, neutral color and has an interesting open weave… it’s just not wowing me. Since it doesn’t have any buttons in the front, I tried it two different ways – first a work look with a skirt, blouse and belt, and then a ‘heading out to Target’ look with jeans and a top. What do you think: Keep or return?

Item #3: Moni Stud Detailed ¾ Sleeve Blouse, $58
Holy guacamole – after MONTHS of requesting this shirt and basically drooling over it every time I would see someone post it on Instagram, the WHITE UNICORN of Stitch Fix arrived at my door!

Perhaps I should have said RED unicorn, because this blouse is a gorgeous shade of red. I love it SO MUCH – the fit is perfect, the color is great and the little studs are just enough interest that I don’t need to add a necklace. I’m definitely getting this blouse and wearing it at least once a week!

Item #4: Cherise Cotton Tab Sleeve Henley Shirt, $58
YAY, a cotton shirt! I was hoping for a simple, yet awesome, cotton shirt when I asked for some casual tops.

This top is super soft and a neutral color that can pretty much go with anything, including bright red pants. I’m not sure about the cut though. It’s kind of swoopy in the front and back, which makes it great for butt coverage. Hmm… I really need your feedback on this one. Keep or return?

Item #5: Downing Striped Knit Shirt, $44
Another cotton shirt, wheeheew! Now you may be thinking, “Joules” if you wanted a normal old cotton shirt you should just visit Old Navy or the Gap… and I totally agree. What I wanted was an INTERESTING and well-made cotton shirt that I wouldn’t see on every single girl I know.

This top is super cute in person with the orange stripes and ¾ sleeves. It also has a curved side to it, but a bit less extreme than the grey top. I think it would look really cute with a pair of cutoff jean shorts in the summer. But now that I look at the picture, I’m wondering if this isn’t that flattering either. What do you think: Keep or return?

When I tried everything on last night I thought I had finally gotten a box where I’d keep EVERYTHING, but now I’m not so sure. I LOVE a few things and like a few things. The kicker is that if I do decide to keep everything, I get 25% off of the total cost which is pretty much like getting the sweater and part of a shirt for FREE.

Now here’s the fun part… what do YOU think I should buy? My mind is totally made up on the red top, but everything else is up in the air. I have a couple days to make my decision, so please leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

3/21/14 Update: Thank you all SO MUCH for weighing in with your thoughts! After much, much, MUCH consideration I decided to just buy what I was in love with, since I have plenty of stuff already that I just kinda like. So, the red Moni Studded top and the orange-red skinny jeans will now live in my closet… and hopefully I’ll get lots of wear out of them!

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.

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!

The Wantable Accessories Box

Remember a couple months ago when I tried out the Wantable Intimates box? Well, when I was filling out the survey for that box, I noticed that they also had an Accessories box. Since I haven’t chosen to get any accessories in my Stitch Fix boxes, I thought it might be fun to see what someone else would pick out for me.

Once again, I filled out their survey which asked me all sorts of questions to determine my style. They also ask what types of accessories you’d like and you can choose from: earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, watches, sunglasses, scarves, and hair accessories. Since I always wear the same watch, rings and earrings (and have a crap-ton of scarves already), I decided to ask for bracelets, necklaces and sunglasses.

The cost of the Wantable Accessories box is $36 if you subscribe (monthly boxes, you can cancel at any time) or $40 for a one time box. Each box will include 3 – 4 boutique accessories that are handpicked to “perfectly match your preferences.”

I filled out the survey and within a few days a box arrived at my door. Here’s what I received:

Princess Madrid Sunglasses – I love these glasses. The teal is fun and the rhinestone details add a bit of sass without making them look cheap. Also, they look good on everyone, see!

I don’t think Jack is purposefully doing a pouty lip in that picture. I’m pretty sure his mouth was stuffed with pretzels…

Here’s the next item from my box:

Natalia Bracelet Set – It’s hard to get a good picture of these bangles, but they are multi-toned and really pretty. I wouldn’t be able to wear them to work because they would make typing annoying as all-heck, but they are perfect for throwing on with a pair of jeans and cute top on the weekend. I also like that they are simple and could totally go with a cocktail dress too. Not that I wear a cocktail dress often, but I do have a couple weddings coming up!

Lotus Bloom Necklace – Okay, I love my statement necklaces… but even I was like “HOLY STATEMENT NECKLACE, BATMAN!” when I opened this one up. But then I tried it on with a couple different tops and now I kind of love it. It’s different. It’s not something I would have picked out myself. It won’t be worn by 10,000 other girls. GREAT CHOICE, WANTABLE!

Look, I even wore it to work yesterday:

I feel a bit like a pretty, pretty princess… but who DOESN’T want to feel like a princess while working? I mixed it with my new striped dress from Target (a super STEAL at $28) and a black blazer. It totally works, right?!

Or are you thinking I should learn the Miss America wave and start walking slowly through the halls with a sash?

I have absolutely no complaints about this box and really liked everything I received. If I HAD disliked something, Wantable allows you to get your money back (and will even send you a shipping label). I don’t know of any other subscription box that lets you do that! Wantable boxes would be a really good choice for someone who wants to dip their toe into the world of subscription boxes without having to live with something – and pay for something – that they don’t actually like.

What do you think, would you try the Wantable Accessories box or do you prefer to pick out your own accessories? Do you like the crazy, over-the-top white necklace or do you think I need to step away from the statement necklaces for a while?

Disclaimer: I paid for my own Wantable Accessories box. If you choose to purchase a box using my special referral link, I will receive a small referral bonus toward future Wantable purchases. Thank you to anyone who uses my special link and supports my shopping addiction.

47 Hours in Savannah

I was asked a couple weeks ago to fill in for one of my co-workers at a conference in Savannah, Georgia. I pretty much jumped at the chance because I had just been snowed in the house for 4 days with a cranky 2 year old. Also, I figured that Savannah would give me the chance to experience some warmer weather AND a bed all to myself.

Of course, I had no idea that I’d come down with the stomach bug from hell on Wednesday morning. It was the most LITERAL 24 hour bug I’d ever had – lasting from exactly 5am on Wednesday until 5am on Thursday when I woke up for my flight. One moment I was curled up in bed fighting off chills, fever, aches and another visit to the bathroom… the next minute I sat up, swayed a little and thought, “Wow, I don’t feel like I want to die anymore!”

So, off to the plane I went. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from BWI to Savannah, so I had 2 flights with a ridiculously small layover to get from one flight to the next. The flights were pretty short too; however, I did have enough time to pick my two favorite items out of the Sky Mall catalog.

Winner for “Who Buys this Stuff?” is the Decorative Toilet Flush Handles in the shapes of dolphins and seashells. Yes, these are actually a thing and they sell for $19.99! My favorite part of the description is a tie between the line “to withstand the most demanding flushing needs” and that these handles will “simply add something that will make friends and family members say, Wow!”

Wow, indeed.

Winner for “Why this Combo, WHY?!” is the Bidet Sprayer/Digital Accessory Cady/Toilet Paper Stand:

Because OF COURSE you’d want a bidet to also hold your iPad. Duh. Also, am I confused that a bidet is to wash your sassy downstairs bits after using the toilet? Because, the picture shows someone washing their leg and… that seems a bit excessive, right?

Anyways, a truck ride + a shuttle ride + two short flights + a taxi ride and I finally ended up at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah. I only had to work for a couple hours that evening, so I was looking forward to doing some exploring.

It was cold and rainy though, so I figured that was the perfect excuse to order room service and eat it while snuggled in bed with a new book for my kindle (Attachments by Rainbow Rowell, suggested by my buddy Katie at Words for Worms).

The plan for Friday was to hang out at my work booth all day. Which would have been fine, except my box of supplies didn’t show up until 2pm, so I was rocking out at an empty table for most of the day.

Yes, I am actually that pale. I mean, part of the problem was the light shining in… but I could use some time in the sun (preferably on a beach with a frosty drink).

I had a 90 minute break for lunch, so I took the opportunity to check out The Paris Market. I had heard so much about it online and couldn’t wait to see it myself. Only to realize once I got there, that I had actually been there before (and loved it) last time I was in Savannah about 7 years ago! It’s like a beautiful French version of Anthropologie and I pretty much wanted to buy EVERYTHING there.

Or just move in to the store for the rest of my stay.

I resisted buying everything and walked away with only two purchases – a pretty scarf for myself (picture further down) and a signed copy of Scampering Through Savannah for Jack.

I then stopped in a random storefront restaurant for lunch and was BLOWN AWAY with the BEST chicken fried rice I’d ever had in my entire life. If you’re ever in Savannah, go to Aroy-Jung Asian Fusion because it totally rocked my world.

After stuffing myself full of ricey goodness, I returned to the exhibit hall to hang out by my empty table for a few more hours. That evening was my last chance to really explore Savannah before my morning flight, so I mapped out my attack so I could be sure to hit as many places as possible before they closed. For some reason, many of the shops I wanted to visit closed at 6pm (even on a Friday night) so as soon as the conference ended at 5pm I ran up to my room, changed my clothes, and ran back out the front door.

Of course, before I ran out I had to take a picture of my new scarf from The Paris Market, STRIPES EVERYWHERE! And no, I haven’t gotten rid of my bangs… I just didn’t get a chance to trim them before I left due to the stomach bug.

Within my one hour deadline, I was able to make it to all of the stores on my must-see list before they closed. My favorite was Red Clover – the salesgirls were so incredibly friendly and the clothing was gorgeous. I could have ended up with an entire bag full of jewelry, but only purchased one shirt that was SO SOFT that I couldn’t resist it (it’s this one). The store has an online shop, so I’m definitely going to keep it on my radar.

I also enjoyed The Salt Table and sampled a ton of different flavored salts and sugars. My favorite was the coconut sugar and I’m kicking myself for not buying some to put in my morning coffee.

While I was walking around town, I made it a point to stop by Leopold’s Ice Cream and wasn’t sorry that I did. I had a small cup of their Chocolate Chewies & Cream ice cream and it was amazing. So CREAMY and the chocolate chewies were the perfect addition. I’m kind of craving some now actually…

Even though I’d just had ice cream, I figured that it was a good time to grab some dinner and went by Rocks on the River at the Bohemian Hotel, which was right next to my hotel. I have to send a shout out to my wonderful bartender, Amy, who made me a delicious Champagne Cobbler. YUM.

I also had their white pizza, which was super yummy. Lots of cheese, garlic and pesto – which is a perfect choice for a girl going back to her hotel room alone. Not that my husband would have minded the garlic breath, he would have probably devoured the leftover pizza and smelled just as bad!

After my dinner, I was ready to go back to my room to warm up (and finish my book) but still needed to get a souvenir shirt for Travis. We have a tradition that I buy him one from every business trip I go on, which ironically started with a trip to Savannah 7 years before. Well, the shirt I bought him on that trip was worn so many times that it has holes, so I bought him an almost identical shirt at a shop on River Street.

And then I was DONE.

So done. I trudged back up to my hotel room, threw on my pajamas and wrapped myself in blankets with my kindle for my last night on my own before returning to normal life. I was up by 8am, packed up my little suitcase and got home on Saturday afternoon.

When I opened the front door, I heard “oooh, who do you think is home?” and was then greeted with a running hug from Jack. The perfect end to a pretty great trip!

Have you been to Savannah? Did you think that everyone was insanely nice? What are your favorite things to purchase when you’re looking for souvenirs?

Disclosure: There are a lot of links in this post, but only one is an Amazon affiliate link (for the book). Pocketful of Joules is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. All the rest of the links are just to make your life easier if you’re planning to visit Savannah!