Product Reviews - Pocketful of Joules

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!

Reviewing Fair Ivy

You guys know how I’m kind of a softy for subscription boxes, right? Well, I recently saw one from a company called Fair Ivy that I just had to try.

For $25 each month, you can receive one handmade jewelry gift. You can also upgrade to the “Duet” box for $35 each month and receive a variable item in addition to your jewelry item.

After checking out their Past Surprises link I decided to go with just the jewelry item and was looking forward to something handmade and original to add to my collection.

Only a week or so later, this cute little box showed up at my house.

Inside the box was this:

A little hammered metal charm on a delicate necklace by Grey Goose Gifts (you can check out their etsy shop here).

The necklace is quite pretty, however it is really very tiny. I probably wouldn’t wear it alone, but would layer it with one or two simple necklaces I already own.

It seems as if most of the necklaces sent as a Fair Ivy surprise are delicate and simple, like the one I received. I liked many of the ones on the Past Specials section a bit better though — they just seemed more… I don’t know… special? A lot of them had mixed metals with a homemade imperfect feel. Maybe I’ve just grown used to the clunky statement necklaces I’ve been wearing lately, but I’m not sure I would have wanted to pay $25 for the necklace I received (as it was, I received a special blogger discount to review the service).

I really like the concept behind Fair Ivy though and have signed up to receive one more box next month (and I’m paying full price).

What do you think? Do you love the simplicity of the necklace or would you have been disappointed with the surprise?

If this is something that you would like to try for yourself, you can use the code FAIRIVYFRIEND to get $5 off the first month of any of their subscriptions.

Disclosure: I received my first Fair Ivy box at-cost and paid less than the $25 subscription fee in order to review the service. However, I will be paying for the second month at the full price.

My February Stitch Fix of LOVE

Grab your tambourine and shake it all around because it’s time for my February Stitch Fix, which is #6 if you’re keeping track. It seems nuts, but the last six months of Fixes have flown by (you can check them out here). I’ve considered stopping the service, or holding off for a month or so. However, I’ve been buying only one or two items per Fix, so it’s been pretty reasonable so far.

Will this month break me?

For my February Fix I asked (once again) for the 41Hawthron Moni Stud Detailed ¾ sleeve blouse. I see it ALL OVER Instagram and other blogger reviews, so I have NO IDEA why they won’t send it to me when I’ve asked for it for the PAST FOUR MONTHS! Well, I didn’t get it again this month so I emailed Stitch Fix to figure out what’s up. I’ll keep you posted!

Anywho, in addition to the (apparently) forbidden shirt, I also asked for some more casual pieces. I have the issue that I can totally pull myself together for a great work look, but as soon as I have to dress myself up for the weekend I look pretty schloompy. I just don’t have any ‘in between’ clothes – I have work wear and I have yoga pants and oversized t-shirts. So with this month’s Fix I was hoping for something cute that I could wear on the weekends and still be comfortable. Also, Jack’s birthday party is on Sunday so I really wanted something I could throw on with jeans and look fashionable (but not too dressy).

My stylist for this Fix was Meagan, who I’ve never had but in her note she said how helpful it was to check out my Pinterest and previous order’s feedback, so I like her (last month was Adrianne and the two months before that was Claire). I apologize in advance for the photos, I was rushing to get them done before Travis and Jack got home and didn’t realize they turned out kind of icky until I was in my pj’s with no makeup on.

Here is what I got:

Item #1: Louisville Boat Neck Cable Knit Sweater, $68
When searching online before my order arrived, I struck out in finding this sweater anywhere. I had some concerns though about the “boat neck” because that style tends to not be so flattering on busty girls. I could really use a cool casual sweater though, so I waited with bated breath… and was disappointed.

Do you SEE the look on my face? This is probably the most unflattering sweater I’ve ever tried on. The color looks terrible on me and the shape of the sweater is oddly boxy, yet short. So short, in fact, that if I raise my arms I will show off my tummy. I’m 36. I don’t WANT to show off my tummy. Obviously I could wear a cute tank top underneath, but the sweater would still be horrid. Verdict: It’s already sitting in the return bag waiting to leave my house.

Item #2: Gilda Abstract Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse, $28
Here’s another piece that I felt was priced really well and I totally crossed my fingers that I’d like it. I mean, $28 for a top that isn’t a t-shirt is right up my alley and I usually LOVE tops with tab-sleeves.

I like it. The fabric is nice and the tab sleeves are pretty darn cute. I’m just undecided on the pattern. Normally I’m drawn to black and white patterns, this one just seems kind of ‘eh’. I don’t know. This could be cute with jeans for Jack’s party. Also, I have a lot of work events coming up in the next few months so this could be really nice under a blazer AND it’s only $28. Verdict: Undecided. What do you think?

Item #3: Mission ¾ Sleeve V-neck Blouse, $48
I also couldn’t find this item online before my order came, so I’m thinking that they are finally sending out a bunch of new stuff (instead of just sending the same things to everyone). Initially the description sounds good, I love v-neck shirts and am totally down with ¾ sleeves… so there is hope.

I really like this shirt. It’s just a simple black top, but the fabric is silky and forgiving. I feel like the cut is quite flattering on me. The ¾ sleeves and neckline give it a bit of interest and it can be thrown on with anything in my wardrobe from jeans to work trousers. Verdict: Undecided. I like it but is it TOO simple? What do you think?

Item #4: Jonni Lace Hem Detail Dress, $34
When I peeked online at this dress before receiving it, I thought it looked a bit like a hippie and a cowgirl made a baby. At a price of $34, I was willing to keep an open mind to see how it fit in person.

If you follow me on Facebook you will know that it DIDN’T fit in person. I tried it on like a good Fixer and got stuck.

Like really, REALLY stuck. The dress was weirdly tight on my upper arms (apparently my biceps are amazing) and looked like a maternity dress once I had it on. I considered taking a picture of me wearing it but then thought about the fact that the horrible picture will be on the internet forever and passed. When I went to remove the dress, I got it halfway over my head and was stuck. You know that feeling when you get stuck in a piece of clothing – you get kind of sweaty and freaked out? Well, I was there. And I was totally stuck. I tried to breathe normally and not freak out but I truly thought I was going to have to either cut the damn thing off me or wait until my husband got home to help rescue me. The thought of the look on my husband’s face (and the teasing that would go on for the rest of my life) forced me to try one last time and thankfully I was able to break free. Verdict: NO

Item #5: Rylin Pintuck Detailed Silk Blouse, $78
Typically when I see the words “silk blouse” I don’t think casual. I mean, my non-work days include a 2 year old and a dog… so silk isn’t exactly the best choice in fabrics for my REAL life.

Do I seem a bit pink and disheveled in this picture? I tried this top in right after I finally broke free of the torture dress. I LOVE this top. Now, silk isn’t something that I would wear for a CASUAL day, but it will go great in my work wardrobe. The silk is so soft and the top is nice and blousy so I can do the half-tuck that I’m addicted too. I’m also in love with the neckline and gorgeous pintuck detailing.

THIS shirt is the reason that I use Stitch Fix. However, it’s 8 degrees outside and February so this might have been a better pick to send me in the spring. Just saying. Verdict: LOVE IT and I’m definitely buying it.

Here is the fun part… what do YOU think I should buy? I’m absolutely getting the silk blouse, but I’m on the fence for the other two tops. I have a couple days to make my decision so please leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

For my next fix, I’m going to request Meagan again. I feel like she got closest to my personal style and I’m curious how it will be working with the same stylist twice in a row. I’m planning to request a blazer for work, an interesting cardigan and try again to ask for some casual tops.

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.

2/13/14 Update: Thank you all for your feedback! I ended up purchasing both black tops from this Fix. I was going to get the patterned top too, but decided to skip it because Katie is right… the pattern totally looks like static!

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!