My June Stitch Fix: A Buy-It-All Fix?

I can’t believe that July is right around the corner and I’m just now getting my June Stitch Fix delivery. It would have been a bit earlier, but we decided to skip town and spend last week at the beach. Totally worth it… and I got the added bonus to coming home to a box of clothes!

{If you are interested in checking out all of my Fix reviews, you can click here. This Fix is #21… so I’m kind of a fan!}

Knowing how incredibly HOT Maryland summers typically get, here was my stylist note for this Fix:

More short sleeves and sleeveless tops for that hot & humid MD weather. Would love to try the Flynn Colorblock Sleeveless Blouse (as long as it doesn’t wrinkle easily). A cute cardigan to go with my tops would also be great for the work air conditioning.

Let’s see what she sent!

Item #1: Pixley Abriella Waffle Knit Cardigan – $48
I specifically asked for a cardigan to layer over my tops for work, so I was happy to pull one out of this month’s box. I love the waffle knit, the color and even the swoopy pockets. For the first styling, I threw the sweater on over the dress I was already wearing. This look would be exactly how I would wear it for a typical workday. For the second picture, I put the sweater on over a comfy weekend outfit of a t-shirt, jean shorts and Toms.

Pixley Abriella Waffle Knit Cardigan - Pocketful of Joules

While I love a lot of things about this sweater, for some reason the fit is a bit off on me. You know those Chinese finger traps where you stick your fingers in and then can’t get them back out when you pull? Well, that was totally what the sleeves were doing on my arms! Even though the size on this is a large, I think it would fit a medium-sized person better… or at least a person with smaller biceps than me (apparently I’m BUFF!).

Keep or Return? I really like this sweater, but the fit is just not working for me.

Item #2: 41Hawthorn Flynn Colorblock Sleeveless Blouse – $54
I admit, I was kind of obsessing over this top. I pinned it in two different color combinations on my Fix Inspiration pinterest board and then I even requested it in my notes for this month. My only concern was that it would wrinkle easily, because I promised myself that I wasn’t going to accidentally buy any more wrinkly shirts. Luckily, it is made out of the perfect weight fabric that doesn’t seem to wrinkle. YAY! For my first look, I tucked the blouse into my black circle skirt and added some gladiator wedges. For my more casual styling, I put on those same jean shorts from the last item and added some Tom’s wedges.

41Hawthorn Flynn Colorblock Sleeveless Blouse - Pocketful of Joules

Keep or Return? I love, love, LOVE this shirt. Everything from the fit to the bright green and blue colors is exactly what I was hoping for. This is a definite keeper! Do you agree?

Item #3: Market & Spruce Brian Maxi Dress – $78
My first thoughts when I pulled this dress out of my box were that I LOVE the color and pattern. I actually don’t really own much red in my wardrobe, so this is a nice change from my typical style. I really love the way the elastic waistband pulls the dress in to give it more of a shape and the fabric is so incredibly soft and flows really well over any lumps and bumps. For the first look, I just added a long charm necklace and gladiator wedges. For the second picture, I used the style card suggestion and topped the dress with my jean jacket.

Market and Spruce Brian Maxi Dress - Pocketful of Joules

Keep or Return? I have such a weakness for dresses, since I wear them almost every day between May and September. I really like how this one has wide enough straps that I can wear a regular bra (sorry, my hair is totally in the way) and the length works with both flat sandals and wedges. I also think that it could transition really well into fall. So, I guess what I’m saying is HECK YEAH it’s a keeper!

Item #4: Daniel Rainn Bernal Split Neck Top – $68
I’m pretty sure Daniel Rainn is my spirit animal. Stitch Fix has sent me a few of the brand’s tops over the last couple years and I pretty much always love them. This top is no exception with it’s fun print, solid-colored shoulders (which goes around to the back, as well) and flowy fit. For the first look, I added on my favorite circle skirt. For the second styling, I used the style cards suggestion of adding a pop of yellow with my fun new sandals.

Daniel Rainn Bernal Split Neck Top - Pocketful of Joules

Keep or Return? This one is tough… I really like the top and can see myself wearing it year-round, but the price is a little high. Especially because every time I go to Nordstrom Rack I find similar Daniel Rainn tops for less than $30 (see) However, if I end up buying the entire Fix, I’ll save 25% off the total which will make this top much more affordable. Hmmm…. What do you think?

Item #5: Collective Concepts Lydia Floral Key-Hole Blouse – $68
To be honest, when I pulled this top out I immediately thought NOPE. I was afraid the key-hole part would be way too, “HEY, here are my boobies!” for me. However, when I put it on I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t show off much at all. The fabric is super lightweight and I really like the blue floral design. For my first look, I styled the top with a pair of work trousers and pumps. For the second picture, I threw on my distressed date-night jeans and brown gladiator wedges.

Collective Concepts Lydia Floral Print Key-Hole Blouse - Pocketful of Joules

Keep or Return? I keep going back and forth about this top and tried it on with a few other things in my wardrobe — including my workhorse circle skirt and a black blazer –I actually like it a lot better tucked in. It’s a bit out of my comfort zone and I’m digging it!

Help Me!

I was totally torn on this month’s Fix and went back and forth on it all weekend long. I really like everything my stylist sent me and if I buy it all I get 25% off the full purchase price. Which means, instead of paying the full merchandise total of $316, it will be $237 minus my $20 styling fee and any referral credits I have in my account. Since the sweater doesn’t fit, I listed it on a couple Facebook Stitch Fix Buy/Sell pages to see if anyone wanted to buy it off me for the 25% off discount price. I also listed a couple other items from previous Fixes that aren’t getting enough wear (you can check them out here if you are interested).

I think this box is one of those elusive buy-it-all Fixes! Do you think I made the right decision? I always love to hear your feedback, so leave me some comments below with your thoughts!

6/30/15 Update: I was able to sell the coral sweater and shipped it out yesterday, so I kept the rest of the Fix! If you’re interested, I still have two Stitch Fix items available for sale (you can check them out here) and will be posting a couple more later this week.

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!

My May Stitch Fix: Summertime, Summertime, Sum Sum Summertime!

One of the Maryland-y things about Maryland is that spring lasts for a split second before summer stomps its way in with a fun mix of heat and humidity.

Since summer slows down at my work, it’s a great time to escape and spend some time down at the beach with my family. I’m already counting down the days to our first week away! So yeah, go ahead and listen to this song while you’re reading today’s post.

With that in mind, here’s the note I sent to my stylist for this month’s Fix:

Maryland gets really hot and humid in the summer, so I’d love to see some short sleeve and sleeveless tops, dresses, skirts. Same vibe we’ve been doing, you’ve been doing AWESOME on my Fixes! I’ve been hunting for a floral or patterned jersey (knee-length) swing skirt… so if you see one, I want to try it! Also, a top to go with my new coral jeans would be great.

Let’s see what she sent!

Item #1: Olive & Oak Belair Button Up Top – $48
Okay, I know that denim shirts are totally in right now, but I haven’t actually found one that works for me yet. I always feel like an extra from Orange is the New Black when I try to wear one… but I tried to keep an open mind.

Stitch Fix Review - Olive Oak Belair Button Up Top - Joules

Okay, first for the positive – the top is super soft and has a fun dip-dye coloring where it gets lighter towards the bottom. My stylist suggested that I try this top with my coral jeans from my last Fix, so I tried that first. Then, I used the styling cards and paired the jean top with a floral pencil skirt.

Keep or Return? The shirt is okay…it’s just not my style. I can’t imagine me ever wearing this top in real life. I think it’s one for the return pile.

Item #2: Papermoon Zemba Henley Blouse – $44
This is exactly the kind of top I was hoping for – it is a super lightweight material which makes it perfect for a hot summer day. It can also be easily dressed up for work or dressed down for weekend wear.

Stitch Fix Review - Papermoon Zemba Henley Blouse - Joules

I think that the fit is really good on this and the pattern is vibrant and interesting too. What do you think about the horizontal pattern — is it unflattering? The one side of the Henley top kind of flops over, but I don’t think that it will drive me nuts.

Keep or Return? This shirt checks a lot of my boxes, so I think it may be a keeper. What do you think?

Item #3: Collective Concepts Mendolan Pintuck Detailed Tank – $58
I saw this top on another blogger’s Stitch Fix review and immediately pinned it to my Pinterest page. It looked super cute on her with the pintucked detailing at the top and flowy waist, so I was super excited to receive it in this month’s box! The jersey material is super soft and it is nice and lightweight for hot summer days.

Stitch Fix Review - Collective Concepts Mendolan Pintuck Detailed Jersey Tank - Joules
It is totally driving me nuts that the top is folded over in the first picture, but by time I noticed I had already cleaned up my camera set up. GRR! For my first styling, I paired the tank top with my favorite jean shorts and sandals. For my second look, I decided to try it with my new coral jeans.

Keep or Return? I really like this shirt – it has some really pretty details and a very comfortable silhouette. My only question is, is it TOO comfy… meaning does the draping make it look like a maternity top?

Item #4: Market & Spruce Barrymore Solid Pleat Detail Top – $48
I love a simple tank top with a subtle detail to it and this top totally does that. Unfortunately, it was too tight on my chest and the material wrinkled super easily. I tried it on for you though, so you could check it out. I think this top would be gorgeous on someone smaller chested.

Stitch Fix Review - Market Spruce Barrymore Solid Pleat Detail Top - Joules

Keep or Return? Doesn’t fit = Goes back.

Item #5: Skies are Blue Dove Printed Maxi Dress – $74
I pinned a maxi dress on my Pinterest page that had a really pretty fabric that I liked. However, when I got this month’s Fix, my stylist had included a note that said, “the maxi dress you pinned is gorgeous, but tends to be a bit troublesome for our busty clients – so hopefully you love this one just as much.” I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate that she did her research before just sending it over to me! This dress has a similar shape to the dress that I liked and I also really like the pattern.

Stitch Fix Review - Skies are Blue Dove Printed Maxi Dress - Joules

I tried the dress alone and with a cardigan to make it appropriate for work. Unfortunately, this dress has some funky straps that would make it impossible to wear a bra. See:

Dress top

Keep or Return? I could wear a strapless bra, but honestly they are pretty uncomfortable to wear for a full workday. Also, I’m not totally in love with the dress anyways, so looks like it’s going back.

Help me!
I really liked this month’s Fix and I think my stylist did an awesome job picking pieces that I would like, even if they were a little out of my comfort zone. I’m leaning towards buying the crazy print tank top and also the pintuck detailed jersey tank top. They would both be great pieces to add to my wardrobe that would be totally appropriate for my job, as well as with casual shorts on the weekend. I will definitely be passing on the jean shirt, too-tight blouse and maxi dress.

What do you think I should buy? I always love to hear your feedback, so leave me some comments below and tell me what you think!

 5/18/15 Update: Thank you to everyone who left a comment here, on Instagram and on Facebook — I LOVE getting your feedback! I decided to just buy the Papermoon Zemba Henley Blouse and I can’t wait to start mixing it into my wardrobe!

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!

My April Stitch Fix Review & GIVEAWAY!

Happy Stitch Fix Day! It’s like Rex Manning Day, but with even more cheesy smiles and awkward dancing.

With the return of spring weather, I’ve been drooling over floral prints, swing skirts and girlie dresses. You know, when I’m not wearing a black t-shirt with my skinny jeans. Of course. So, I was hoping for another box like last month’s winner… which is why I asked my stylist for more of the same!

Did she deliver? Check it out!

Item #1: Staccato Jan Button Up Top – $48
Well, howdy cowgirl! This top is not what I was expecting when I asked for ‘more of the same’ of last month’s “Jess from New Girl” vibe. It’s actually made out of kind of a thick material, so it would be more suited for the fall. I used the styling cards to put together these two looks. First, I tucked the front in and added my favorite pair of black skinny jeans and a pair of pink animal print flats. For the second look, I went full-on cowgirl with a tied front, distressed skinny jeans and brown gladiator sandals.

Stitch Fix Staccato Jan Button Up Top - Joules

Keep or Return? I tried really hard to keep the top straight for the pictures so you could get a good look at it, but it is too tight on my bust and gapes apart at the buttons. If it had fit well, I might have considered keeping it for fall, but as it is… it’s going back.

Item #2: Mavi Aiden Skinny Jeans – $98
The first thing I noticed about these skinny jeans – besides the bright coral color – is that they are so incredibly soft. However, they also have some weight to them so they do a good job of smoothing any bumps going on (and hiding panty lines). For the first look, I paired the jeans with a bright colored ikat top, long necklace and brown gladiator sandals. For the second style, I added on a floral blouse from a previous Fix and a pair of spiked black flat sandals.

Stitch Fix Mavi Aiden Skinny Jean - Joules

Keep or Return? The color is great and the fit seems pretty good too. What do you think?

Item #3: 41Hawthorn Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse – $48
I love a good tab-sleeve blouse and have a few that I wear as year-round staples for my work wardrobe. This one is a pretty shade of teal and is cut a bit longer like a tunic. For the first look, I used the style cards and tried the top with my distressed skinny jeans and brown sandals. For the second outfit, I added on a floral pencil skirt and pink flats.

Stitch Fix 41Hawthorn Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse - Joules

While I like the shirt, there IS something that is driving me kind of nutty about it:

Stitch Fix 41Hawthorn Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse 2 - Joules

The sleeves keep falling down! Even with the tab buttons secured, they are just flopping all over the place and it looks super sloppy. If I loved the top, I could always sew a couple stitches to keep them in place, but the thin fabric requires me to wear a tank top AND the buttons are almost straining apart at the bust.

Keep or Return? Good try dear stylist, but I’ll pass.

Item #4: Pixley Hanneli Polka Dot Swing Skirt – $54
You know when you try something on and you think “OH BLEGH, thank goodness nobody can see me in this!” before throwing it aside. Yeah, well that is what I was really tempted to do with this skirt. I’m not sure the photo captured how truly awful it looks on me. It fits me too high on my waist, the length is too short for my age, and the fabric feels like a prom gown from 1993. But I love you guys, so I took a picture.

Stitch Fix Pixley Hanneli Polka Dot Swing Skirt - Joules

Keep or Return? Kill it with fire!

Item #5: Taylor Theodore V-Neck Dress – $138
I was shocked when I pulled this dress out of my Stitch Fix box, because I just pinned it to my page the other day. I have a weakness for ikat and loved the fitted waist and swingy skirt. What I couldn’t tell from the picture I saw was that the fabric is really heavy and substantial. Also, there are pockets! For the first look, I just added a pair of black wedges. For the second picture, I added on a fitted green cardigan.

Stitch Fix Taylor Theodore V-Neck Dress - Joules

While my initial thoughts are that I love this dress, I do have a couple concerns and I’d love some feedback from you guys. First, I’m not sure if my bust looks kind of squished… or if it’s okay. Second, does the skirt seem too short? I did a side view and a back view for you to check out:

Stitch Fix Taylor Theodore V-Neck Dress 2 - Joules

Keep or Return? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Help me!
Now it’s time for you to help me decide what I should buy! I’ve already added the two shirts and polka dotted skirt to the ‘HECK NO’ pile, but I could use your help on whether I should buy the coral jeans and/or the dress.

Giveaway Fun
A couple weeks ago I posted on Facebook that I felt like doing a giveaway and wanted to know whether you all would prefer money to buy lingerie from True&Co or money to try out Stitch Fix. Well, I decided to do BOTH! Last week I announced that I’ll be giving away a $150 True&Co gift card to someone who participates in my #thejoulespurge thingie and I decided to ALSO do a giveaway for a $20 Stitch Fix stylist fee. You can use this to try them for the very first time, or if you’re already a Stitch Fix lover you will get $20 towards your next Fix.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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!

Another Disclaimer: The $20 gift card to Stitch Fix is not sponsored by Stitch Fix. I am buying it with my own money to give to the winner.

 4/23/15 Update: Thank you ALL so much for your comments, suggestions and contest entries! I decided to go ahead and purchase the dress AND the coral jeans. I can’t wait to start wearing them and I’m totally planning an ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ inspired outfit with the jeans in the near future!

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!