Friday Favorites – August 26th, 2016

fall-fashion-chunky-knit-vest

Happy Friday friends!

This week was crazier than expected and I didn’t have time to save as many articles, blog posts, or recipes this week. In fact, I have about 20 different things screen shot on my phone so I can go back and read them this weekend. Luckily, there is plenty of time to relax and catch up this weekend head of my Monday morning flight to Las Vegas. I am not a fan of Las Vegas and therefore have denied the fact that I’ll be there for four nights. I need to figure out dinner plans for Monday so please let me know if you have recommendations on the Strip that are worth the money while not breaking the bank.

Anyway, back to today’s post. Instead of skipping today’s Friday Favorites post I figured that I’d dedicate this week’s Friday Favorites to talking about something I started during last week’s flight – Fall window shopping. As I rarely head to Park Avenue to browse Saks, Bloomingdales or any of the other windows, I love that I can easily window shop online by opening my favorite retailer tabs and clicking their Fall or New sections.  While some people aren’t quite ready to hear the F-word (Fall), I am already dreaming of mums, crunchy leaves, and wearing layers! Even though I’m still not doing much shopping, a little “window” shopping never hurt anyone, right? Here are the items on my wish list, aka Pinterest board for Fall.

  • This blazer in camel & black because who wants to pay full price for a blazer anyway?
  • These over-the-knee boots in taupe or grey are perfect for Fall without breaking the bank.
  • I burn this candle in my home office October through February without fail.
  • This Joie blouse is beautiful, but more than I’d want to spend, so now I’m on the hunt for a cheaper version.
  • I loved J.Crew’s silk ruffle blouses back in 2010 and this updated version would pair perfectly with the blazer, dark jeans, skinny belt, and the over the knee boots for a casual Friday office outfit.
  • I’m so in love with this cross-body purse that I may use a J.Crew gift card I’ve been saving to buy it!
  • This wool sweater coat screams “curl up by the fire with a hot toddy and a good book.”
  • These pants showed up in a Nordstrom email as a top-rated item and I can see why.  Everyone who has reviewed them, from 25-55, raves about their flattering fit.

Hopefully this weekend I’ll have time to update you guys on a few of the other things on my radar as well as the next round of ClassPass reviews!  Have a great weekend!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

Photo source is http://wachabuy.com/fall-outfits-to-copy/.

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Stitch Fix Review #6

It’s time to share my latest Stitch Fix review with you all!  This month I did my best to give my stylist very specific requests for things that I wanted and needed to add to my closet – a work appropriate dress as well as a fun tank top which can be dressed up or down.  Overall, she definitely listened to my request though I realized I should have been more specific in regards to the work dress request. When I actually need to wear business attire it is business casual versus business. I easily could have kept three of the five items in this stitch but I have a rule of only keeping one item per stitch.

August Stitch Fix

In case this is your first time hearing about Stitch Fix back in January. It is an online personal shopping and styling website. After registering for the site, new members fill out an in-depth style survey and profile which helps theStitch Fix personal stylists get to know you. The questions include things like sizes, styles, favorite colors, brands, and other likes and dislikes.  Once you finish the profile you are able to schedule your first Stitch Fix delivery. EachStitch Fix delivery is a box of five pieces of clothing or accessories. Each month I share with you a recap of what I receive (January FebruaryMarchApril and June) and my thoughts on each piece. Your personal stylists selects the items for your individual fix based on the answers you provided in the survey. There is a $20 styling fee which you have to pay up front, but, the good news is that this $20 works as credit towards any of the items you want to keep.

Many of my friends who have loved Stitch Fix for years told me to give my stylist time to figure out my personal style, and therefore expect each box to get better. Based on this month’s fix, I would agree with what my friends have said and think that my stylist is doing a great job listening and even asking questions.

Here we go! Remember – If you see anything that you like below, feel free to pin and/or ask your stylist in the notes section of your next fix for something similar! Your stylist does her best to get to know you and therefore will read your blog, check out your Pinterest board and even your Facebook page if you give her access so she can see what you wear and love! In addition, remember that while I do get a small amount of compensation if you join Stitch Fix, all thoughts and feedback are my own opinion!

Alice Blue Alasdair Scoop Neck Blouse – Medium – $44.00 – Return – This tank top is a fun top for Summer, especially Fourth of July since the vibrant red and navy colors pair perfectly with white jeans for a patriotic look. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of scoop neck tanks and this tank was too large and flowy for my shape. If it fit better I would have been tempted to keep it but in the end decided to return it.

stitch fix tank

Brixon Ivy Ekland Lace Top – Medium – $58 – Return – I absolutely love the cut and fit of this fun and flattering tank top which includes a cross back and v-neck. However, I have never been a fan of lace whether it be for my wedding dress or wardrobe pieces. In fact, over the years I can only recall owning black lace items which due to their coloring and style, barely resembled lace. If you like lace then this top should definitely be requested in a fix as it fits perfectly and would be the perfect tank to pair with jeans and heels for date night!

stitch fix lace tank back of lace stitch fix top

Pixley Nelda Halter Blouse – Medium – $44 – Keep – When I saw the vibrant pattern of this top I immediately told Bo that I hoped it would fit. It is unlike any top tank or blouse that I have in my wardrobe and screams Summer. I have worn it four times already – once with white jeans, once with dark jeans, once with jean shorts and even tucked into a navy pencil skirt for work! The cut and style which includes a slim halter strap as well as a v-neck flatters my shoulders and flat chest while the bottom portion is flowy enough to be comfortable but doesn’t add bulk or size. This is hands down my favorite Stitch Fix item to date!

farmers market

Adrianna Papell Tallulah Dress – 8 – $98 – Return – As I mentioned, I requested dresses which would be work appropriate in this fix. This dress, which would be perfect for a more formal office setting or a cocktail event, is too formal for my typical work meeting. The style of this dress may work on some people but it fit me so poorly that a picture wasn’t worth sharing. The semi cap-sleeve cut was too thick for my shoulders and arms – adding bulk and even though the dress appears long, it hit me at the worst point possible – mid thigh. As you can see in the second picture, there is detailing along the neckline which adds some detail and removes the need to wear a necklace with it. In addition to the dress being too short, the fit was very odd on me – too small in the chest and then large in the hips which is the reverse of what I typically experience.

full size pic black stitch fix dress black stitch fix dress

Adrianna Papell Nevara Dress – 8 – $98 – Return – This was the second work dress included in this box. While the cobalt color is perfect for my complexion, this style was not flattering on my figure. Once again, the thicker strap/sleeve made me seem thick in the arms and shoulders while the square neckline did nothing. The rouching, which is supposed to be flattering was too loose in my mid-section and just hung awkwardly. The crepe material is far too fancy for my work meetings and overall this dress just felt old and stuffy.

blue stitch fix dress

Your turn: What piece is your favorite? What would have you kept? 

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Stitch Fix Review #5

Happy Tuesday guys!

It has been a while since I last talked about Stitch Fix on the blog. As I am currently in between sizes and not feeling my best, I have started scheduling fixes every other month versus every month. Whether it’s shopping online, in-person or with the help of my Stitch Fix stylist, it’s hard to shop when you don’t feel your best. But, after receiving an email reminder from them a few weeks ago, I figured it was time to schedule a fix and test my luck.

IMG_0375

In case this is your first time hearing about Stitch Fix back in January. It is an online personal shopping and styling website. After registering for the site, new members fill out an in-depth style survey and profile which helps the Stitch Fix personal stylists get to know you. The questions include things like sizes, styles, favorite colors, brands, and other likes and dislikes.  Once you finish the profile you are able to schedule your first Stitch Fix delivery. Each Stitch Fix delivery is a box of five pieces of clothing or accessories. Each month I share with you a recap of what I receive (January FebruaryMarch and April) and my thoughts on each piece. Your personal stylists selects the items for your individual fix based on the answers you provided in the survey. There is a $20 styling fee which you have to pay up front, but, the good news is that this $20 works as credit towards any of the items you want to keep.


Many of my friends who have loved Stitch Fix for years told me to give my stylist time to figure out my personal style, and therefore expect each box to get better. In advance of scheduling this fix, I spent time going through m profile and leaving a note for my stylist regarding my recent weight fluctuation. This month’s box had a few items that definitely took this feedback into account. I’m hoping that next month I’ll finally get to try out their newest feature – SHOES!

Here we go! Remember – If you see anything that you like below, feel free to pin and/or ask your stylist in the notes section of your next fix for something similar! Your stylist does her best to get to know you and therefore will read your blog, check out your Pinterest board and even your Facebook page if you give her access so she can see what you wear and love! In addition, remember that while I do get a small amount of compensation if you join Stitch Fix, all thoughts and feedback are my own opinion!

Stitch Fix Wilam Blouse

Papermoon Wilam Blouse – $38  – Keep – The moment I touched this top I hoped it would fit. The light weight fabric is perfect for the hot Summer months and it is unlike anything I own. The vibrant pastels brighten up any look and the material, while sheer, works well with my nude t-shirt bra. I have paired this blouse with shorts, skinny jeans and even a pencil skirt – each time receiving multiple compliments!

Stitch Fix Cindie Linen Short

Skies are Blue Garrick Button Down Top – $58 – Return –  As soon as I saw this top I laughed because it reminded me more of my mom than me. She has an almost identical top that she wears frequently. This top was the only pure disappointment in the box as it was way too large and just didn’t seem to fit my style profile or age.

Level 99 Cindie Linen Short – $78 – Return – I loved these shorts SO much. The fit was flattering and the material was light weight and comfortable.  Shorts tend to run small on me due to long legs and muscular thighs but these worked perfectly. The price tag was far to steep, in my mind, for a pair of casual shorts. I tend to buy my shorts at J Crew Factory so I’m accustomed to an under $30 price point for shorts, not nearly $80.

Stitch Fix Blouse

Hawthorn Lisbon Stud Detail Blouse – $58 – Return – While I loved the color of this blouse, I just couldn’t get past the stud design nor the sleeves. The shirt fit perfectly in the neck and body but the sleeves were too puffy for my taste.  The heavy, metallic studs seemed to ruin the the light, flowy fabric and feel of the top.

Stitch Fix Scallop Blouse

 

Papermoon Violeta Scallop Detail Blouse – $44 – Return – I loved this top as soon as I saw it in my box. The scallop detail and open back are a fun change from most of my tops. But, as soon as I put it on I realized how plain it was from the front which therefore made it seem like just another black tank. If I didn’t have two black tanks that I loved already, I would have kept it but since from the front this looked identical to both of them, I just couldn’t rationalize keeping it.

Your turn: What piece is your favorite? What would have you kept? 

 

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