MARCH 2014 STITCH FIX REVIEW - My 3rd One!!

I was so excited to get another Stitch Fix (and in need of Spring clothes) that I actually scheduled a second Fix for late March.  In case you missed my first two Fixes, you can see them here (#1 - February 2014) and here (#2 - March 2014 - First Fix).  Both of these posts explain the process and how to sign up.  

For this "Fix", I requested some dressy Capri pants that I can wear to work and some springy blouses.  I specifically asked for something similar to a sold-out peach top I pinned on Pinterest from Forever21 .  

Here's what was in my "Fix":

1.  41 HAWTHORNE Natasha Front Pocket Sleeveless Blouse - $54

2.  41 HAWTHORNE Moni Horseshoe Print Stud Detail Top - $58

3.  POMELO Aleah V-Neck Heathered Dolman Sleeve Shirt - $48

4.  MARGARET M Emer Geo Print High Waisted Crop Pant - $98

5.  RENEE C Huebert Space Dye Open Cardigan - $58

A closer look:

1.  Natasha Front Pocket Sleeveless Blouse - $54

Let me start off by saying I LOVE this color!!  It's a beautiful wild orchid color (that is right on trend).  I also love the purple buttons with gold detailing.  As you can see though, this top just didn't fit!  The buttons were straining, which isn't a good look, and the top was too low cut overall.  The material was a nice texture, but it was wrinkled when I pulled it out of the box and it seemed like a top I'd have to iron (and I HATE ironing)!

VERDICT:  SENT BACK   

2.  Moni Horseshoe Print Stud Detail Top - $58

This is actually a top I had pinned on my Pinterest board that a fellow Stitch Fixer had received months ago.  Naturally, I was really excited to see my stylist chose this for me!  I had pinned several styles of this stud detail top too.  Thank you Erica (AKA - "fabulous stylist") for noticing that!  :).

Much to my dismay though, this top didn't fit either.  Even the sleeve didn't fit right (it was doing some weird gathering thing).  Plus, it made me look really washed out and the material was a bit more sheer than I expected.

VERDICT:  SENT BACK  (Major bummer!)

3.  Aleah V-Neck Heathered Dolman Sleeve Shirt - $48

The fabric of this shirt is sooooo soft!  The color is a beautiful mint green with grey in it which I love.  Plus, it matches my new Lia Sophia necklace perfectly!  

I went back and forth so many times on whether or not to keep this top though!  My dilemma was the fit.  It was a bit big overall and there was too much fabric under the arms.  (At one point when trying it on, I actually started swinging my arms and saying "I'm a raptor!"  - Not the look I'm going for).

I actually marked that I was returning it, but then kept thinking about the color and how soft the fabric was.  I knew I would kick myself for sending it back!  The day after I said I was returning it, I ended up e-mailing Stitch Fix customer service and asking if I could still keep it.  They quickly responded and said it wasn't a problem and charged account for it.  (So easy)!  I ended up wearing it to work the following day along with the grey cardigan in this fix and felt comfortably stylish!

VERDICT:  KEPT

4.  Emer Geo Print High Waisted Crop Pant - $98

These pants are definitely my style.  However, they ended up being wrong for me on so many levels!  First off, they were too small.  Second, the print was not flattering on me at all.  Third, I received a pair of oxblood Emer High Waisted Crop trousers in my first Fix that I ended up shrinking and that I'm always pulling up when I wear them.  In my notes to my stylist this time, I made sure to add that I need any/all pants they send me to have belt loops.  It's exhausting and frustrating to wrestle with your pants all day long!  (In her defense, she didn't know that before sending me these though).  The pants themselves are actually really cute (check out the pattern below), just not on my body.  Lastly, the price is just too high.  After I bought the red pair, I vowed not to spend $98 on another pair of pants.  

VERDICT:  SENT BACK

5.  Huebert Space Dye Open Cardigan - $58

Last but not least, this little beauty!  I have been wanting/requesting this top ever since I first discovered Stitch Fix!  In fact, it's the cover photo of my "My Style" board on Pinterest.  It's lightweight and so comfortable!

  
I am so happy my stylist finally sent this to me and will definitely wear this all the time!  Who-hoo!!  Thank you Erica/Stitch Fix!!

VERDICT:  KEPT

So, as you can see, the the total price for this fix was $316.00 (yikes)!!  If I decided to keep all 5 pieces, I would've received a 25% discount (which in this case, would've been $74).  $316 minus the $20 pre-paid styling fee and the $74 discount = $222.00. 

In the end, I decided to keep the Huebert Space Dye Open Cardigan that I've wanted for so long.  I also kept the light green Dolman shirt.  My total was $106 minus the $20 prepaid styling fee = $86.  After keeping everything in my first two Fixes, I'm a little bummed to be sending three pieces back.  At the same time though, I'm very proud of myself for only keeping the pieces that I'll wear a lot versus getting wrapped up in the novelty and excitement of the stylist/pieces being sent to my house.

For my next fix, I specifically requested some colored denim jeans/Capri pants (with belt loops) and some Spring tops.  I also requested that they send me items with lower price points (no more $98 pants please).  I have to get back on my budget!!  I was actually able to schedule another Fix for next week (can't believe there was one available that soon), so hopefully the items in that Fix will fit better.

If you'd like to sign up for your own Fix, feel you can do so by clicking here.  I'll get a referral credit for anyone who signs up using this link.  (It would be greatly appreciated!  Please and thank you in advance).  :)  

POPSUGAR Must Have MARCH 2013 BOX - My Review

This is my review of the March 2014 POPSUGAR Must Have Box.

The stats:  $39.95/mo + tax with free shipping
You get (per their website):  
• Hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food

• Full-size products and premium items worth over $100

Here's what the March 2014 POPSUGAR Box looked like:

1st impression - "Sweet, that ball is folded up so I can store it until I'm ready to use it!"

This box included:

1.  BROKEDOWN Blue Ikat Scarf - RV $72.00

2.  DOGEARED Lucky Horseshoe Necklace - RV $30.00

3.  JURLIQUE Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum - RV $30.00

4.  BAUBLEBAR Elephant Ring Tree - RV $12.00

5.  ACTIVE FOREVER Fusion Exercise Ball - RV $9.95

6.  HARVEST SNAPS Snapea Crisps - RV $1.69

7.  NATURE'S BAKERY Strawberry Fig Bars - RV $ .63

TOTAL ESTIMATED VALUE:  $156.27

MY COST: $32.20 

*(I had a $10 off promo code (IKAT10).  Otherwise, this box would've been $42.95).*

A closer look at the products:

1.  BROKEDOWN Blue Ikat Scarf - (5 stars) - I'll be honest - this scarf was the whole reason I purchased this box.  (That, and the fact the e-mail they sent advertising the scarf also came with a $10 off promo code).  I love Brokedown products!  (I actually got another one of their scarfs in a previous POPSUGAR Must Have Box that I love)!  The fabric is so soft.  This is a heavy, well-made, big scarf and the color is fantastic!

This is the "I just got home and ripped open my POPSUGAR box" look:

Maybe not so cute with green stripes, but it will be cute with an ivory or grey top!  I plan on rocking it this Friday!

2.  DOGEARED Lucky Horseshoe Necklace - (5 stars) - This is a really cute idea!  You're supposed to make a wish before putting the necklace on and then not take the necklace off until the charm breaks off on it's own.  At that time, the card says your wish will come true.  Who knows!  Maybe it will (if I say a prayer along with it too).  :)

3.  JURLIQUE Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum - (3 stars for now) - This is marketed as an anti-aging serum.  I'm not getting any younger.  I put it on after my shower (right before I started typing this post).  I have sensitive skin and so far, no bad reactions, which is good.  It smells flowery and goes on soft.  I'll update this post after I've used it a few times and let you know if I see a difference in my fine lines.

4.  BAUBLEBAR Elephant Ring Tree - (5 stars) - This reminds me of my grandma (she always had one of these on her dresser).  It's not something I ever would've purchased on my own (I actually have a crystal one I use already), but I like it and I'll use it and think of her.  It's a heavy little guy and seems to be well-made.  It has padding on the bottom too so it won't scratch the surface of your dresser (or in my case, the top of the TV).

5.  ACTIVE FOREVER Fusion Exercise Ball - (1 star) - What's with POPSUGAR and these darn exercise balls?!  Last year I got a bigger green one in one of my boxes.  

Dear POPSUGAR - I don't need anymore stupid exercise balls!!  They take up room in my basement and my husband threatens to pop them when he trips over them.    

Thanks,  

PJITC

The only good thing about this ball is that it came folded up like a big, pink fortune cookie and can easily be stored until I'm ready to use it.

6.  HARVEST SNAPS Snapea Crisps - (1 star) - I don't eat regular peas.  I sure as heck don't want to eat dried peas.  I'll try to feed them to the hubs.  If not, someone at work will eat them.  Box filler is basically what these are.  

7.  NATURE'S BAKERY Strawberry Fig Bars - (4 stars) - I used to eat Fig Newtons when I was little, so I figured this might not be so bad.  There's 2 of them in this package and they're actually really good!  I'm a fan!  

The final verdict:  3.4 stars!!  As I said earlier, the scarf and the promo code were the reason I decided to sign up for this month's box.  The necklace was cute and so was the ring holder.  The exercise ball is just annoying b/c I got a different one last year from them too.  The pea crisps and fig bars are "fluff" as far as I'm concerned and not really of any value.  Overall, I definitely think this box was worth the $32.  If I can find a promo code, I'll get this box next month too.  Otherwise, I'll probably cancel it again until one comes out (a promo code).  Have to save my pennies for my Stitch Fix's.  (Unless some of you fine folks want to sign up for POPSUGAR by clicking on this link and giving me a referral credit). :)

XOXO,

Stephanie

IPSY March 2014 "Glam Bag" Review

This is my review of the March 2014 IPSY (formerly My Glam) Glam bag.   The theme of this month's bag was "Destination Beauty".  So fun!  I've subscribed to Ipsy since October 2012 and they never disappoint!

The "Stats" -    

Frequency:  Monthly (automatic renewing)

Cost:  $10.00/month (shipping is free)

Products: From their website - "Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag, with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products."  (Based off the beauty quiz you complete).

Here's what was in my March 2014 IPSY Glam Bag:

This bag included:  (Retail Values are listed for the size actually received in the bag, not the full-sized product unless that's what they sent in the box).

The Products: 
1.  IPSY Make-Up Bag - estimated RV $5.00
2.  Nicole by OPI Nail Polish - .5 fl oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $7.99
3.  Be a Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in "Bora Bora" - .17 oz (FULL SIZE) - RV $16.00
4.  KLORANE Soothing & Relaxing Patches for Tired Eyes - 2 packs of two in each - RV $5.14
5.  bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in "Get Ready" - .05oz - RV $7.50
TOTAL VALUE of the products I received:  $41.63
MY COST:  $10.00

A closer look at the products:
1.  IPSY Make-Up Bag - (5 stars) - I am usually not a huge fan of the make-up bags since I have so many, but this one is really colorful and fun!  Definitely one I'll throw in a clear beach bag!  Love it!

2.  Nicole by OPI Nail Polish - (4 stars) - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE OPI polish!  I'm just not sure if I'll wear this color or not unless I'm on vacation.  (Can't go into a professional presentation with candy blue nails.  Then again, my nails are painted green for St. Pattie's Day right now, so who knows!).

3.  Be a Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in "Bora Bora" - (3 stars) - It gets a star for being a full-size quad, which I like.  It also gets one more for each color I would actually wear out of it (that being the dark brown and the tan ones).  I want to love this, I really do.  But a 36-year old woman only has so many places where vibrant blue and orange eye shadow can be worn.  :)  This is going to end up on eBay for sure!

4.  KLORANE Soothing & Relaxing Patches for Tired Eyes - (1 star) - I tried these on my puffy eyes and for about 10 minutes after I took them off, the puffiness was down.  After that, they were back to normal.  Sorry, but these did not work for me!

5.  bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in "Get Ready" - (5 stars) - My IPSY bag came right as I was getting ready to leave for a weekend trip.  This lipstick ended up being what I threw in my purse and wore all weekend!  It is lightweight and creamy.  Loved it!  And it was the perfect color too!!  Would definitely buy this in a full-size if I needed more lipstick.

The final verdict:  3.6 stars!!  Loved the bag and the lipstick, but the eye shadow quad and under-eye depuffers were a bust!  I'm trying to decide whether or not to keep getting my IPSY subscription or not.  I LOVE IT and IT's A GREAT VALUE!!  However, I'm out of room to store any more make-up and nail polish - my Mary Kay holder is full (and there's plenty more make-up that won't fit into it).

And this guy is full too - I am double-layered on the bottom two rows with nail polish!

What do you think?  Time to cancel my IPSY subscription for a while until I use some of this product up?  I'm trying to decide....


In the mean time, if you found this review helpful and you decide you want to try IPSY out, please click on this link.  (I'll get Ipsy points towards a future bonus product).  :)

Stitch Fix #2 - March 2014 - Even Better than My First One!!

I have been anxiously awaiting (OK, stalking) my 2nd Stitch Fix box and it did not disappoint!

Stitch Fix is like Christmas morning for adults and what you see below is the present!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First - a little bit about what Stitch Fix is and how it works:

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You tell them your style, size, and budget preferences, and they'll send you a package of stylish goodies to try on at home. Each Fix™ is unique and hand-picked just for you.

How does it work?

1. Sign Up (you can click on this link and do so) and Complete Your Style Profile - After signing up you can start immediately on your Style Profile.  They need to know your size, shape, style, budget, and lifestyle to get your Fix right. The Style Profile will take about 10 minutes to complete.

2. Schedule a Stitch Fix - Pick a shipment date, and they’ll send you a box of 5 clothing and accessory items they’ve hand-picked just for you.  You can even opt to schedule a monthly delivery if you'd like.  You pay a $20 styling fee when your stylist selects the items in your Stitch Fix. This $20 fee will be applied as a credit toward anything you keep from your shipment.

3. Try On All Of Your Items - Try on everything they send you—you never know what you’ll like until you see it on (trust me on this one). Pair each piece with items already in your closet to try different outfit options. Each item includes style cards with ideas and inspiration on how to wear it.

4. Decide - Take 3 days to decide what you’ll keep. Return the items you don't want in the pre-paid mailing bag (they include this in your box) at any USPS mailbox.

5. Check Out - Login to your account and pay for those items you kept.  If you buy all 5 items you save 25% off the entire shipment price.  Make sure to leave them feedback on your Stitch Fix shipment so they know what did and didn’t work for you.

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Enough technical stuff - Here's what was in my 2nd Fix....

First off, they add a nice little envelope with a note from your stylist about why they selected the pieces they did for you, as well as styling cards that give you ideas on how to style each piece.

Great touches!  Once again, I really felt like my stylist took the time to choose items she thought I'd like by looking at my Pinterest boards and notes I wrote on my profile (which I update after each fix) I filled out.  Plus, in my feedback from Box #1, I specifically requested some pieces that I was looking to buy in Box #2:  navy pants/jeans, a royal blue top, and/or a particular dress I saw another Stitch-Fixer received in their box.  My stylist definitely listened to my feedback and sent me navy jeans and a royal blue top as requested (actually - the royal blue top was one I had pinned on Pinterest from another person's Fix).  I had pinned the navy tulip top as well.  

THANK YOU FABULOUS STYLIST!!    

Here's what was in my box:

Ivy Tulip Print Tab Sleeve Blouse - $68
Abigail Colorblock Lace Trim Top - $58
Burlington Ruffle Overlay Sleeveless Blouse - $48
Denna Skinny Jean - $78
Leopard Print Infinity Scarf - $28

Piece #1 - Let's start with the 41 Hawthorne Ivy Tulip Print Tab Sleeve Blouse - $68

This was the piece I was most excited about when I Googled what was in my box.  I had pinned this shirt a while ago, and was so excited my stylist noticed and sent it to me!  I literally took it out of the box saying, "please, please, please fit!!".  

I was instantly impressed with the quality of this top!  The fabric is actually heavier than I thought it would be and it's very well made.  It's silky to the touch also, which I like.  Plus, this shirt is one I had pinned on my Pinterest board and have wanted for a while.  It's a bit small overall, but I am losing weight, so I decided to keep it!   

VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #2 - Mystree Abigail Colorblock Lace Trim Top - $58

This is the royal blue top I had pinned on Pinterest.  My stylist noticed and sent it to me.  Talk about a great layering piece!  

I can wear this to work with black pants and a suit jacket, or more casually with jeans and a cardigan like I did in this photo.  The back is made of a soft, black polyester/spandex material, so you don't really have to worry much about whether this top will fit or not since the back stretches. 

The detailing on the front is really beautiful too!  I like the slight sheerness to the top, shoulder area.  It's double-lined though, so you don't notice your bra straps under it.  The top is a great length too, which I like!  $58 is more than I would usually spend on a top, but since this is one I pinned and had on my wish list, I decided to go for it!  I think I'll wear this top A LOT!!

VERDICT:  KEPT 

Piece #3 - Papermoon Burlington Ruffle Overlay Sleeveless Blouse - $48

When I Googled what was in my Fix, I was probably most skeptical about how this piece would fit since the fabric doesn't "give" much.  (As I mentioned before, I'm very busty).  Much to my delight, when I slipped it over my head IT FIT!

I added a grey cardigan as the styling card suggested and then began pondering... Normally, I like my tops to be a bit longer in the front (by about an inch or two).  This top has a high/low design.  Also, despite the bright color (which I LOVE), it was kind of boring to me for $48.  The fit of the next piece (the Denna Skinny Jean) was actually what decided the fate of this blouse (and the scarf)! 

VERDICT:  (I'll tell you in a second)  :)

Piece #4 - Kut from the Kloth Denna Skinny Jean - $78

I made the mistake of drying the pants I got last month in the dryer (and turning them into ankle-length pants.  Luckily for me, that's in style right now), so I specifically asked for long length pants/jeans this month to make up for my lack of laundry prowess.  Plus, 5'7" is kind of that weird height where you can go with normal length pants or long ones depending on where you want them to hit you.  I chose the latter!

That being said, I was still skeptical!  After all, what are the odds of pants fitting two months in a row that a person who has never met me picked out for me?!  Well, when the jeans are made of cotton (and 2% Spandex) and your stylist listens to the feedback you give re:  color/length, those odds are amazing!  And the price point was perfect!!  These little beauties are mine (and the fate of the blue shirt and leopard print scarf is sealed - welcome to my closet!!).

(Yes, I know this isn't the best butt-selfie!  Just wanted you to be able to see the back pockets).  :)

  

VERDICT:  KEPT

Piece #5 - Enter the last piece - the 41 Hawthorne Leopard Print Infinity Scarf - $28

I didn't need this scarf!  In fact, I already have a leopard-print infinity scarf that has a darker brown background.  However, the softness of the fabric and the overall quality of the scarf (much nicer than the one I already own), sold me on it.  Plus, this one looks better with my leopard shoes (from Victoria's Secret).  Grrr!

VERDICT:  KEPT

In the end, I loved this Fix even more than my first one!  I had requested less expensive pieces this time (the merchandise total for my first box was $310.00).  This one (which included the more expensive tulip print top that I had pinned on Pinterest), came in at $280.00.  However, if you purchase all 5 of your pieces, Stitch Fix gives you 25% off your purchase.  In this case, the total discount for buying all 5 pieces would be $65.00.  Stitch Fix also deducts the pre-paid $20 styling fee from the purchase price of whatever you buy from your Fix for that month.  So, the cost for me to buy all 5 of my items was $195.00 (plus, the pre-paid styling fee).

I already scheduled my next Fix for 3 weeks out and I can't wait!  This time, I requested some Spring clothes (a coral/peach top like one I pinned from Forever 21, the Barcelona blue/green striped top I've seen other Stitch Fixer's receive, and maybe a fun dress than I can throw a cardigan over for work).  I can't wait to see what my stylist sends me in my next fix!

What did you think of the pieces I selected?  Do you think I should've kept them all or sent some back?  Let me know.  And if you like this blog and want to sign up, please click on this link.  If anyone signs up by clicking this link, I will receive a $25 referral credit towards my next Fix (which I really could use since the boxes they send me seem to be right on)!!  :)

XOXO,

Stephanie