Pleasantly Surprised

A few weeks ago I received a Stitch Fix credit and decided it was time to give the service a try again. My first few "fixes" were fairly unsuccessful, so I didn't have high hopes. 

I told the stylist that I was on the hunt for a new pair of black skinny jeans, and much to my surprise, she delivered! 

At first I was a bit skeptical when I looked at the tag and saw that they were Mavi. It's not really a brand that I would gravitate towards, but I tried them on anyway, and they fit PERFECTLY! 

So, if you are in the market for a pair of black skinny jeans with low rise and some stretch, then I highly recommend giving these a try. 

The pictures don't do them justice. 

SERENA SUPER SKINNY IN BLACK SHANTI $98

As you may have seen in my post last week, I wore them recently with my new TOMS and had to roll the cuff because I haven't had the time to take them to the tailor yet.

Le Tote-Part Un

A dear friend sent me a belated and very fun birthday gift, a two month subscription to Le Tote. You ask, what is Le Tote? Well, for $49 a month it gives you access to unlimited "totes" of clothing that you select for your "closet". 

What happens next? A tote is sent to you with 3 items of clothing and 2 accessories that you have added to your virtual closet. You then have the choice to wear the clothes and send them back for another tote or to keep items and buy them at the "member price". It's a bit like Stitch Fix, but with the option to send the clothing back after you have worn it. 

I was really excited to select the items for my closet and receive my first tote. Without further adieu, here is my "Le Tote" Review. 

I received the following items. 

I didn't even try this shirt on. It would be great for warm weather, but it's cold and rainy here in Portland. I think if they collected more information about style preferences they would be able to send pieces more suited for the recipient. 

This shirt fit well, but was a cheap material and didn't feel any better than a shirt you would find at Old Navy. In fact, I have an Old Navy button down like this that feels higher quality and cost far less than $54.

I didn't wear either the bracelet or the necklace as I decided to send my tote back for other options after just two days.

The only thing I wore from my tote was this sweatshirt. 

I really liked the "quilting" and the elbow patches, but the quality was terrible. It was polyester and rayon and felt cheap. It was itchy and uncomfortable against my skin. I would NEVER spend $54 on something of this quality when I could easily find a similar style in %100 cotton for a similar price.

While I love the idea of this and think it is a super fun gift idea, so far I'm not overly impressed. I have another tote on its way, and I am hoping part deux will be better!

Stay tuned!

New Year's Stitch Fix

Since my last Stitch Fix was a total bust (post here), I decided to give it one more chance.  They so kindly gave me my $20 credit back given the flawed construction of one of my items, so there was no reason not to try it again!

Drum roll please….here is what I received.

The first was this Diamond Knit Cotton Sweater. The color was sort of "blah" and the cut-outs on the side were not my style…I could imagine the Mini Fashionista pulling on them and tearing the whole sweater apart. I did like the diamond print though. Fail #1.

Next up this Pintuck Tab-sleeve silk blouse. I loved the color, but it was far too long and blousy. Fail #2.

I requested that they send me a fun scarf…this wasn't exactly what I had in mind. Again, just not my style. Fail #3! 

When I pulled this Leopard Print Cardigan out of the box, I knew I would like it, and I did. Looking at these photos I am kicking myself for not keeping it. However, it was just Christmas…the season of giving and spending... so I decided to use restraint and send it back. Stupid me! 

And lastly, the one item I kept, this Herringbone Vest with black piping! I don't have anything like it in my closet, it can be worn with a variety of things (including workout clothes) and it was reasonably priced at $78! 

I've already worn it a number of times…including here with black skinny jeans, a chambray shirt, infinity scarf and Tory Burch flats.

I'm not sure that I will order another "Fix". I get plenty of fashion fixes without them coming montly in the mail! 

The Same...But Different.

I've gotten a ton of requests about how to get this sweater from my recent Stitch Fix.

Unfortunately, I think it's a Stitch Fix exclusive. But...I found a few pretty close alternatives. 

Hive & Honey Ski Lodge Open Front Sweater

Dex Jacquard Draped Front Cardigan

Sabine Alpine Blanket Sweater

Did anyone else score the same Stitch Fix sweater I did?

And, if you entered our giveaway this week, the winner is.....SMW! E-mail us at CardiCouture@gmail.com with your mailing address and we'll get the bracelet in the mail to you! Congrats!

 

 

Getting My Fix

C&C would like to give a special shout out to one of our most loyal readers, Kelli! (We hijacked this photo from your facebook profile).

Kelli is participating in her first Ironman this weekend. We will be thinking of you Kelli and wishing you all the best during your race. You go girl! As you get off the bike and transition to your 26.2 mile run, I suggest you envision Louboutin heels, a Chanel handbag and an Oscar de la Renta dress all in your size at the end of the race…and they are free! Run girl, run! That kind of reward might even incentivize me to run a marathon.

Now on to my first ever Stitch Fix. It arrived yesterday, with much anticipation. So here are the results….

The first two pieces: an open draped cardigan and skinny jeans. The jeans fit well, but I really don't need any pants, and for $88 I couldn't justify an unnecessary pair of pants. Although, I did really like the fit and the color.

Now to the cardigan…I really liked the print and the elbow patches, but there was way too much material around the collar, and it was a bit too much like a sweater coat, which I already have two of in my closet. At $118 I decided not to keep it. I think I can find something that I really love for less.

Next up, this knit cowel neck sweater from Splendid. It was just okay (and yes, kind of sheer), and I'm not going to pay $98 for just okay. On a whole, I think Splendid is overpriced and underwhelming…kind of like this sweater.

The last two tops were total losers! The first, a chambray blouse, was boxy, had big wide sleeves (when not buttoned up) and was shorter in the front than the back. It was blah!

The last shirt was the worst. You can see that the stripes on the right side of my chest have been sewn into the top color blocking of the shirt. Total fail! I can't believe it even made it through their quality control.

So, unfortunately all five pieces are going back, and I am losing $20, even bigger bummer! I am definitely open to trying it again. Hopefully next time I will have some success.

On a positive note…I am totally lusting after this dress from Ivy and Blu Maggy Boutique. I really want to order it.

What I Wore: Stitch Fix Finds

If you remember my last Stitch Fix post, you know that I had great success with a pair of pants and a sweater. As promised, here they are in action. I've worn the open shawl cardigan several times, including on our recent trip to Paris and to work. While it looks like I'm wearing the exact same thing for the more casual look I've got on cords and a t-shirt, and for work it's black pants and a silk shell. 

I was a skeptic of these skinny graphic pants in the box, but once I put them on, I knew they'd be a fun fall staple. Paired with a black turtleneck sweater, Tahari leather jacket, and Cole Haan wedges, this was a good business casual look with a little bit of edge. 

I've got another Fix coming in November and will keep you posted on what I keep. Have you thought about signing up?  Share your Stitch Fix successes with us! 

Stitch Fix Success!

News alert. I had my most successful Stitch Fix yet! If you missed my earlier posts about this great service, it's something you reluctant or time-constrained shoppers don't want to miss. While I'm short on time, I'm not short on love for retail therapy in any form - online, in-store, or through Stitch Fix. I'm an equal opportunity retail enthusiast - which basically translates to I'm going to do it all. 

Since only one shirt from my first three Fixes was a keeper, I was glad to get a comprehensive note from my "stylist" who talked about why she chose this box's pieces. I recently updated my style profile with a pinterest board, my twitter feed, and a link to the blog so they can get a sense of my aesthetic...and I'm definitely encouraged by the progress. 

Let's start with what went back. The dress on the left was cute, but not something I needed, and the fit wasn't that great. When it comes to a sheath dress, I'm a stickler for perfection (and you should be too - this is an important staple in any wardrobe). The fit-and-flare style of the dress on the right, while cute on many, isn't for me. But the black and blue color combo is always a favorite. 

Filling my need for fall pieces, they sent an adorable printed shawl cardigan (obviously a keeper), along with a black coat. The fit was flattering, but since I was keeping the sweater and the fabric was a little rough, it went back. 

Last, but not least, this pair of printed skinny pants. I'm not afraid of a bold pattern (remember this ASOS dress) - if it's just right - but I wasn't sure about these at first. All it took was a quick try on to seal the deal. The fit is perfect, the length is spot on (which never happens for us tall girls), and I don't have anything like them. 

Two out of five - I consider that a big success - especially with some of the other items I stocked up on for fall (to be continued with some outfit posts). 

You should definitely check out Stitch Fix if you're looking for a few fall pick-me-ups. You deserve it!

Stitch Fix Round 2

If you read the reviews of my first Stitch Fix, you know I promised to order a second Fix. This time I got a black dress, bangles, two blouses, and a pair of pants.

While I liked both blouses, I have things very similar to them and decided I want to focus on what I need in my wardrobe right now, vs. what I want. Unfortunately the dress wasn't structured enough for my figure, the pants were a definite no-go, and I have too many bangles to justify six more. Can you believe my self restraint?! 

While the contents of my second Fix went back, my friend EV was nice enough to share some photos of what she kept from hers - a blazer and three tops! 

Are any other readers fixin to share their Stitch Fix experience? You can sign up here! 

My First Fix

My first Stitch Fix arrived! As promised, here's my report back on my first Fix. The box was very well packaged, with a note from my stylist, Alexandra, an explanation of how it works, and a list of the 5 items and their prices.

A tag gives you suggestions on how to wear and accessorize each piece. My first item, a black dress with a diagonal zipper was a good idea, but poorly executed. The fabric didn't have enough structure, and the cut of the sleeves was horrible. I'm really taking one for the team taking a picture of myself in this dress. It is clearly not flattering. 

Next up, a white button-up shirt, an emerald (sort of) green blazer, and a Tracy Reese printed skirt. 

Taking cues from the outfit card, and the fact that I was too lazy to try on every piece separately, I put them all together. I'm not sure what they were thinking when I asked for work-appropriate skirts. I'm tall, and this is much too short to wear to work. #fail. The jacket was just so-so...soooo, it went back along with the skirt. Cute, but not for me.

Last, but not least, this jersey skirt. You can't really tell from the picture, and there was no way I was taking a picture of it on, but this was like gym shorts turned skirt. There's nothing more to say. I wouldn't even wear it to hang around the house as "comfy clothes." Take note Stylist Alexandra, nothing about this is my style.

Final verdict: my first fix left something to be desired (you're always going to get it straight here on C & C). I only ended up keeping the white shirt. It was $48, and with the $20 styling fee, it made more sense to keep it than send everything back and lose my $20. It's a good basic and I don't have anything like it, so I consider it a win. 

I thought the style profile was really extensive and asked some good questions, but I'm not sure that translated into the items that I got. That being said, I'll probably do it again. I like the concept and I want to give it another shot. When I go into a dressing room, I usually have to try on 10 things to get just 1...and I'm picking things out myself. 

Who's going to sign up with me? Do we have any volunteers to share photos of their Fix with us and and our readers? Send us an email at CardiCouture@gmail.com if you're up for the challenge. 

Stitch Fix

Remember when we blogged about Trunk Club, a styling service for men that sends a box of clothes and you only pay for what you keep? Well, there's one for women too! Enter Stitch Fix.

Not everyone loves to shop. And not everyone likes putting together outfits. If you're nodding your head, Stitch Fix could be for you. This outfit is a great example of how to mix patterns (which I know can be frightening). With Stitch Fix, you don't have to figure it out yourself, they do it for you!  I haven't tried it yet, but have a box coming to me this week. I thought I owed it to you to try it out first and report back. 

Check out blogger Erin of Living in Yellow and a few of her keepers.  

image via Living In Yellow

image via Living in Yellow

Have any of you tried Stitch Fix?