It's been that time again....Stitchfix time. This is my third fix and I was pretty excited to receive a new box with goodies. This time around I requested an outfit for a wedding that I am going to attend in early November and I opted to stay with the same stylist this time.
If you are interested in trying it you can use my referral link by clicking here.
Let's take a look at what I received this time around:
1) Urban Expressions
Richie Asymmetrical Clutch
I really liked the style of this and the color is totally me too. However it was a little big for a clutch and since I only get to use a clutch maybe once a month currently I didn't think that I NEED this in my life right now. Unfortunately this had to go back. RETURNED
2) Gilli
Sebsatian Maxi Dress
Thought this was a great pick for a maxi dress. As always the material is superb and the fabric feels super comfy and high quality. For my own personal sake I wish it offered arm/shoulder coverage but it works. It has a really nice dark blue hue and I love what it does for my cleavage area. I would probably love it more if it was all blue instead of the stripes but I liked them well enough. Turns out a have 2 blue maxi dresses with stripes already but had to keep this one nevertheless. I will be able to dress this up for the wedding and also use it year-round with the current temperatures here in SoCal. KEPT
3) Amour Vert for Stitch Fix
Alessandro Silk V-Neck Blouse
When I first pulled out the style card I thought I was absolutely in love with this without trying it on. That didn't turn out exactly how it went down when I finally tried it. I love love love the design/pattern. It is my style for sure. It seemed a little large on the bottom part. The shoulders looked right but it made me look a little boxy below. The buttons are super cute on this...I tried everything on without looking at the prices first so when I ended up checking this was a little bit more pricey. When I checked I figured out it was 100% silk so the pricing made more sense. For the price I would have to absolutely love it and since it was a little boxy looking on me and also doesn't necessarily compliment my rather light complexion I opted that this has to go back after all. RETURNED
4) 41Hawthorn
Selfridge Cowl Neck Knit Top
The hubby really liked this one. When I first saw it on the card I thought no-way. When I tried it on it was actually pretty cute and I like that it comes with a shirt line sewn in, so it doesn't reveal too much. I went back and forth on this and tried it on a couple of times but ultimately decided to send it back since I don't love the cowl neck thing. It was ok but I didn't love it since that is not my thing and so I returned it. RETURNED.
5) Market & Spruce
Char Geo Print Maxi Skirt
So when I saw this on the card I thought I really liked it. It looks good from a distance. It has amazing fabric and is good quality. I just didn't like the pattern and color combo close up. The pattern isn't sophisticated enough and the color combo of turquoise and red kind of clashes and has a clown feeling to it. Weirdly enough it looks good from further away or on the card...more light purple/bluish...Must be some optical illusion caused by the pattern. Needless to say...it went back. RETURNED
So I only kept the Gilli Maxi dress this time. Overall I wish the third fix was a little bit more my style still. What I learned is that I like to peek at the style card first but that it all changes when I actually see the items and try them on. Sometimes I think I won't like something from the card that I then end up buying. At the same time some of the items that looked great on the card (the silk blouse and maxi skirt) turned out not to work for me. It is also very important to try on items multiple times and think about it instead of sending it back right away. I have changed my mind before on the 2nd day and I think that it has to do with the fact that items are picked for us that we wouldn't necessarily pick of the rack ourselves. That way I tend to judge it too quickly before actually giving it a minute.
I love to get this little surprise in my mail box each month and I am eager to learn more about what works for me. The style cards are awesome. We'll see what next month brings. :)
Okay, I've been gone for a while. What happened was...I had a baby! Easy to see from my last post right after my little man was born. Turned out to be a little bit of a life changer and between sleep deprivation and the urgent need to shower more often blogging kind of fell off the band wagon. It happens. I'm sure most of you have moved on and I might just be talking to myself but I figured I will say 'Hi' and I'm still around and hope to get back to sharing interesting things about life in suburbia. :)
So now that the little boss is 2.5 I figured the sleep deprivation isn't really a good excuse anymore for my lack of style since he was born. Most days he sleeps pretty well now and it hit me...It's time to dress better. It is so easy to get sucked into the same old outfit and as comfortable as possible. That has suited me well with a newborn and a new walker but it's time to get it together and dress nice and feel better that way. One thing that is totally out of the question is spending tons of peace and quiet time touring the mall up and down. I just don't have time for that anymore. I found a lot of nice options online and was becoming more confident and happy with my new choices.
A friend mentioned this new service Stitchfix to me at a bridal shower the other day. I actually thought I had seen it on the Sharktank tv show a while back and was going to sign up but got distracted with mommy duties during the process and once that homepage was closed...I forgot about it.
The promise it pretty easy...Stitchfix is an online stylist service which delivers 5 outfit and accessory items to your doorstep. All items are hand-picked by personal stylist who looks at your Pinterest Style Board and checks your answers to a style questionnaire that you answer on their page. It is so convenient. I figured I will give it a try to see what they come up for me.
I received my first box in August and was so excited when I saw the package. One thing I learned the hard way is that I need to open this little box of happiness once the little one is in bed and I have plenty of time to try everything on in peace.
Every box comes with a little personalized note card from your stylist with explanations of what is in the box and tips on how to best wear and combine the pieces. Each item also comes with a style card with examples on how to put the outfit the together. Those cards are so helpful and I am keeping them even if I don't keep all of the items. I noticed that I mostly buy single items I like but have a hard time to put outfits together. I'm hoping that Stitchfix will help me become more stylish and can educate me on how to pair items together to create a great outfit.
My stylist for my Stitchfix #1 was Jamila. Here is what I got in my first box
1)Loveappella Saxby Scoop Neck Top
I really liked the striped top. The stripes weren't too big and it was super comfortable and soft. Unfortunately it was tight and fitted right around the biceps area and since I don't have the skinniest upper arms it was just too tight in that area for my taste. That was a real bummer since it is a really nice shirt otherwise. Sadly RETURNED
2) Market and Spruce Chaplin Hooded Anorak Cargo Jacket
I asked for a military style olive colored jacket and received this cargo jacket. I went back and forth regarding this item. Loved the color and had specifically asked for a jacket with no hoodie and my stylist did a great job of including one that allows you to take the hoodie off. As much as I liked it however it felt like it might be a tad to warm for most of my Southern California days and for the price ($88) I was afraid I wouldn't wear it enough. It also was a little more boxy (probably due to it being warmer) than I would have liked. I prefer my jackets to be tailored. RETURNED after a lot of going back and forth.
3) Skies are Blue Cress Lace Inset Top
Lovely colored top in a nice shade of pink with lace application on the side. Unfortunately this item had a swing silhouette that I didn't like. It looked big in the back. Also not sure that I like lace in colors other than black and white so overall I decided to return it. Loved the color though...it was really close. RETURNED
4) Gilli Payson Maxi Dress
I love a good Maxi dress and mentioned this in my style profile. My stylist once again picked the right kind of item for me, just not one that I loved. The dress again fit fabulously and the material was super soft. Great quality item just not my style. The knitted detail in the back almost looked like big spiderwebs and I felt that it was overall a little more Boho-style than I like. Once again...very close though. RETURNED
5) Bancroft Filigree Layer Necklace
Nice little piece of jewelry but too expensive for something I though was just ok. Gotta love it to buy it. :) RETURNED
I didn't end up keeping anything out of my first box of 5 items but I loved the experience and fully expected it might take a little time to nail my style. I'm OK with that especially since it was so close. So while I didn't keep an item in August I loved the service and was already excited about the next box. Each time when you check out you can give detailed feedback about each item that you received so that your stylist will earn over time.
What I love about the service is that you can decide how often you want to receive a box (monthly, every other month or just for special occasions). You can leave your stylist a note for certain items you are looking for or if you are attending a special event. This makes shopping as a mom so much easier. In the meantime I already received my second box and I will blog about that one shortly. All I can say is....try it! I'm having tons of fun with it.
You can sign up to the service here using my referral code.
So much fun!
36 weeks today! So far so good - the soles of my feet started hurting a couple of days ago. I have a feeling it's just the weight gain that put my feet into a shock-state. I started at 139 pounds and we are now close to 174. It's all in my belly though - even the midwife commented on how my legs still look the exact same. Needless to say people have started to comment on my stomach and we got some of the usual 'Aaaanyy dayyy now' comments from strangers.
The pregancy pillow is a complete life-saver. I'm not sure I would be able to sleep without it at this stage. Last night after I went to pee, I couldn't get back to sleep again. It was 3:30am. Luckily this doesn't happen often so far. Usually once a week or so. The last two days made me feel very tired and my stomach started itching like crazy. I think you had a growth-spurt. It seems to be a little better again today energy-wise.
I'm still fighting this skin infection on my tummy (ringworm) I could totally do without it and it makes me nervous that I might not be able to get rid of it until you get here. I want to make sure that it has cleared up before your arrival so that we can enjoy skin on skin time without having to worry about it.
My right ear is still clogged or popped. It's either ear-wax or water, I'm not sure - but it is very annoying. We'll see the doc again next week and I'll try to finish packing my hospital bag tonight hopefully.
We still have things arrive for you every day. For the nursery or clothes from friends. It's so very nice. Due to the lack of energy I have closed boxes standing downstairs currently. I will try to get a little further again today.
Christmas in Germany = Too much food!
People around me pointed out that they could see my belly grow during our 2.5 weeks in Germany. I have a feeling that has to do with the constant eating over the holidays. Mini W must have gotten a lot of nutrients and calories through those holiday weeks. We were invited and went from one cake tasting to another. (At least that's how it feels). The flight over to Germany went well considering that I'm pregnant. I did wear my compression socks as advised by the doc and while it's not all that comfy - better safe than sorry. By the end of the travel it was a little difficult to still sit in the small seats but it went much better than expected.
People started to point out my bump in Germany - it must have been obvious enough for people to feel confident to talk about it.
I started waking up at night with my hips hurting. While I would change the side it just made me wake up with the other side hurting. As I have found out in the meantime - this also was temporary - probably about two weeks or so.
Traditionally people like to eat goose during the Christmas holiday and we enjoyed a very fancy goose meal at the restaurant
Tüschenbroicher Mühle in the city of Wegberg with the goose being partitioned at the table. First time for G. to eat goose - he liked it. :) (Not to mention the Knoedel and red cabbage!)
Got to see some of my friends, family and spent a whole lot of time with my family at home. Time that I treasure and memories that will not be forgotten!
It's a BOY!!!
Still catching up with the updates here as you might notice. (We are actually in week 28 at this point). We were so happy to confirm that we are having a boy during our 20 week ultrasound. Our little guy looked great according to the technician and didn't move around too much but rather stayed in his interesting Yoga pose. We were lucky to see him swallow amniotic fluid - so adorable!
And here are some of the latest ultrasound pictures from our 20 week appointment. Not sure that we'll have another ultrasound scheduled at the doctor's office if everything goes well, however we have an elective 3D/4D scheduled for February.
Tons of books on hand and so little time - aaaah the preparation. He'll be here before we know it. :)
Yes, it's been a while and this post is kind of late in time. Nevertheless it's a happy post. Pregnancy is a whole new adventure and it's still a little hard to comprehend that this is actually happening.
I had my heart set on trying to take pictures every week/every other week and write down a whole lot about the experience, however 'morning sickness' has kicked my butt the last couple of weeks and taking pictures all of a sudden was not a priority anymore. I'm glad to say that now at 13 weeks things seem to ease up a bit, even though I'm still gagging a whole lot. I guess I have enough energy to post the first pictures and that's a good thing.
The first OB visit was such a sweet day for us. It's hard that we had to wait for weeks for the first appointment. It's kind of nerve-racking to not know what is going on and whether everything is ok. Due to all my sympthoms it's not like I was doubting there was a baby in there, however it still is a big relief to see the little soul on screen for the first time.
We were surprised and in awe about the detail at 8 weeks. The heartbeat was a big highlight of course and puts the nerves at ease a little more. It was noted that my uterus is oddly shaped....not by the tech but the midwife. I guess she is not used to seeing a German uterus around here. ;)
I'll post the 12 weeks update this weekend also to catch up with all those days on the couch. More to come.
Hugs,
