Stitch Fix Review #3 - August 2015

Well, I am officially hooked. When I first signed up for Stitch Fix on June 17th of THIS year, I thought I would sign up to receive a fix every 2 months...maybe even every 3 months. On August 21st, I received my 3rd fix. Oops! And if I'm being truly honest, my 4th fix is scheduled to arrive on September 17th.

For this fix, I asked my stylist to concentrate on wear to work pieces. I am in desperate need of a work wardrobe upgrade, so Stitch Fix is my fairy godmother. So, what did I received in my 3rd fix??

Skies are Blue Ferris Mixed Material Collared Top with Margaret M Emer Printed Straight Leg Pant

Let's start with the pants. These pants are amazingly comfortable. They pull right on and fit like a glove. I really like the way these look on me and accentuate all the right places. The pattern though...I am not a patterned pants to work type of gal. I'm very conservative...the craziest I get with my pants are my solid fushia pants. And what you can't see from that picture is the pattern is actually both white and blue.

See??

I posted these on facebook...both to my friends and a Stitch Fix message board. Everyone raved on how amazing they were and how I must keep them. In the end, I just don't think I'd feel comfortable wearing that much pattern to work. Verdict: Returned

Now on to the burgundy top. It looked really good with these pants. Other than that, I wasn't sold. I can't pinpoint exactly what it was about it, but I just felt like it was something a grandpa would wear. Call me crazy...I don't know. Verdict: Returned

Papermoon Claraday Pleat Detail Blouse

I'm pretty sure my expression says it all. How many people are supposed to wear this at one time?? Verdict: Returned

41Hawthorn Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse

The color of this one...I'm in love. Purple is a very good color on me. I really should wear purple more. I like the style of this blouse; my only complaint is that it's a bit big. I have asked customer service if they would exchange it for a Small rather than the Medium that is pictured here. I like the versatility of this piece. It will look great with both slacks for work and with leggings/skinny jeans during the fall. Verdict: Kept, requested smaller size

Zad Jorja Teardrop Bauble Necklace

The color and style of this are right up my alley. However, it just felt cheaply made. Since I have lots of jewelry in these tones already, I decided to pass. Verdict: Returned

This month's fix was only a 1/5, but I'm perfect ok with that. I tried on pieces that I wouldn't have picked for myself. I've come to the conclusion that fitted pants are my friend, whereas most of the pants in my closest currently are not. I figure that every time I provide my Stitch Fix stylist with feedback, my fixes will get better and better. Having a 1/5 this month is also how I can justify ordering my next one to arrive in less than a month. :)

10th Walk to End Alzheimer's

Once again, I am participating in the Memphis Walk to End Alzheimer's in memory of Ed Cecil. Can you believe that this year will be my 10th one??? I started walking in 2005 in honor of my grandfather. I have walked every year since then with the exception of 2009 (I was a newlywed and out of town that weekend.) I have also served on the Walk Committee as chairman for 3 of those years. One year I even ran the Chicago Marathon to help with my fundraising efforts - that sparked the birth of this blog. Putting an end to Alzheimer's is truly one of my passions.

This year my goal is to raise $3000. I have yet to hit that number in any given year. I'm aiming high because I know that one day I can achieve that amount. Just as one day, there will be an end to Alzheimer's. Right now, I would just settle for a known cause of Alzheimer's. You can't cure something unless you know what truly causes it.

In case you are curious, 78% of the funds donated to the Alzheimer's Association are used for Alzheimer's care, support, research, awareness, and advocacy. 16% goes towards fundraising, with only 6% being used for administration.

Please visit my personal fundraising website http://act.alz.org/goto/JenniferBaker (or browse through my blog archives) to learn more about my story and why I Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Third Time's the Charm

So, I'm a little late posting this. My vacation got me all behind (posts on vacation coming soon).

The third time really is the charm. "What third time, what charm?", you might be asking. Wearing a skirt/dress to work! What??? Yes, I have been in my big girl job for over 10 years...last Thursday was only the 3rd time that I wore a dress/skirt to work. This time, it wasn't 3 strikes and you're out...it was the 3rd time's the charm.

Let's recap my 3 experiences:

1st Time

I was fairly new to the company...a young female engineer surrounded by older male engineers. You can see where this is going. I needed to do laundry, so I decided to wear a skirt to work...it was knee length (very work appropriate). As soon as I walked in the door, I heard this: "You're wearing a skirt! Why?" Unfortunately, that was not the last time I heard it that day. Every guy I saw that day said the same thing. Eventually, I just started looking down in surprise saying, "Oh wow...I am wearing a dress." Then I would smile and walk away.

2nd Time

Fast forward about 8-9 years...yes, I waited that long before attempting it again. This time, I worked in a department that had more females...most of whom wear dresses on a regular basis. I thought I might be safe. My daughter had a Christmas program at her daycare in the afternoon, and I wanted to look nice for that. Freen sweater dress, belt, tights, and boots on...I thought I looked pretty put together. I arrived at work, and the males kept commenting on how I looked like an elf. Great, I wear a dress again and now I look like an elf. In their defense, since it was Christmas time, I did kinda look like an elf.

See!

3rd Time July 23, 2015 - I had an Alzheimer's Luncheon that I was going to attend. I decided to dress nice and wear my purple dress. Here we go again! Only one person seemed shocked to see me in a dress. Everyone else showered me with compliments. :) The only questions/comments I received was on the purple color. This made me happy...I could then launch into my spiel on Alzheimer's. Win Win!!

Stitch Fix #2 Review - July 2015

My second fix from Stitch Fix arrived this week. YAY!!!!

I know it's been less than a month since my first fix, but I'm hooked and really wanted new clothes for my upcoming trip to South Carolina.

Did you know that you can leave personalized messages for your Stitch Fix stylist??? That's exactly what I did. I let her know that I was requesting this fix specifically for my summer vacation to Charleston. I provided her a list of some of the activities I thought I would be doing. She definitely paid attention and came through for me. I love how personalized her note is!!

Now, onto the clothes!

H&C Collection Bickenhall Split Back Top & Henry & Belle Abana Ankle Length Skinny Jean

Based on my stylist's suggestion, I paired these two pieces together. I wasn't impressed with them together...something about the combo of black and white with blue just didn't do it for me. But, I really liked them separate. By that, what I mean to say is that I really, really, really LOVE the Bickenhall Split Back Top and as my 3 days of trying on the skinnies progressed I started to fall in love with them too.

Don't you just love the back of this blouse??

Unfortunately, I don't have a picture...but, I went out on a limb last night as I was packing and paired this top with some black shorts. What a great vacation outfit! I'll make sure hubby takes pics of my wearing it to post it later. Since I didn't like the blouse and skinny jeans together, I started searching my closet for ways to wear the skinny jeans. I think I found some good options. Here's one of them:

So, if you are wondering about the denim jacket, it is the one that my stylist sent me this fix and referenced in my note. Just USA Morrie Boyfriend Denim Jacket Based on the style card that was included, I chose to roll up the sleeves...they were actually too long not rolled. I think it turned out well.

Gilli Ryland Maxi Dress

This dress looks and feels like it was made especially for me!! It fits amazing and is very flattering to my body (if I do say so myself). The material is amazing...it's not your typical cotton maxi. 100% keeper!! I can't wait to wear it to an upcoming baby shower that I'm attending. Did you notice my necklace from my first fix??

Here's a look at the sytlist's suggestion of pairing the maxi with the denim jacket. I need your thoughts on it!

Market & Spruce Sam Hi-Lo Short Sleeve Tee

Meh, it's just a gray tee shirt. Yes, it is made of different material (think light sweater)...but, it's still just a boring gray tee shirt. My closet already has boring gray tee shirts. :)

So...what did I keep??? In the end, I kept everything. I really just wanted 4 out of the 5 items, but if you buy all 5 you get a 25% discount on the entire fix. It was actually cheaper to keep the boring gray shirt than it would have been to return it. I made sure I left that feedback upon checkout though.

Thinking about signing up for Stitch Fix??? All the links in the post direct you using my referral link. If you sign up using any of these links, I get a $25 credit. Yay for free money helping me support my new found addiction!!

Stitch Fix #1 Review

I had seen several people on Facebook post about Stitch Fix, so I finally decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did.

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a personal styling subscription service. You are able to schedule a fix at any frequency you wish: every 2-3 weeks, every month, every 2 months, every 3 months, or as needed. It is very easy to get started...you fill out a style profile with several questions and some example clothing for you to rate. You can direct them to a fashion Pinterest board or a blog, so they get to know your preferred style better. There is also a place for you to leave notes about your specific style or pieces that you need. There is a $20 styling fee every time you get a box, but it is credited to your account if you purchase an item from the box. If you choose to keep all 5 items they send, you get 25% off the whole box. You have 3 days to try everything on, then you send back what you don't want in a prepaid package. Super easy!!

What was in my Fix?

Every fix comes with a personalized note from your stylist as well as style cards for each of your items.

Pixley William Dress

I absolutely loved this dress!! It is not a normal style for me, but I loved the look of it on me. It will be perfect for my upcoming vacation. This is a KEEPER!

41Hawthorne Angela Quilted Detailed Blouse

I loved the quilted detail on this blouse...and the cobalt blue looks wonderful on me. Even though I would normally not spend $68 on a blouse, I just had to have this one!

Karen Kane Dorothy Pant

The pants that I have on in the previous picture are these pants. These are the most comfortable pants that I have ever worn. Unfortunately, the same material that made them so comfortable made them very form fitting. I just wouldn't have felt comfortable wearing them to work. Also, they were a tad on the long side...I normally wear boots under my work pants. I couldn't wear boots under these since they were so skinny at the bottom. Sadly, I had to eventually take them off and send them back.

Moon Collection Bailee Cowl Neck Knit Poncho

I loved this Poncho with the Dorothy pants...it looked amazing. Oops, I forgot to take pictures. By this point, I had already decided that I was going to return the pants. So, I tried the poncho with some of my regular work pants. OMG...it looked like I had gained 20 lbs instantly. I just couldn't justify keeping it with nothing to currently wear with it that made me look good.

Bay to Baubles Emilee Teardrop Cluster Necklace

Definitely keeping this necklace!! I love the style and color. I looks great with the Quilted blouse that I'm also keeping.

I was so satisfied with my first Stitch Fix! I have another one scheduled to arrive on July 20th full of items for my vacation to Charleston. Can't wait!!

Finally Blogging Again

So, I am finally blogging again. I originally started this blog when I was training for the 2010 Chicago Marathon so that people could keep track of my training progress and provide me with encouragement. Then, I fell out of love with running. The blog then became my platform for Alzheimer's Awareness. Apparently, my last blog post was in August 2012...just 2 months before Brenna came into our lives. Any coincidence that I haven't blogged since she was born??? The format of the blog will be changing some. I will now use it to express anything that happens to come to my mind. Those topics will still include Alzheimer's Awareness and Running/Working Out. Others will include some of my Stampin' Up projects (why should I be the only one that gets to enjoy them), Stitch Fix reviews (I received my first fix this weekend, and I am hooked.), and whatever I think is interesting. Let's hope I keep up the posts this time!

Highly anticipated Alzheimer's drug fails, studies scrapped

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