Stitch Fix #3 Review

Hi there! This is your local shopaholic reporting LIVE from....home. Yes, I ordered another Stitch Fix. But no worries-I have $175 in store credit, thanks to so many of my awesome friends signing up & putting me down as their reference! Here's my link if you're interested in signing up. Share your link so you can earn credit, too! This fix was very spot on...everything fit perfectly which is hard to do with a petite/curvy body like mine. I let them know that my style is very eclectic. I go from bohemian...to professional..to preppy...to edgy blah blah blah. 

I only pay for what I keep and decided that I want to return 2 out of the 5 things. What do you guys think?

1. Adorra Ankle Length Skinny Jeans-Navy Blue (picture looks black)

                   

                       

I am keeping these. They fit PERFECTLY and are stretchy. Most of my jeans need to be hemmed because I'm so short, but nope..not these. They are mine. 

2.  Byron Graphic Print Key-Hole Blouse (Black & Pink)

I am keeping this. At first I thought it would be too frumpy but it's very classy and comfortable. Comfort is key. Always. I like it because it fits my bohemian casual style, but can be dressed up for work as well. Oh, and it looks great with my new jeans. 

3. Edmund Faux Leather Sleeve Printed Open Drape Jacket 

                 

So...I have mixed feelings. I actually really like it. But does it flatter my body? I think it's cool that the sleeves are pleather. This is dry clean only, which bothers me. This may be returned. It's edgy & cute, but may just sit in my closet. 

4. Katelyn Striped Fringe Cardigan 

                    

           

I really like this. It's comfy and "hippy". I'm either keeping this, or the pleather jacket. I am not keeping both. I need to have at least SOME self discipline.

5. Betty Chevron Infinity Scarf

Although this is cute...I'm not keeping it. I really can't justify spending $32 on a scarf. But yes, it's adorable. Tempting..NO DANA, RETURN IT. Okay fine I will. Yes, I just typed to myself.

So, although I'm not keeping everything, because of my store credit (If I kept all 5 items) I would have only spent $77.50 for $330.00 worth of clothes. Not bad..store credit...not bad. But, I'm only keeping 3 things. I only have 3 days to decide. Thoughts? 

Stitch Fix was so spot on, I'm thankful they made this such a tough decision!

Stitch Fix #2 Review

Hi there! This is your local shopaholic reporting LIVE from...her bedroom. Yes, I did it..I ordered another Stitch Fix-but this time I had $175 in store credit thanks to so many of my awesome friends signing up & putting me down as their reference! Here's my link if you're interested in signing up. Share your link so you can earn credit, too! 

This fix wasn't as spot on as the first one. I feel as though my stylist didn't really listen to me or review my Pinterest page. I do think the sent items were cute, but I requested more of a professional fix with some fun casual leather items..but I got tons of preppy, summer items instead. 

I have three days to mail back the items I don't want & would love to hear your feedback with regards to what I should keep :-)

 

Jazzy French Terry Detail Drawstring Dress-I can't decide how I feel about this dress. I like it because it can be worn to work or out to a casual day. What are your thoughts? Keep or mail back?

 

Hildie Tie-Neck Abstract Print Blouse- This shirt is very comfortable. It can be casual with leggings or with a high waist pencil skirt. I love shirts that can be worn for work or a casual day. I can't decide if this flatters me though.. Keep or mail back?

 

Crosby Striped Maxi Skirt- I love the black with pink stripes but then I'm worried I won't be able to wear it with many other colors. This skirt is very comfortable-it's basically yoga pants in skirt form. Keep or mail back?

 

Callie Denim Jacket-I adore this jacket. It can basically be worn with anything and it's comfy. I even matched it with my new maxi skirt (assuming I keep the skirt). I am definitely going to keep this.

Okay. I really hate this item. It's plastic material yet it's called a clutch? AND it's see-through? Great, everyone at the bar will see the tampons hiding in my see-through "clutch". The only thing I would use this for is toiletries. I want to mail this back but if I keep all 5 items, I get 20% off the entire order. Hmm..decisions decisions...

-Dana

 

Graceful Giraffe

After a successful interview with my new job, my new boss gave me the book Surviving Your Serengeti-7 Skills to Master Business and Life. I don't read as much as I should but when I do, I tend to have a highlighter by my side so I can keep track of what inspired me. 

The book takes place in Africa and analyzes survival skill sets of wild animals and how they relate to the business world and life. There's a lot we can learn from these animals; their success isn't solely by chance.. natural selection is a technique and if we apply these skill sets and mind sets to our daily lives, we will be happier and more successful. 

At the present time, I relate mostly to the Graceful Giraffe. You'll have to read the book to understand why, but this quote summarizes the chapter:

"A lot of people can only be positive when all is going their way. But that's when it's easier to have an optimistic outlook. The survival skill of grace emphasizes the fact that we must be grateful, even when things aren't going our way. Our ability to develop grace isn't based on what we have or don't have. What matters in terms of grace is whether or not we appreciate what we do have, and how we interact with those around us". 

I am currently experiencing a stressful yet exciting transition which has left me discouraged and worried about things that haven't even happened yet. Reading this chapter opened my mind and made me realize that this transition isn't an ending, it's merely an opportunity. I need to embrace change; life is awesome. 

With grace, I did everything I could today to appreciate my surroundings. The weather was gorgeous, so I went on a bike ride and then (at age 25) took a break by playing on a swing-set by myself. Swinging on a swing is the closest thing I have to flying skills and it's super relaxing..at any age. On my way home, I met a cool family. 

The mom hissed at me. 

Love: verb or noun?

Today I Googled: Love. Why? One, because Google saves lives. Two, because I was having a mental debate regarding the word. Is it a noun or a verb? Well, according to my genius friend, Google, who I probably couldn't survive without, it's...well, both. I'm okay with this. From the noun aspect, it's a feeling that most people can't explain and if they do...they merely use other feelings as descriptions. From a verb aspect, it's an action. The noun of love & the verb of love are codependent. The noun is the feeling & the verb is the proof.

love

ləv/

noun

1. 1.

   an intense feeling of deep affection.

   "babies fill parents with intense feelings of love"

   synonyms:

   deep affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, intimacy, attachment,endearment;
2. 2.

   a person or thing that one loves.

   "she was the love of his life"

   synonyms:

   beloved, loved one, love of one's life, dear, dearest, dear one, darling,sweetheart, sweet, angel, honey;

verb

1. 1.

   feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone).

   "do you love me?"

   synonyms:

• care very much for, feel deep affection for, hold very dear, adore, think the world of, be devoted to, dote on, idolize, worship; 

My First Stitch Fix Review

Once upon a time...I was a shopaholic...the end. Just kidding, there's more.  

I recently signed up for Stitch Fix. Long story short, I filled out a detailed style profile explaining what I love to wear, my sizing and the price range I'm open to spending. You can schedule your stitch fix to come monthly, or when you merely feel like having one. There is no commitment! And if you refer friends, you are rewarded $25 to the site (click my link above to hook a sista up). Whatever you don't want in the Stitch Fix is mailed back and you only pay for what you keep. If you keep all 5 items, 25% is taken off the entire bill...temptation..temptation. It's your own personal stylist. They even look at your Pinterest to see outfits you have liked or pinned. Here's what they sent me:

Adora Skinny Jeans. Awesome color-mint. Comfortable. Stretchy. Fit perfectly

                    Abstract Chevron Tulip-Sleeve Blouse. Fits perfectly. Matches everything. 
                      Comfortable & fun colors. Can be worn for business casual or laid back. 

Milo Pleated Detail Skirt. Again, comfortable. 

Matches everything..even the shirt I tried on before. 

Thin, silky material. Perfect for work or casual.

Crochet Scoop Neck Tank. I adore the lacy material. Very comfortable & isn't too form fitting. 

Asymmetrical Cardigan. I love how it zips from the side. Unique. COMFY. Casual or dressy. It also looks lovely with my new blouse & mint pants. 

They even provide you with a pamphlet showing outfit tips & suggestions for what was sent to you. In addition, your stylist writes a personalized note explaining why she picked out each piece for you.

I was only planning on keeping 2 items, but I loved everything so much. Stitch Fix was so spot on that I'm going to have to buy all 5 items. This means I get 25% off of the total purchase & I received a referral reward of $25. Therefore, I got $102 taken off the entire order. 

Although I splurged and can't do this often, it was totally worth it. 

True Beauty

I recently entered a true beauty contest-just for fun. Although I can be vain & take one too many selfies, I didn't enter this contest to confirm whether I have a beautiful appearance or not; I like what the contest stands for. To enter the contest, I had to upload a picture of myself with no makeup or filter added to the photo..Oh,the horror! I then had to write my own definition of true beauty and what makes me truly beautiful. 

True beauty is knowing that no one is perfect but one should still strive to always be a better person. True beauty is avoiding the act of comparing your appearance to others. Health is true beauty. Being goofy and getting out of your comfort zone is true beauty. Knowing who you are and what you want is true beauty. Empowering others is true beauty. Embracing emotions is true beauty. The ability to laugh at yourself is true beauty. I believe that I am truly beautiful because I strive for all of the above.

Nature's True Beauty, Love.

Slow Down

I'm always in a hurry...even when there is no reason to be. I'm so fast paced that I tend to make others uncomfortable. Shout out to the laid back people, I apologize for my type A personality constantly rushing you. If this will ease your mind, I envy your type B personality. 

I went to Subway today, merely for the excitement of $5 Footlong February, only to find out that it was $5 Footlong January this year-Buzz Kill. As I speed walked into the Subway, because again...I am always in a dramatic hurry...I blurted out my order as quickly as I could with all of my "please" & "thank yous" included, of course. I then paid with exact change because it's such a thrill for me (I'm weird...and maybe a little OCD). 

As I darted to the exit because any time wasted drives me insane...an elderly man stopped me and said, "Slow down, darlin"..then gave an endearing (non-flirtatious) wink-one of those winks that really mean, "Think about what I just said". I did exactly that. I walked slower (meaning: regular speed) to the door, and sat in my car for a moment as self-reflection ensued. 

I know people constantly tell me this, but time really does fly by. If I rush every moment of the day in exchange for the future moment, I'm going to miss out on many beautiful things. That elderly man probably feels like he was my age yesterday, and I know that feeling is already set in the far future for me; when that time comes, I'm going to be tripping some young professional with my cane saying, "slow down, darlin". 

"Slow down and pace yourself; 'cause when it's good, it's a long open road"-Teddy Geiger