Stitch Fix (Lucky) #15

Market & Spruce Girona Eyelet Detail Top detail

This fix was magical!

For two years now, I've been receiving curated boxes from Stitch Fix and this one was the first that I ended up keeping ALL! FIVE! ITEMS! (and thankfully it wasn't too expensive thanks to credits & the 'buy all 5' discount)

Stitch Fix may be for you, if...
1. you don't like shopping for yourself OR
2. you are looking for items you might not pick out for yourself

I don't know about you, but my favorite part about Stitch Fix is how easy it is --- delivered right to your door, you get to try it on with the clothes you already own, and shipping back is as simple as it comes.

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? Share your tips in the comments section below.
 

And now to a breakdown of the pieces I received in fix #15:

[left] Market & Spruce Girona Eyelet Detail Top + Papermoon Remmie Printed Maxi Skirt

[right] Liverpool Paley Lace Printed Denim Short

 

[left] THML Kahlo Knit Top

[right] Street Level Morris Braided Handle Tote

I was not compensated for my thoughts, but I have included a referral link in case you would like to try Stitch Fix yourself

Stitch Fix #14

Right before Calvin's birthday, I received my fourteenth (!) Stitch Fix. Obviously, I'm a fan and here's a few reasons why:

1. Someone else picks out items based on my style profile // I know this isn't for everyone, but I like it because it's made me step out of my comfort zone.
2. Everything is shipped right to my door // honestly, I'm thinking of shipping everything to my house --- am I right, mamas?
3. It's keeping my shopping under control // I usually only schedule a fix when I have credit and am too a point where I have a closet that only contains the items I actually wear. Plus, I've never gone into a fix expecting to keep all five items, so spending under $100 every couple months is pretty good in my opinion.

Also, they send you magical jeans that fit like they were made for you! [insert all the heart eyes emojis]

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get photos of all the items I received, but here's a list of what I got & my thoughts:

Street Level Eve Stitch Front Reversible Tote // good (big) size, but already had a few blemishes, so I worried how well it would stand up over time.
DL1961 Lillian Skinny Jean (above) // magic jeans, enough said.
41Hawthorn Louisa Jacket // oversized and not in a good way.
Market & spruce Sahara Henley Button Top // if I didn't already have three chambray tops in my closet, this one probably would have stayed too.
Skies are Blue Folla V-Neck Knit Top // cute, but too expensive for a basic tee ($48)

Have you signed up for Stitch Fix? If so, let me know what you love about them. If not, what's stopping you?

Stitch Fix #13

With a dozen Stitch Fixes under my belt, I can still say with confidence that I LOVE this service! Sure, I only keep 1-2 items from each of my boxes, but that's a win in by book. Especially when the item isn't one I would have picked up in the store.

Before I get into what I received, here are a few tips that will hopefully improve your future fixes:

*Update your style profile regularly - measurements, styles, fabric, etc. - The more you share, the better your fixes may be.

*If you've received a fix you like, consider requesting the same stylist again.

*Don't expect to like all five items - I've heard it's not their intention to have you love all five items every time.

Now, let's take a look at my latest Stitch Fix:

[left] THML Heflin Knit Tank, [right] Skies are Blue Stallia Slub Cardigan + Level 99 Cayden Skinny Jean

[left] Honey Punch Stinson Tab-Sleeve Top + Level 99 Cayden Skinny Jean, [right] Le Lis Sonny Crew Neck Knit Top

Just as I mentioned above, I've requested the same stylist for the last few fixes and I feel like this has resulted in her knowing my style better with each box. This time, I asked my stylist for a new pair of skinny jeans & that she send some comfier items since I'm at home with Calvin, instead of in the workplace. Overall, that's exactly what this fix was. The skinny jeans were really cute, but the fit was kind of off, which was a bummer. I loved trying on each of the tops, since they weren't any that I would have picked up on my own, but due to fit or material, I only ended up keeping the THML Heflin knit tank.

So, what do you think? Should I have kept something else? I'd love to hear what you think.

And if you haven't tried Stitch Fix - why not?

Farewell 2014

2014 was a quiet year for Grable Tales.  I could blame it on having a baby, but shouldn't that have given me more content?  I have a feeling that Instagram has something to do with the lack of posts --- honestly, it's a lot easier to post a photo with a small comment then think of an entire post.  Regardless, this year still deserves some recognition:

January - *crickets*

February - my first post of the year was a Stitch Fix review: pregnant edition; I also shared how I was spending my time lately (hint: Sam Grable Photo, The Influence Network, and being pregnant for the second time); I announced my hopes of attending my second Influence Conference; and blogged about my love for 4moms.

March - I started the month off by writing out my monthly goals (and linking up with The Tiny Twig's Goals with Grace); I updated my about me page & began leading an Influence Network community group; and I talked about being a month out from meeting our baby boy (& shared his name)

April - I revisited my March goals + shared my April goals; and blogged about my thoughts of Brené Brown’s book - Daring Greatly

May - I looked back on my April goals + made a few May goals; introduced our baby boy, Calvin!; shared how different Mother's Day felt this year; started writing monthly letters to Calvin; and shared my first postpartum Stitch Fix review.

June - continued with goals for June; after flying across the country with a six week old, I blogged about some of the 'flying with a baby' tips/advice that worked for us; Calvin turned two months old; and Sam & I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary.

July - this month, I really started to give myself grace when it came to my goals for July; parenting definitely isn't easy, but on occasion it does make you feel like you have some super powers; another Stitch Fix review (I love this service!); my baby turned three months old; and I blogged about the community I found online.

August - still going strong + trying to be transparent with my monthly goals; I reviewed my birthday Stitch Fix; and Calvin kept getting bigger (four months old).

September - I finally realized that some goals will be repeats each month and that's ok; I (re)introduced myself in preparation of the Influence Conference; Calvin turned five months old; thanks to credits, I received a Stitch Fix before attending the Influence Conference; and then I recapped the conference for the second year in a row.

October - two posts remain consistent each month: goals + Calvin's letter (six months old this month!)

November - goals, goals, goals (sorry for the repeating); a photo recap of October; I shared my experience with essential oils; I turned to social media for help with this month's Stitch Fix review; Calvin turned seven months old; and I took some time to be thankful.

December - after nine months of goals, I shared my last goals (with grace) for 2014; blogged about Christmas traditions; honored Charlotte's second birthday and shared the way we chose to celebrate her; reflected on our second year without our baby girl; Calvin celebrated his eighth month of being on the outside; I blogged about the significance of a little giraffe; and reviewed my final Stitch Fix for the year.

This year brought a lot of joy + hope, as well as sleepless nights + tears. And while this space has been primarily used to review Stitch Fixes, write out my goals, and share my monthly letter to Calvin, but I appreciate the comments & community I've found through this space + social media outlets.  Maybe next year things will be different...

Until then... Happy New Year!

Stitch Fix #12

This fix was a good one for me.

One of the most valuable Stitch Fix tips I have come across is that when you find a stylist that you like, keep requesting them in the notes.  And for me, this happened a couple fixes ago and since then, I've continued to ask for Carrie (my stylist).

For this fix, I also requested a vest, some comfy sweaters, and neutral pieces to add to my closet.  This is what Carrie picked out for me:

[left] Market and Spruce Shara Houndstooth Printed Vest

[middle] Tart Jenny Scoop Neck Striped Knit Top

[right] Olive & Oak Dwane Colorblocked Knit Top

Loveappella Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt + Octavia Gilbert Houndstooth Knit Infinity Scarf

I loved how all of my requests were met and I seriously thought about keeping my entire fix for the first time... but then I didn't. The top three pieces were totally cute & netural, but either the fit and/or pattern didn't fit well on me/in my closet and ultimately were sent back.  However, the sweatshirt & scarf have both made quite a few appearances since I received them (thumbs up!).

Obviously, I can't say enough good things about Stitch Fix (see past reviews here).  If you don't particularly like shopping for yourself or are looking for unique pieces, then Stitch Fix may be for you. Sign up today & you can have your first fix delivered right to your door in no time!

Stitch Fix #11

Are you convinced I'm a Stitch Fix fan yet?

If you haven't signed up yet, do so HERE and follow these easy steps:

1. Fill out your style profile
2. Schedule your fix
3. Once your fix arrives, try on the items and decide what you're going to keep
4. Send everything you don't want back to Stitch Fix in their pre-paid bag

For this fix, I was stumped on which item(s) I should keep.  I wasn't initially drawn to anything in my box, but the more I tried them on, the more I liked them.  So I turned to my Instagram + Facebook friends and asked what they thought.

[clockwise from top left] 

Kut From The Kloth Larson Collared Knit Top

Evolution by Cyrus Abbot Crew Neck Elbow Patch Sweater

Desires Nero Hooded Long-Sleeve Sweater

Market and Spruce Corinna Striped Dolman Top

Liverpool Rizzo Pull-On Skinny Ponte Pant (pictured 1, 2, & 4)

Hands down, the Abbot Crew Neck Elbow Patch Sweater & Market and Spruce Corinna Striped Dolman Top were the favorites.  This ended up helping a lot because while I liked both, I felt like the striped dolman top was a much better addition to my closet and appreciated the feedback I received on it.

I've scheduled one last fix for the year and I've requested some cold weather items to help get me through the next few months.  And according to their calendar, there is still time to schedule your next fix. Whether you have a holiday party to attend or you're looking for something to keep you warm, sign up today and receive five items delivered right to your door! 

Have questions about Stitch Fix?  Let me know!  Don't forget: you can also purchase a Stitch Fix gift card for the fashion-ista on your gift list.

Stitch Fix number 10

Since hearing about Stitch Fix over a year ago, I can't help but share about it with those who have asked. If you've been living under a rock and haven't heard of Stitch Fix, here is what you need to know:

1. Sign up & fill out your style profile - a detailed questionnaire for your personal stylist.
2. Schedule your fix & wait (impatiently, if you're like me).
*When your fix ships, you'll be charged the $20 styling fee.
3. Once your fix arrives, try on the items in the comfort of your home with the rest of your clothes.
4. Decide what you're going to keep!
*If you decide to keep anything, the styling fee now becomes a credit.
*If you decide to keep everything, you'll also receive 25% off!
5. Send everything you don't want back to Stitch Fix in their pre-paid bag.

Easy right? I think so!


For my latest fix, I knew the Influence Conference would be right around the corner.  I requested conference appropriate items, that would still transition back into my current lifestyle (staying at home with Calvin), and specifically some dresses, since I felt like my closet was lacking in that area.  Here is what I received:

 

[left] Gilli Ellee Basketweave Dress + [right] Daniel Rainn Mandie Cut-Out Detail V-Neck Tank

[left] Gilli Dante Polka Dot Faux Wrap Dress + [right] Three Dots Nadhia Drop Waist Fitted Dress

 

[both] Margaret M Emer 'X' Print High Waisted Cropped Pant

Overall thoughts: the tank was cute, but too much money when I'd be wearing it around a slobbery baby; I liked both of the Gilli dresses, but ultimately felt like I wouldn't wear them much after the conference; the Three Dots dress felt wrong on all levels - style, fit, material, etc.; and the high waisted pants were a big surprise for me & were a keeper, especially after I hemmed them [right].

Interested in trying Stitch Fix?  Sign up here!

Stitch Fix number 9

When asked what I wanted for my birthday (last month), I knew there was one thing I could ask for that would be just for me... Stitch Fix gift cards!  So I scheduled myself a July fix in anticipation :)

Left: 41 Hawthorn Trinidad Chevron Print Henley Blouse ($48) with Just Black Kristy Skinny Jean ($78)
Right: Daniel Rainn Ricardo Pleat Detail Sleeveless Silk Blouse ($68) with Mavi Karl Distressed Cuffed Boyfriend Short ($88)

Both: Sanctuary Carden Cargo Jacket ($158)

After my last fix, I updated my Stitch Fix style profile and specifically asked for a pair of skinny jeans in a shorter length.  I didn't have hopes in finding a pair that worked due to my struggle to find any when I shop myself, but the skinny jeans that Carrie (my stylist) picked out fit perfectly!  I was shocked and promptly wore them for the rest of the weekend.  They are my favorite! 

I also really liked the look and feel of the cargo jacket, but felt like I couldn't justify the price.  Bummer...

The other three items - boyfriend shorts, henley blouse, & silk blouse - were all no's for various fit, style, or material reasons.  With my new position of staying home with Calvin, I find myself looking for items that look nice, put together, yet are still comfortable to crawl around on the floor in or go to the grocery story in (glamorous life, huh?) and most of the items didn't fit that criteria.

With some credit remaining, I've requested a fix next month in anticipation of the Influence Conference and I hope to get a few items that will work both at the conference + at home.


Have you tried Stitch Fix yet?  It's a dream come true for this new mom!

Stitch Fix #7 (Postpartum Edition)

My latest Stitch Fix arrived just a couple weeks after Calvin. This was on purpose.

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, read more about it here.

Part of me was nervous to be trying on clothes mere days after giving birth, but I made sure to request items that would fit this current lifestyle of mine, which is one of my top tips when it comes to Stitch Fix because it's worked so well for myself through several fixes.

I knew bottoms were going to be trouble and needed items that would transition well for feeding, so in the notes section I made sure to request open cardigans, button down shirts, and loose fitting tops and this fix delivered all three!

Besides being clear with what you want to receive, another tip I'd suggest when scheduling your next Stitch Fix is to continue to update your Pinterest style board.  In some cases, I've even heard of the stylists sending our exact items, if at all possible.  Since someone is attempting to style you without being able to talk to you in person, it's best to be as clear as you can be if you're looking for something specific. (i.e. dresses for a wedding this summer, work appropriate clothing, etc.)

I know that Stitch Fix isn't for everyone, but if you're like me and don't enjoy going to the mall and trying on clothes, then I'd suggest trying it out.  In almost every fix I've received (& kept!) items that I would have otherwise looked over in a store and yet, the items still work together with the rest of my closet.  A win-win in my book and something I'm willing to invest in.

Have you tried Stitch Fix?  If so, what did you think?


I was not compensated for this post, but have linked to my referral page throughout this post.