Stitch Fix - July

Oh, Stitch Fix.  I have a love/hate relationship with you.  I love the fun and excitement you bring me - the sheer joy I get when I see that you've shipped me a new fix.  I hate how after seventeen fixes, you have yet to wow me with a "I'm keeping everything!" box.  I would think that if we've been together this long, you would really have a great sense of my style and kill it each and every month.

This past month was oh-so-disappointing.  Spoiler alert - I kept a whopping zero items.  But in the spirit of keeping it real, I'm going to share them with you anyway. 

 Mystree Smith Maxi Dress - $74.  I thought I might like this, and it was perfect for the 4th of July.  But I quickly realized the the horizontal stripes were not my friends and made me look quite wider than I actually am.  Returned.

 

 Loveappella Dixie Crochet Sleeve Dress - $78.  This just wasn't my style.  The tightness, the sleeves, the length.  Pair that with the price, and it wasn't a keeper.  Returned.

 

 Lavender Brown Noel Silk Dress - $64.  Oh, where do I begin with this one.  The pattern is totally not my style, not even a little bit.  And the silk?  Just based on all of the wrinkles from being in a box for a few days was enough for me to say no.  Returned.

 

 Market & Spruce Bruce Double Strap Blouse - $64.  When I first saw this, I rejoiced because I thought I had a winner!  I love the colors and style.  But, it was too boxy and ended a bit short of me.  So disappointing.  Returned.

 

Bay to Baubles Grove Stone Drop Earrings - $28.  These just aren't my style.  Returned.

So there you have it.  My first fix that resulted in me sending everything back.  For those of you who love your fixes every month, who is your stylist?  Share her/him with me!  I've done the detailed notes, the style profile and the Pinterest board - let's hope next month is amazing!

Stitch Fix #16 - June

I think that by now, we all know how Stitch Fix works, so I will quickly skip to the items that I received.  A quick note though - I have found that the more detailed note you leave your stylist, the more you will love your items!  And be sure to pin outfits that you like frequently.  I also follow Stitch Fix on Pinterest and pin directly from items they have in the warehouse.

On to the goods...

 Collective Concepts Rosco Floral Print Crochet Detail Tank - $58.  Love at first site - I love a good feminine top, and this was perfect.  I was really hoping it would fit - and it did!  Kept.

 Gilli Zuli Striped Maxi Dress - $74.  Stripes and too tight in all the wrong places.  I've said before that stripes are not my friend, and this dress reconfirmed it!  Returned.

 Collective Concepts Simpson Halter Blouse - $58.  Initially, I loved the look of this top, but unfortunately it was extremely boxy and too short on me.  Returned.

 Renee C Reyna Maxi Dress - $78.  This dress fit really well, and I ended up keeping it on for at least fifteen minutes while I debated about keeping it.  In the end, I decided I wouldn't wear it enough to justify $78 - I am on a budget these days - so it was Returned.  However, I sort of wish I had kept it and might request it again.

Mavi Kalie Bleached Denim Jacket - $98.  I had specifically asked for a lightweight, light wash fitted jean jacket.  And it was delivered!  Initially I was really upset about the price, but once I convinced myself that I could wear it three of our four seasons, I decided to Keep it.  Best decision ever - I've worn it at least four times since.

I gave my stylist a very detailed note for my next fix, so I'm excited to see what I get.  What do you think?  Should I request the maxi dress back?

Stitch Fix - May

By now, I'm assuming most of you know how Stitch Fix works, yes?  It's one of my favorite parts of the month for me - a nicely wrapped little package, full of clothes and accessories picked out specifically for me and delivered to my door.  What's not to love?

Let's get right to it.

 Market & Spruce Dafne Chevron Maxi Dress - $88.  The maxi dresses I have received in the past were always too long, so I didn't have high hopes for this one.  It ended up being a great length, but I didn't love it enough for $88.  Returned.

 

 Liverpool Mira Skinny Pant - $88.  I primarily wear black skinny pants to work, so I was excited to see these.  The fit was just ok, and the material was the kind that picked up everything.  With two littles and a pup, that was the deal-breaker.  Returned.

 

 Market & Spruce Colibri Polka Dot Print Top - $48.  Hi, I'm Meagan, and I'm obsessed with polka dots.  I had pretty much decided I was keeping this before trying it on.  Unfortunately, it was huge on me and was Returned.

 

 Staccato Raelene Striped Draped Front Cardigan - $48.  Although a lot of my wardrobe is black and white, this cardigan was just ok.  "Just ok" for my wallet is not good enough, therefore it was Returned.

 

Market & Spruce Sawyer Space Dye Dolman Sleeve Knit Top - $58.  Excuse the poor photo quality, the color of this was more of a burgundy.  This type of top is one that I usually go for, so I was happy to see it.  However, it was not flattering on, so it was Returned.

If you are keeping track, I sent everything back!   This was definitely a first for me, and it pained me to lose out on my $20 styling fee, but I thought $20 was better than more for something I wouldn't wear often.  And honestly, the only possibility was the maxi, which I wasn't too crazy about.  So, this month - there was a lot to not love.

I gave very specific notes on each item, so I'm crossing my fingers that my June box will be out of this world!  What do you think?  Would you have made the same decisions?

(This post is not sponsored, I did not receive anything for free.  All opinions are my own.  There are links, that if you should click and sign up, I will receive a referral credit - thank you!)

Love Is In the Air (+Something for You!)

Here is a little known fact about me - I am a hopeless romantic.  I love love!  When I see older couples being lovey-dovey, or hear about high school sweethearts that are now married - my inner romantic sings with joy.

This week in particular has made me feel the warm fuzzies.  Ten years ago on Tuesday, Tim proposed to me.  I obviously said "yes", and every year on the 21st I am reminded of that very special day.  Also, this weekend, we are going to our first wedding of the wedding season and I am truly excited!  I don't think I will ever stop loving weddings.

My favorite part is receiving the invitation.  I feel giddy opening it -  it's like the first impression of the entire day.  The theme, colors, and style can all be felt immediately.  Fancy, black tie?  Outdoor wedding?  Laid-back and focused on fun?  I can feel that just from invitation.  My love for stationary and all things paper related might have a little influence on this.

I recently had the opportunity to review wedding invitations from minted, and let me tell you, they made me want to plan my wedding all over again.  You can order a free sample set, which is a great way to see and feel the products.  Each design is customizable, including colors, shape of the invite and type of paper.  You can truly make something exactly how you want it.  Here are some of my favorite designs:

 I love the small pop of color.  This is the perfect invite for an outdoor, barn themed wedding.  You know the one - complete with mason jar drinks and cowboy boots!

 Class.  Gold.  Polka-dots.  Almost all of my favorite things!

 This is another great option for an outdoor wedding.  I love the lights on the tree, but I get the feeling that the wedding would be fun, full of friends and family.

 This would be great for a traditional wedding - in a church, with the reception at a trendy restaurant (or somewhere of the sort).  Love the pop of gold!

I love how simple this invite is!  I feel like it really makes the focus on the couple - which, really, is how all weddings should be.

What do you think?  minted not only has invites, but they have adorable planners, business cards and so many other wonderful products.  And who doesn't love paper and paper products?  I know I am not the only one.  minted knows how much you'll love their products, that they are giving one of you a $50 store credit - to be used on anything you'd like!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post was compensated by minted.com but written by me, and all opinions are my own. 

Stitch Fix - April

Now, before I get started - I know what you are thinking.  "What about Meagan's spending freeze?  She's not supposed to be buying anything in April!"  And, you would be correct.  I am not spending any money on myself this month (and still going strong!).  This fix was actually sent and paid for at the end of March, I am just getting around to sharing it now!

Phew.  Now that that's said, let's get to the goods!  I was pleasantly surprised with this fix.  Some of the items I didn't like at first glance, but loved once I tried them on, and vice verse.

 Olive & Oak Bale Chevron Knit Open Cardigan - $44.  I definitely liked the price of this sweater.  The pattern - not lust worthy, but ok.  The length was a little short for my liking, but I could have worn it over a longer shirt.  In the end, it was Sent Back.

 

 41Hawthorn Filbert Abstract Striped Henley Blouse - $48.   I'm always looking for shirts I can wear to work or dress down a bit with jeans.  This shirt fit both criteria, and hangs very nicely.  Kept!

 

 Loveappella Michelle Cross Back Knit Top - $48.  This is a picture of the back, the front was a very plain crewneck.  I loved the color, sort of a purple/navy.  But besides the cross in the back, it was too basic of a tee to justify $48 on.  Sent Back.

 

 Pixley Analisse Anorak Jacket - $88.  This is where love happens.  I LOVE this jacket.  It's longer and fitted, and looks so cute with skinnies and flats.  It's perfect for Spring here because the sleeves can be buttoned up and rolled down for cooler days.  Kept!

 

Market & Spruce Corinna Striped Heathered Dolman Top - $48.  Well, I've worn this shirt at least four times in the last three weeks.  It's that great.  It's lose and fitted at the same time, and is the perfect length.  If you get Stitch Fix, ask for this.  If you don't, sign up and request this shirt.  Obviously, Kept!

So, what do you think of my decisions?  Overall, I loved my fix.  This is the first time I've kept more than two items.  I requested my same stylist (Michal, if you like her choices) and can't wait to see what she comes up with for next month... which, don't worry, I requested to be sent on May 1. :)

*All opinions are my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  However, if you do use my referral code I will receive product credit - thank you!

Stitch Fix - March

I'm sure that by now, most of you (if not all) know what Stitch Fix is.  If not - real quick - it's a monthly box of clothing and accessories picked specifically for you delivered right to your door.  Keep what you want, send back the rest.  That's it!  In my last fix, I asked my stylist to once again send me some items that I could take with me to St. Thomas. 

I got a few items for warmer weather, but once again not enough to keep the whole box.  Let's review!

 Pink Martini Katalli Open Weave Sweater - $58.  This was actually quite comical - I should have taken a picture.  Cute, but when I tried it on it was more like a crop top.  Sent Back.
 

 Pixley Franz Keyhole Blouse - $58.  Purple is my thing.  I imagined myself wearing this with skinnies and sandals.  Kept.  (Although I didn't wear it on vacation!)

 Tart Elizabeth Printed Wrap Dress - $138.  Oh, this dress.  I love wrap dresses.  This was the perfect length, and the material was super soft.  I wore it for about twenty minutes, tried on different shoes and accessories and loved it.  I did not, however, love the price tag.  After much debate, it was Sent Back.
 

 Monoreno Angelique Button Down Vest - $54.  I liked the look of this, and appreciated that the stylist made a note that she picked this based on this pin - I liked hearing that she does in fact check out my Pinterest boards.  However, this vest wasn't very cute on.  Sent Back.
 

 Romolo Starla Ornate Collar Necklace - $44.  I love accessories, and this necklace was fun.  It was a great length, and the colors were great together.  However, I didn't love it, therefore couldn't spent $44 on it.  Sent Back. 

This box marked a whole year of fixes for me.  It's so fun getting this every month, and I still fully believe that someday I'll have my "need to keep everything" box!  So how did I do?  Anything you would or wouldn't have kept?

If you'd like to try Stitch Fix, check them out here.  They now offer Maternity and Petite sizes! 

*I was not compensated for this post, all opinions are my own.  Signing up with the above link will give me product credit - thank you!

InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Gel & Retinol Moisturizer

I recently had the opportunity to review InstaNatural's Youth Express Eye Gel along with their Retinol Moisturizer.  I was excited about this opportunity because I've been looking for an eye cream and moisturizer to become part of a new face care routine.  I was even more excited when I learned that InstaNatural offers a wide range of products focusing on using natural and organic ingredients.  I couldn't pass it up, and anxiously waited for my samples to arrive.

But they weren't samples at all - delivered to my door were two, full sized products - the eye gel was 1.7 fluid ounces, the moisturizer was 3.4 fluid ounces.

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 The eye gel claims to "hydrate the skin and plump it up with moisture", as well as "diminish dark circles and puffiness", which is where I was most eager to see results.  I've used it every night for just over a week, and I have seen a difference in my dark circles.  I haven't had much puffiness in the past, so I can't speak to that.  This is a product that I will definitely keep using - and hoping for even more results.

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The moisturizer recommends using it day and night - applying under makeup and after washing your face at night.  I started by only using it at night.  It claims to "fight wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation" as well as "fights blemishes and breakouts".  After the first night of using this product I saw results.  My skin seemed brighter, cleaner, and overall not as dull.  I will absolutely finish this product and probably buy it again.  Now that I'm in my thirties, aging skin is no joke - and I'm happy with the short term results I've gotten already!

Have you tried either of these products?  What were your thoughts?

**I was given these products through Brandbacker for testing and reviewing purposes.  All opinions are my own.

Influenster #BraunTherms VoxBox

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This little gem was delivered to me with perfect timing.  E had developed a cough, wasn't sleeping well and overall just seemed to not be herself.  Whenever this happens, my mind immediately goes to the worst case scenerio, and I am unable to feel better until my little ones are acting like themselves again.  Needless to say, a thermometer becomes my best friend quickly.

I had a forehead thermometer in the past, but was never very confident in it's accuracy.  It even said in the instructions to "take the temperature three times and use the average".  Umm, I'm sorry but when dealing with sick kiddies, this is the last thing I want to do.

The Braun No-Touch Forehead Thermometer does not have these issues.  To be sure, I did take E's, A's, and my own temperature five times each.  Each were in .1 of a degree for all three of us.  The best part?  You can turn off the sound, and you don't even have to touch it to their skin.  That's a win-win when your babies have finally fallen asleep! 

While E was sick, I went in numerous times overnight to take her temperature.  I felt confident that the numbers were accurate, and didn't have to wake her to find out. 

Overall, even if I had not been given the Braun thermomether through Influenster, it's a must have for anyone that has every had to wrangle a sick, cranky child to get their temperature.  I highly recommend!  It's only $41 on Amazon, much cheaper than the other forehead thermometer I once owned.  (which has now been tossed!)

**I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  All opinions are my own.

Stitch Fix - October 2014

I had such a great time in Nashville this past weekend!  I am working on a post but in the meantime, I wanted to share my most recent Stitch Fix with you.  Have you seen their new policy?  There have been some people saying that they are overpriced, that their prices were much higher than what you could buy the same piece for at another store, and then there was the blogger that discovered a Nordstrom Rack price tag on her shorts from Stitch Fix.  So, they responded:  If you purchase something from Stitch Fix, and find the exact item cheaper elsewhere, they will reimburse you the difference.  I haven't gotten a fix since this new policy was announced - but I'm excited to!  I don't really mind the prices of the pieces - I set them in the first place - but I'm a bargain hunter, so you bet I'll be researching!

On to what I got...

 

 

Market and Spruce Marko Coloreblocked Tie-Back Sweater - $68.  I liked the back of this sweater, but the rest of it hung a little awkwardly.  Loved the colors and colorblocking, but it was sent back.

 





 

 

Skies Are Blue Farley Swiss Dot Ruffle Front Blouse - $58.  This shirt had potential, but was overall way too big and boxy.  Sent Back.

 

 



 41Hawthorn Jace Textured Mixed Chevron Print Fit & Flare Dress - $68.  Love the colors on this, and the pattern.  I was convinced it wouldn't fit - as it always takes me at least three stores to find a dress when I'm searching - but it fit perfectly.  So cute and fun.  Not sure when I'll wear this, but I Kept It.

Level 99 Giovanni Straight Leg Jean - $98.  The price first deterred me a bit, but I decided to try them on.  They fit really well and were very soft, but I just kept picturing my girls grabbing at me with dirty hands and ruining them.  Sent Back.

 

 

Pomelo Missy Polka Dot Tab-Sleeve Blouse - $58.  I loved this shirt upon first glance.  The color was bright, but muted enough for fall/winter.  And we've already established how much I love polka dots, so I thought this was a winner.  However, when I tried it on the sleeves were a little funny when rolled up, and keeping them down were way to long on my arms.  Major bummer, but Sent Back.

 

 

Thoughts on the dress?  What can I wear with it now that it's cold?  I'm thinking boots and a leather jacket.  What did you keep from your Stitch Fix?  Please share - I love seeing other's fixes!

 

If you are interested in getting your own fix - here is my referral link.

Subscription Sunday - Ipsy September

It's been awhile since I posted a review on a Sunday.  My Ipsy bag this month was a-ma-zing so I had to share it.

I love Ipsy for a lot of reasons: the price (only $10/month), the fact that they send me things based on my profile (I feel like Birchbox did not), and the cute little makeup bag that comes with each package (although I have a lot now and don't use half of them!).

1.  Briogeo: Don't Despair Repair: This is a deep conditioning hair mask.  I haven't used it yet but it smells amazing.

 

2.  NYX Eyeshadow: This color is one I would normally pick out for myself for every day.  It's gold-ish, and goes on a little shimmery.  (And if you look closely, you can see my reflection taking the picture, oops)

 

3.  Pacifica Nail Polish: This is a deep red, perfect for fall.  It goes on smoothly and hasn't chipped yet, on Day 2.  With two littles, this is a big accomplishment!

 

4.  Mega Eyes Eye Marker: in black.  This is perfect when I want to add a little more for a night out.  Really easy to use!

 

5.  Cailyn Tinted Lip Gloss: This is a perfect color for every day.  Not sticky, goes on smooth.  Doesn't last forever, but I wouldn't expect a long wearing gloss.

 

6.  Crown Brush Infinity: Shadow and crease brush.  I've been needing a new shadow brush so this is perfect!

 

Overall, I really, really loved my Ipsy bag this month.  This is one of the subscription boxes that I don't think I'll ever end - it's the perfect way to sample new products that I wouldn't normally get otherwise.

 

I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!  Come back tomorrow - I might or might not be having a giveaway.... :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*All opinions are my own - I paid for these products and was not compensated in any way.