IDEA131: Get a Stitchfix Personal Shopper Who Will Read Your Mind

I just signed up for a clothing delivery service called Stitch Fix. It's exactly what I've been waiting for! While I don't mind shopping, I don't always have the time to keep up with trends the way I'd like to and have always wanted to have a stylist just select a few (must have) items for me each month.   

Enter Stitch Fix. How it works...
• Fill out a detailed style profile that gets into sizing, styling and cost preferences. Everything is super customized. They even ask for pinterest boards or brands that you love to help them understand your style. I provided these two boards and it must have really helped! (Classic Naturalist) and (Polished).
• Items they offer: jackets, blazers, cardigan, sweaters, scarves, tops, bottoms, jewelry...
• This is not a subscription service. You are not obliged to pay anything unless you request a box. 
• Request a box as much as once a month, or only when you need it. You can be as specific as you want. e.g. "I need a dress for a wedding, send me 5... For me, I set it so that I would get some staple items, but to also "surprise" me occasionally to be sure to keep things interesting.
• Anything that you don't want, just send it back in the pouch that's included within 3 days. (Think Netflix.).

Reasons to try it out...
• I got to a point where it felt like I had 10 of the same tops in different colors. By going this route, it might help to keep my wardrobe more well rounded. Every once in a while I need someone to push me outside of my usual favorites.
• Usually I binge-purchase clothes when I actually have time to go shopping. Monthly purchases might help to balance out new clothes more evenly through out the year.
• The $20 per box fee goes toward any item you keep. The way I see it, if you like at least one item, it's a win. (Additional 25% off if you keep all five)
• If you hate going out to go shopping. You'll love this.

Even though I love the idea, I had low expectations...
I figured it would take them a few tries to figure out my size, styling and color preferences, so I kept my expecations low. To my surprise, I liked 3 out of the 5 items that were sent. It felt like Christmas, and I couldn't wait to open the box! I took a peek on the way home in a cab, and the minute I saw the colors and fabric, I was really excited! Here are the items I kept...

• • •

I was JUST admiring a military jacket...

The jacket I saw recently was a $150 version at Madewell.
(This one was only $49! Artwork, a gift painted by my hubby for our first Christmas.)

• • •

I love tab sleeves + kelly green...

I've been needing tops for work and it's super flowy and comfortable.
(Tab sleeve V-neck ~ $69, House of Harlow Pyramid Station Necklace)

• • •

how'd they know I'd love tribal chevron?

I didn't ask for a dress, but I've actually been needing some.
(Tribal Print Dress ~ $49, Iraeli Designer, Annalis Jewelry, Coral Teardrop Delicate Gold Necklace )

• • •

And just in case you need more ideas, every item comes with a styling card!

If you found this helpful and would like to try Stitch Fix out:
GET STARTED through ---> { My Stitch Fix Referral Link }

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Don't be afraid to ask for help,
in the end, it might make you look better ;)

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IDEA124: Expand Your Closet and Get Hat Saavy

During pregnancy I didn't really get the "nesting syndrome", I had the "shopping syndrome." And one day I HAD to find the perfect new hat for Fall 2013 season. I hit the internet with a fury and soon I had a candidate. I showed Vito the hat and he said very definitively: "I don't like it, you should just get a hat like the ones I wear." He wears beanies. What followed of course was one of those heart-to-heart discussions... about women's hats. By the end of it I realized that while Vito has a great eye for interior decorating, he is definitely less versed in women's fashion. (Which is perfectly OK, I really don't need him telling me what to do in yet another area.) I also realized that neither me or him were very equipped to be carrying out the discussion as we didn't even know the proper names for hats. I mean to describe the hat that I currently wear, he calls it a "helmet." And let me quote: "What ever you buy, please don't buy another HELMET." ...EXCUSE ME!? Yes, I definitely have to revisit the "absolutely no criticizing of your wife" policy. Now, before another marriage can suffer due to the lack of millinery vocabulary, and to save you from a mental hemorrhage as you search for hats...

• • • 

Let's Review shall we?  

1 - Cloche Hat (I'm an eternal romantic...)
fitted, round crown hat with really short brim. Invented in the begining of last century by Milliner Caroline Reboux.  These little hats were all the rage in the 1920's.  In case you're wondering "cloche" in French means "bell", thus explains the bell shape of this hat.  

 (via pinterest)

• • • 

2 - Fedora hat or Trilby (I once ran with the best of them Robin Hoods) 
The crown has some sort of a dent or crease, brim can be folded up in the back, or be a bit wider.

 (via pinterest.) 

• • •

3. Floppy Hat (I'm a diva, just call me Bridgitte or Sophia! No autographs please.)
Round crown hat with long enough brim to shade the face.  

 (via pinterest.) 

• • • 

4 - Western or Cowboy Hat (I'm so tough, I don't need a horse)
Usually creased crown with slightly upturned brim on the sides.

 (via pinterest.) 

• • • 

5 - The "Helmet" Hat (I'm brilliant. My mind is a coiled python of knowledge! I protect it by always wearing a helmet.) 
Oh and apparently there IS such a thing as a helmet hat! Also known as 60's mod hat. Basically it's a hat with a visor. Here is one of my "helmets" for the record.  

• • • 

6. Beanie hat  (I'm always ready for the grand slalom run! swoosh swoosh!)
Stretchy, sock like hat.  

If all else fails, I guess I'll have to take my husband's advice and get me a beanie... 
(My fear is that they're not glamorous enough, but Jill Sander is on the case.) 

Jill Sanders Beanie (via pinterest)

I'll just have to get away from the internet and actually go "live shopping" so I can try on the different hats and see which sits well on my head. My hair is huge so it's very tricky to wear any other hats then the stretchy "helmet". And sorry darling, unless you're taking me skiing in Zermatt I refuse to wear a beanie! 
 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

There is a perfect hat for every situation, and sometimes
 the hat you need IS a helmet. 

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