On Friday, I had to take my beautiful baby girl for her first day at daycare…cue the tears. It’s the day I’ve been dreading for weeks as it signifies the end of what has been a truly glorious maternity leave. Second time round has been so much more relaxing and enjoyable in many ways and I have loved spending my time with Maddie (without her crazy big sister around to steal the spotlight!). In some ways this has made it even harder to leave her; the thought of me not being her caregiver every second of the day consumes me with guilt and immense sadness. BUT, I know, from experience, that every day will get easier and, like her sister before her, she will learn a lot from being in a social setting with other babies (even if she’s my baby and I want to keep her all to myself!). So to distract me from this cutting of the umbilical cord, I scheduled by Stitch Fix box to come this week (which I received on Monday and reviewed here), but imagine my joy when I noticed a box on my doorstep just before leaving Friday morning! Weirdly the mail hadn’t come until after dark on Thursday hence my Trendsend had sat out there all night unattended and alone! (If you want to find out how Trendsend works, read this). As soon as I dropped my girls off, I was home, in the new clothes and strutting my stuff. And here’s the result…

First of all, I was really impressed with how closely my stylist had read my note, looked at my Pinterest board and checked my Evereve wish list. KJ had clearly spent time doing her research. She paid attention to the fact I liked the cheaper items (often on sale) so most of the tops she sent me were on sale! Bargains galore! Here’s the two outfits she suggested…

Outfit 1:

Cloth and Stone Lightweight Buttondown – On sale for $49.99 from $98

Renee C Batik Drape Front Top –  On sale for $34.99 from $58

Beloved Cami – $28

Kut from the Cloth Mia Skinny – $94

First of all, this isn’t really an outfit as you couldn’t wear the buttondown and the batik drape top! However, I’m not going to complain about bonus clothing in my box.

Let’s start with the buttondown. I actually received this in my very first Trendsend box for the full amount. I loved it at the time but could not justify spending just short of $100 on a chambray shirt when I’d just bought this one from Target for $23! However, I love my chambray shirt and wear it constantly. Therefore I feel it’s something that is worth upgrading to a higher quality (sorry Target, I love you to pieces but you are cheap!). When I saw the Trendsend one had gone on sale, I requested it again. It is so soft and gorgeous and one of the only items I’ve returned from a subscription box that I have regretted not buying! It’s a keeper!

  

The Renee C top I paired with the Beloved cami. The cami is fab! It’s so soft and stretchy. However, I don’t think I really need another one or want to spend $28 on a cami that I can pick up in H&M for $6. That will be returned. The Renee C top I liked. It’s a flattering shape, super soft material that feels lovely on my skin and very versatile. The abstract black print is an easy addition to any wardrobe. That being said, it’s not quite my style and despite the attractive price tag, I will be returning it.

The Kut skinny jeans were great. I don’t own any distressed denim so really enjoyed trying these out and Kut from the cloth has been a brand I’ve been dying to try! However, these jeans weren’t that soft for the price, and also weren’t a great fit. A little too loose on the calves and slightly too short. For $94, they need to be perfect. Returned!

Outfit 2:

Sanctuary Midnight Embroidered Shell – On sale for $39.99 from $69

Allison Joy Colette Raw Edge Top – On sale for $24.99 from $58

Lush Easy Seamed Pullover – On sale for $54.99 from $68

So like outfit 1, this isn’t really a complete outfit as there’s no bottoms and too many tops. But here’s a look at them individually.

The Sanctuary shell is a really pretty top. A fun design with cute embroidery round the neckline. The cut out back adds a bit of interest and the shape is very flattering. However, it’s just not something I’d wear so while I have no issues with it, it’s going back.

  

The Allison Joy blouse is super cute. It’s something I had saved on my Evereve wishlist which my stylist noticed and sent me! I love that she did that! I love the longer length in the back of the shirt and how versatile this could be for work. The only issue I have is that it’s a little too sheer. I need to experiment with different bras and camisoles to see how I could use this (I do teach high school English after all and sheer isn’t quite the look I’m going for!). Status: Undecided at present but edging towards keeping it!

  

Now my stylist recommended I pair the Lush sweater with the Allison Joy top. So I followed her advice and did just that. Well, I think it looks just plain weird. I have so many issues with this sweater from the material (scratchy) to the split sides (drafty) to the color (too dark) to the fit (I’m not pregnant!). It would work on someone.…just not me! I really don’t understand how it works with the Allison Joy top unless it looks so weird it’s cool? In which case, I am just not cool enough! I love Trendsend but sometimes I do feel like I am just not trendy enough to pull off their outfits!

  

So that’s it! My November Trendsend box. I’ve really enjoyed the last few Trendsend boxes I’ve received and have kept a few items, but I have decided to stop my subscription. I’m keeping my account open and may well request the occasional box, but I don’t think it quite lines up with my personal style. I think the service, clothes and prices have been excellent and my decision to stop receiving monthly boxes has nothing to do with that. This is the perfect box for the more ‘on trend’ and ‘edgy’ fashionistas out there…not just this relatively normal, flip flop wearing, ponytail sporting, mummy.