Month: January 2016

Stitch Fix: Reveal and Review – January 2016

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Stitch Fix reveal and review – January 2016

We are ‘snowed in’ in Charlotte. I use the term ‘snowed in’ loosely as really there is a sprinkling of snow covering far more dangerous ice. The South cannot cope with snow in the slightest but I’m not complaining as it meant a day off school and lots of play time with my girls. It also gives me a chance to update y’all (in true Southern spirit) with my latest Stitch Fix review.

A new year and a new Stitch Fix box! I was really looking forward to this box as I actually had some Stitch Fix credit courtesy of a gift card from my mum for Christmas. And as luck would have it, this would be the time that I get a box I really, really disliked! Half the items I only tried on for the purpose of this review (that’s how much I disliked it!).

So let’s check out what January brought…

Street Level Audrey Metal Detail Crossbody Bag – $58

I requested a cross body bag in my stylist note this month in a neutral color. I did get what I asked for (I now wish I’d specified brown/tan as that was what was in my mind!). The faux leather is nice and the actual design cute but there were a few issues which I felt meant it was not worth the $58 price tag. My main bugbear was the straps – they are a really cheap looking gold, quite disgusting. Secondly, the straps are too short. The bag does not hit where I would like it to so this bag is going back!

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Status: Returned        

RD Style Bea Fleece Lined Skirt – $44

This I debated keeping as I really do quite like it. It’s a cute pattern (you can’t quite see this in the photos) and the fleece lining makes it warm for winter. I also like the burgundy color. However, it was just too small. When I got it out the box, it looked like it was meant for a child, and a small one at that! Amazingly, it stretched and fit but just showed everything! I know I won’t end up wearing a skirt that accentuates my mummy tummy!

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Outfit details:

Necklace (Bancroft Leighton Metal Bauble Necklace from Stitch Fix)

Blouse (Papermoon Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse from Stitch Fix)

Black booties (Forever 21)

Status: Returned

 

Papermoon Atoka Printed Knit Top – $48

I asked for tunics and tops that could be worn with leggings in my note. This is what my stylist chose. Yes it does fit the description, but it doesn’t suit me! It’s way too old – I joined Stitch Fix to update my wardrobe and give it a bit of a makeover. This top is not even close to what I’m looking for and I strongly dislike the pattern. The photos actually make it seem quite cute…it’s not!

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Outfit details:

Jeans (Just Black Adorra Skinny Jeans from Stitch Fix)

Booties (Express)

Status: Returned

 

Crescent Kelie Trim Detail Tunic – $54

Another massive fail by my stylist. In her note, she said to make sure I add a belt to give more structure but that it would add ‘a flattering pop of style’. Errr….no it’s doesn’t. Nothing about this ‘pops’. It’s not particularly interesting, has a weird tassel style neck detail which reminds me of a swim cover up, and is really rather large. My stylist said she filled this box with ‘cheery pieces’ – I would love to know what is even remotely cheery about this piece. Going back!

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Outfit details:

Leggings (Abercrombie)

Status: Returned

 

Margaret M Emer Jacquard Print Tall Straight Leg Pant – $98

I was quite looking forward to trying a pair of Emers. They’re really popular in the Stitch Fix Facebook groups for their cute designs and comfort. I agree with the pattern being fun. They were a good length on me and I liked the outfit I put together. Definitely something I could wear to school. However, I did not think the material was that soft. They were a little stiff and slightly too big around the knee (weird I know but it would bother me!). For the price, these would need to be perfect. I also think that while the pattern is cute, it’s not something that I would get a lot of wear out of. I’m glad I got to see what all the fuss was about, even if I’m not jumping on the Emer bandwagon anytime soon.

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Outfit details:

Necklace (Bancroft Leighton Metal Bauble Necklace from Stitch Fix)

Blouse (Papermoon Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse from Stitch Fix)

Black flats (Target)

 

Overall impressions:

A pretty disappointing fix. The skirt, Emers and bag could have worked if it wasn’t for size issues and if the price had reflected the quality better. While I am going to break up with my stylist, I’m not breaking up with Stitch Fix. The first fix Jessica styled for me was amazing (check out my review here) but since then she just hasn’t lived up to my expectations. I am therefore hoping it’s a stylist thing and not a Stitch Fix thing. Yes I lost my $20 styling fee this month (for the first time), but that’s the gamble with using a service like this. I have decided to skip next month for a couple reasons: I need to actually earn some money to warrant spending so much on clothes and I don’t really want any more winter clothes as Spring will be here soon in NC. One thing I think Stitch Fix should spend some time thinking about is the age of their clientele. If there’s a way to get more younger and fun clothes, I’d love to hear it!

To find out how Stitch Fix works, click here.

If you’re interested in trying Stitch Fix, click here.

 

Wantable Style Edit: Reveal and Review – December 2015

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Wantable style edit: December 2015

Those of you who are regular readers of my blog may remember my first experience of Wantable (you can read that review here). I loved the actual box and that was about it! So I cancelled my subscription straight after returning my items. However, as the New Year came along, Wantable sent me an email saying they would waive my styling fee (normally $20) if I wanted to receive the December Style Edit. I had nothing to lose – a free try on of five items at no cost to me unless I decided to keep one. While these items were a much better fit than the first box, and my stylist note was ‘slightly’ more personal, the quality still does not compare to Stitch Fix. I don’t think I’m sold quite yet (and I’m not sure any more free boxes will change my mind!).

On to the items…

French Connection Classic Polly Plains Sleeveless Top – $48

Now this top I was excited to receive as French Connection is a brand I’m familiar with and one I’ve bought from in the past. It’s a gorgeous cobalt blue and the material is superb. I was really tempted to keep this but just didn’t think, what is effectively a plain tank, was worth the price tag. $10 less and I would have bought it!

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Outfit details:

Jeans (Just Black Connelly Jeans from Stitch Fix)

Status: Returned        

 

JOA V Neck Contrast Sweater – $59

I really dislike this sweater. Not only am I not a fan of V neck sweaters generally (reminds me too much of school) but the material was just nasty! It felt cheap and I think would lose the little shape it has the minute you washed it! Meh.

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Outfit details:

Jeans (Just Black Adorra Jeans from Stitch Fix)

Status: Returned

 

Olive & Oak Mixed Media Open Cardigan – $72

This is a really nice cardigan. A very flattering cut and the two different materials make it a bit more interesting than your average gray cardigan. Very versatile and easy to add to any wardrobe. The only reason I’m not keeping this is I felt it was a little too old for me. Just a personal style issue rather than the poor quality or high price tag like the other items!! Here it is paired with the French Connection tank and my favorite Stitch Fix jeans.

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Outfit details:

Jeans (Just Black Adorra Jeans from Stitch Fix)

Status: Returned

 

Jack Shire Tank – $45

I had an issue with Jack clothes last time as I felt they were overpriced and poor quality. This top is similar. The lace detailing is delicate (making me feel like it won’t hold up!) but cute. Red is a color that really suits me but I just couldn’t shake the thought that this was a bit too sexy (by sexy I mean slutty) for me to want to be seen out in public in. Red and black lace just makes me think underwear! Sorry!

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Outfit details:

Jeans (Just Black Adorra Jeans from Stitch Fix)

Status: Returned

 

Envi T Back Maxi Dress – $119

OK…wait for it…Firstly, why are they sending me a maxi dress in December?! Secondly, I would never in a million years wear this pattern. Thirdly, it’s incredibly shapeless and makes me look like a ruler (which granted is pretty much what I do look like but that doesn’t mean I want to accentuate my lack of curves by wearing something that’s too big for me!). And finally, it’s $119! I don’t think you need to be a rocket scientist to know this is going back!

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Status: Returned        

Overall impressions:

So I lost nothing by returning everything from this Wantable style edit and I had some fun trying everything on. It really just confirmed to me that I don’t want to try a Wantable style edit again. However, since returning this box (and making sure my subscription was cancelled!), I’ve since received an email saying I can try a fitness edit for free. I will give that a try and hope for more luck!

What are your thoughts on this style edit? Have I been too harsh?  Let me know in the comments below.

If you’re interested in trying Wantable, click here.

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Ipsy Glam Bag review – December 2015

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Ipsy review – December 2015 Glam Bag

So this month’s Ipsy glam bag arrived just before the Christmas break giving me a couple weeks to test out my new products without the distraction of school! If you want to find out how Ipsy works, click here. Let’s take a look at this month’s bag of goodies…

This month’s bag is a festive red color with a cute quilted pattern. It felt a bit cheaper than the last but my 2 year old loves the color so even though I doubt I’ll be reusing it, she definitely will be! While the bag wasn’t quite my taste, there were some products inside that I will be sure to use regularly.

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Product no. 1: Caudalie – Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum (value – approx. $16)

I liked this serum although I was hesitant about using it as I do have very sensitive skin and tend to stick to my favorite products for my face. It’s lightweight and fast absorbing which left my skin feeling hydrated and soft. This was also a good value as the full size version is $49. However, I don’t think it was better than my usual (Boots No.7) so I won’t be buying any.

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Product no. 2: Be A Bombshell Cosmetics – Mechanical Eyeliner (value – approx. $14)

I was really excited to see an eyeliner in my bag this month as it’s something I use everyday. However, I was hugely disappointed in this eyeliner. It was very faint and just didn’t go on well. For that reason, I won’t be using it as have better already!

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Product no. 3: Peter Lamas – Spa Sensuals Intensive Repair Hand Cream (value – approx. $5)

I was honestly considering going out and buying a new hand cream just before this bag arrived as we have reached that dry part of winter that makes my fingers crack and bleed (which is really painful – it’s like having paper cuts all over the tips of your fingers!). So you can imagine my joy at seeing one in my Ipsy bag! It contains Shea butter with an enriching mixture of oils keeping moisture locked in and healing any damaged skin. Perfect! I will be using this until it’s empty! If I wish to restock, it came with a 20% off promotion. Even better! Probably this month’s favorite item.

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Product no. 4: Pacifica – Power of Love Natural Lipstick (value – approx. $10)

Now as soon as I saw ‘Vegan lipstick’ on the box I was intrigued. I’m very pleased that this is 100% vegan and cruelty free as it means I can use it with a completely clear conscience. However, despite its ethically clean origins, this lipstick just isn’t that exciting. It’s a lovely natural color (I received ‘Nudie Red’) but it’s also a bit boring! I didn’t love how it felt on my lips either. I doubt this will get used.

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Product no. 5: Formula X – Nail Varnish in Revved Up (value – approx. $3)

I just love this little bottle of festive glitter! The perfect color for the holiday season and in the rose gold metallic, it even matches my iphone! Oh the little things in life! Yes it’s sample sized but I don’t think I’ve ever actually used an entire nail varnish color up before so I’m not too worried about that one.

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So there’s my December glam bag review. I loved how this month’s bag definitely seemed to have a festive, holiday theme. Lots of the products work well for winter, whether it be the deep moisturizing hand cream or the gold sparkly NYE nail varnish. Like last month, this bag seems an absolute bargain with the approximate value totaling $48. An amazing deal for what is essentially the equivalent of one nice glass of wine! I can’t wait for January’s bag!

If you want to try Ipsy, click here.