I’ll share a few of Emily’s style tips + A TOUR OF HER BEAUTIFUL HOME at the end. But first, my Stitch Fix results…
RESULTS:
Before the reveal, I threatened my kids – absolutely no interruptions! I had to completely be in this moment. Once behind closed doors, I opened it up…
My first reaction…. hmmmm, I like!
My five pieces unpacked!Beatrice Exposed Zipper Dolman Top ($58): Great basic, flattering, comfy. Loved the exposed (gold) zipper down back. Steph Layered V Pendant Necklace ($38): Have several shorter statement pieces but not many longer ones. Liked the look/movement of this one.Kahlo Embroidered Racerback Tank ($48): My least favorite (not something I’d be drawn to) but ended up keeping. Have actually enjoyed wearing + already received several compliments.Cheli Stiped Maxi Dress ($68): Worn several times – from casual to grocery to a night out. Super easy to just throw on and go. Stripes on bottom half aren’t quite horizontal – like the skinny illusion that gives. Nice top coverage: no bra strap worries. My favorite!
And not “modeled” – see group pic, above: Teal Selena Skinny Leg Jean ($98): Good fit, and while I wasn’t crazy about the color, I realized teal is the color of our NFL football team (Go Jags). I could support my team (in a stylish way:) … so ended up keeping. Plus, if you keep everything you get a 25% discount. Smart incentive.
LOVED! A style card shows various ways to wear my new stuff. While I like to look stylish, I’m not always successful pulling it off! This helps. (Thank you, Kathryn… my SF stylist!)
ALSO LOVED! SF customer service: ALL touch points have been great. Including letter from Katrina Lake, Stitch Fix Founder + CEO: Katrina did a fab job turning a negative (delayed time in receiving fix) to a positive (due to extreme demand – which made me want even more – will take a little longer than usual so customer receives a “truly personalized” fix).
Take-aways:
1. Take note of what you love. Pinterest is perfect for this. This process helped me become even more aware of the style I’m going for.
2. Selfies can actually be useful! Even better – have someone else take a full length shot of you. I had (made) my boys take a few head to toe pics and it was quite an eye opener. (For example, when I wore the green & white stripe tank, I looked MUCH better with my hair up in some way. Too much going on otherwise.)
3. When considering your budget (not just with fashion), don’t simply look at the dollar amount. Take into consideration your (valuable!) time and energy. I can’t stress this enough! Delegating things you aren’t best suited for – or simply don’t enjoy doing – can be well worth any bit of extra money spent.
WILL I GET ANOTHER FIX?
This process made me really think about what I love, what looks good – and not so good. I’ll definitely do again, and this time will add my Pinterest style board to my SF profile. If you’d like to try it, check out Stitch Fix here! (BTW, if you’ve tried Stitch Fix, would love to hear about your experience!)
QUICK STYLE TIPS FROM EMILY
This pic was even fuzzier than the one I ended up using (at top) so I wasn’t going to include. But while we were chatting about this framed portrait that hangs in her home, Emily threw out some good tips – too good not to share!
Photo Shoot: Hired a photographer to come to her home for photo shoot. Love because kids are WAY more comfortable at home (not to mention you don’t have to pack them up!) + quick style changes easy since all of your stuff there.
Photo Blow Up: Made bigger at Walgreens for $38 (may not be optimum quality but good enough!)
Frame: Found gold frame at antique store for $25. Spray painted in black gloss.
Antiquing: Check out antique stores in smaller towns. Great finds that haven’t been found yet. And lots of super deals.
Great Gift: She had done before the holidays and it made perfect gifts for loved ones (alone would have been just fine – she’s just too generous so this was one of several:)
"Style" - one of my favorite book categories (The other: "organizing" : )
While style may not make quite as deep of an impact as what we do and who we’re with, don’t underestimate it’s power! It can add sparkle to the ho-hum, day-to-day which can have some pretty awesome affects on everything from your mood to your well-being. {It’s all connected!}
When most of us think of style, we think: fashion {and hair, makeup, accessories}. But style is so much more. It’s the way you do what you do – andwhat you surround yourself with. It’s not about being artificial {doing it just for show} but taking the time to enhance your life with what you truly love. The ways you can do this are endless. Here are a few {and in parenthesis, how I personally do it}:
– the way you wrap a gift {natural paper with combination of ribbon – depending on the recipient and occasion}
– how you set a table {candles – always! – even when it’s just the kids and me; and yes, sometimes I”ll even break the – ridiculous if you ask me – “no candles during the day” rule}
– the pen you write with {love my rainbow of Le Pens}
– the stationary you use {my stash includes Cranes, Sharp & Sally – just to name a few} + the way you sign a note
– the scent you wear {my classic: Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle; for daytime: Sarah Horowitz: What Comes From Within: Peace; when in desperate need of summer: Bobbi Brown’s Beach}
– and, of course, the clothes you wear … Here’s a quote from the newest book on {fashionable} style:
“Getting dressed should be fun, because everything we wear says something about who we are…” Lauren Conrad, Style, publisher: Harper.
Side note: What I’d also love for Lauren – or maybe her mom and dad – to pen is a “how-to” book on raising GROUNDED kids. Seriously, I would love to know her/their secrets on this subject! If I had lived my late teens & early 20’s on reality TV, I’d like to think {but actually don’t really think} I would have come out as poised / unscathed / balanced as Lauren. I loved watching Laguna Beach and The Hills, but can’t help but think, “Wow, my kids are now closer to that age than I am!” My mind switches gears from being totally entertained to totally freaked, and as a mom I really, really want to know how she – and her parents! – did it. Lauren… if you are reading this I’d LOVE to interview you – and/or your mom – for future blog post : ) Okay… back to this post…
My heart skipped a beat … The anticipated moment was finally here. My fix had arrived. WHAT WOULD BE IN THIS BOX???
