Happy Un-Boxing Day - My First Maternity Stitch Fix [December 2017]

Maternity fashion is complicated. During the first trimester, I was mainly trying to disguise my pregnancy with flowy tops and waterfall sweaters. We didn't tell people we were expecting until second trimester, and then came a point, around week 16, where I wouldn't have been able to conceal my bump even if I'd wanted to! Long tees and cardigans have been a staple, along with leggings and dresses. It was pants that were becoming an issue - I can't yet fit into the maternity pants my BFF loaned me, but I'm no longer comfortable in my pre-preganancy favorites. I found some great jeans at Motherhood Maternity, but still needed some work staples, so I reached out to Stitch Fix to try their maternity service.

This is not a sponsored post. I signed up for Stitch Fix and purchase the items I keep from each of my Fixes myself. I am a Stitch Fix Influencer, and my styling fee was waived for this Fix. My opinions on this blog are always 100% honest and authentic. This post does contain affiliate links - for each new sign-up I will receive a commission towards my next maternity Stitch Fix.

In my note to my stylist, I explained where I was in my pregnancy and requested a cozy Fix with work-appropriate pants and dresses that could be worn with leggings. I was pretty excited about my Christmas gift to myself.

If you're new to the concept of Stitch Fix, here's how it works: when you sign up, you pay a $20 personal styling fee and fill out a profile with your detailed size, style, and price preferences. I usually set my price preferences to "the cheaper, the better." Your stylist chooses five items just for you, which may include shoes, purses, or jewelry, and the $20 styling fee is applied toward the cost of any items you decide to keep from your shipment. There's also a 25% buy five discount if you love everything in your Fix! For a limited time, Stitch Fix is going to waive your styling fee when you sign up using my link - that's right, you can try Stitch Fix for free - if you don't like it, you can send everything back with no shipping costs. When my Fix arrived, I was excited to see the cute Holiday '17 packaging and the small box that meant I'd received an accessory as one of my five items!

Since Stitch Fix launched in 2011, they have become more and more diverse in their offerings - their services include petite, maternity, plus size, and even a men's line. While some of the items Stitch Fix offers can be found in stores, others are exclusive and can't be purchased anywhere else. For me, the maternity service is great because I live in a rural area and most of our local stores don't have a maternity section at all. Additionally, it's been a real challenge to find maternity pieces that are also petite - just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I'm not short anymore! I'm going to include the prices of my items in this review so you can see how maternity items compare to regular Stitch Fix pieces.

My favorite Stitch Fix stylists are Heather and Jan. The note in my Fix explained that Jan was on vacation so Heather styled for me again this time. Her note said,

"I packed this Fix with some maternity essentials to help you look effortlessly stylish in the coming moths. Try wearing the enclosed navy Skies are Blue Blouse with the navy Liverpool Pants, the taupe Dreamers/Debut Cardigan, the Nakamol Necklace, a tan purse, and navy flats for a polished work outfit. If the pants are too long, try cuffing them by rolling them up two to three times for a stylish twist. For a different business casual outfit, pair the cardigan and the necklace with the burgundy French Grey Dress, black leggings, a burgundy purse, and black flats."

I tried on the Skies are Blue Maternity Nidra Ruffle Neck Blouse ($58) with the Liverpool Reagan Maternity Skinny Pant ($78). As soon as I saw "if the pants are too long" in my stylist note, I was disappointed - my height is in my Stitch Fix profile and I request petite items whenever possible. The Liverpool pants are made of a nice stretchy material and have a full belly panel made of what felt like swimsuit material. Although the tag says they are a legging, they had real pockets, and I'm pretty sure they were black even though the stylist note said "navy pants." I didn't like having to cuff the pants for them to fit me length-wise, and they were more expensive than I'm really comfortable with for one pair of pants, so I returned them. I thought the Skies are Blue blouse was very pretty, especially the tulip sleeves and feminine neckline with buttons. It reminded me of the Papermoon blouse from my seventh Fix. However, it's December in Virginia, so short sleeves aren't very practical, and my best friend gave me several of her short sleeve maternity blouses. I was really hoping for some cozier tops in this Fix.

I paired the French Grey Maternity Ariell Knit Dress ($48) with the Dreamers/Debut Bartone Cable Trim Cocoon Cardigan ($58). The cardigan wasn't a keeper because it was very similar to a cardigan I received in my last Fix in color and shape - and this one didn't fit; the sleeves were much too long since it wasn't a petite item. The dress, though, was definitely a hit! This is my second French Grey dress - the first came in my November 2016 Fix. This one had a similar shape but was more flowy to accommodate a baby bump. I love the burgundy color and floral print, and the price was comparable to similar dresses from maternity retailers.

Please excuse the squinty face I'm making in this picture - I'll wear my glasses in the next post! The accessory I received in this Fix was the Nakamol Angelo Fresh Water Pearl Charm Necklace ($44), a three-strand piece with silver chain, neutral colored beads, and a silver pearl charm. The necklace was very pretty but not really my style - it was very "blingy" and I didn't think it would go with my bohemian-inspired wardrobe.

Even though the only "keeper" from this Fix was the French Grey dress, I'll definitely be trying Stitch Fix Maternity again - for me, it's a chance to feel stylish while my body is going through crazy changes!

Linking Up With:

Blended Blog Style at Foxy's Domestic Side

Weekend Wear at Threads for Thomas

I Feel Pretty at Get Your Pretty On

Trend Spin at Walking in Memphis in High Heels

On the Daily Express and Straight A Style

sunday simplicity.

Rachel Solomon via Style Me Pretty

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.”

― Arthur Conan Doyle, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

sunday simplicity.

J. Amber Creative via Wedding Chicks

“Well, I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love.

I like to work, read, learn, and understand life.”

― Langston Hughes

Style: Building a Business Trip Capsule Wardrobe with Stitch Fix (#7)

As most of you know, my "day job" is teaching eighth grade English. Last month, I got an early-morning phone call from my school division's director of secondary curriculum. Once I recovered from the confusion of being woken up by someone who wasn't a member of my immediate family, I processed what she was offering: an opportunity to travel to an educational conference for the network our school is preparing to join - in Orlando, Florida! I would have been crazy to say no, and I soon as I completed my conference registration, I set up a Stitch Fix request. 

Curious about Stitch Fix? 

When you sign up for Stitch Fix's personal styling service, you pay a $20 styling fee and fill out a profile with your detailed size, style, and price preferences. Whether your closet leans toward classic, glam, preppy, or bohemian pieces, or you're looking to add more of a particular style to your wardrobe, the Style Profile is the place to give your personal stylist insights on what you're looking for. When your Fix arrives, the $20 styling fee is applied toward the cost of any items you decide to keep from your shipment. If you decide to keep everything, you'll receive a 25% discount! If not, simply send anything you don't keep back to Stitch Fix in a prepaid Priority Mail envelope. I definitely recommend giving this service a chance if you're trying to find your personal style, simplify your life, or get on board with new trends. One of my favorite things about Stitch Fix is that unlike many subscription services, you can schedule as many or as few Fixes as often as you want - there's no obligation to keep paying the styling fee every single month! 

Business Trip Capsule Wardrobe

In my note to my stylist, Heather, I explained that I needed to step up my business wardrobe game for this national conference. I wanted to stick to a palette of mostly neutrals, navy, and green, and also wanted to try a blazer. I set to work filling my style Pinterest board with inspiration. Two resources that ended up being incredibly helpful to me as I decided what to pin (and later, what to pack) were the 5 Levels of Business Attire infographic from Business Insider (I decided to follow the "+1 rule" and wear "executive casual" pieces on my trip) and this spring business trip packing guide from Anne of In Residence.

When my Fix arrived, I was so excited that I forgot to snap a picture of the unboxing! This Fix ended up reminding me a lot of my fifth fix from this spring - the styles, colors, and patterns were absolutely perfect and just my style, but there were some fit issues that kept it from being a 5/5 (That's Stitch Fix speak for "I kept it all"). Stylist Heather had really put together a capsule wardrobe of pieces that could mixed and matched to create several different outfits throughout my business trip.

Stylist Heather's sweet note reflected that, as usual, she had read my note and paid attention to my Pinterest board. She is so kind and good at her job!

#1: 41Hawthorn Lucida Colorblock Knit Dress

This was the first piece I tried on and I knew it would be true love - I'd pinned several sheath dresses and usually wear my favorites to work at least once a week when the weather is warm. I loved the modest cut and easy knit fabric of this dress - like a thick, high-quality t-shirt. It zips up the back, but I didn't have any problem slipping it over my head. I like wearing navy as a neutral and the pop of teal matches the accent on my glasses. This dress was definitely a keeper, and I think it's one of my all-time favorite Stitch Fix pieces!

#2: 41Hawthorn Teegan Draped Blazer

I haven't worn blazers much since college - it's hard to find one for a petite body that doesn't make me feel like a box! I pinned several blazers that were made of softer fabrics. I wasn't sure how a draped blazer would look on me, so I paired it with the Lucida dress for a business look. I loved that the draped style kept the blazer from looking too formal or stuffy, and the fun polka dot detail on the three-quarter sleeves. Consider me a blazer convert!

This was Mr. Q's favorite piece in this Fix - he predicts that I will wear this blazer more with casual outfits this fall than I will to work, and he's probably right. The Stitch Fix style card shows it styled with a sheath dress and with jeans to show what a versatile piece it is. Though the price was a little higher than I'd typically pay for a jacket, Mr. Q pointed out that I'm unlikely to find something so cool looking in our small town. It's nice to be married to a guy who believes in #treatyoself, so I decided to keep the blazer, too.

#3: Papermoon Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse

I was really glad that stylist Heather sent this blouse my way. I'd pinned several floral short-sleeve blouses and not only is this print totally adorable, it fit right into the color scheme I'd given Heather in my note. I was a little worried that the blouse gave me linebacker shoulders, but after seeing the photos I decided it was a keeper as well. Like the Teegan blazer, it's a piece that can be dressed up or down. I typically don't keep Stitch Fix pieces unless they can go from the classroom to the weekend, and the Bastille blouse fits the bill.

#4: Margaret M Deandra Textured A-line Skirt

I tried on the Bastille blouse with the Margaret M Deandra skirt, which is made with the same fabric as Margaret M's insanely popular Emers pants. The skirt I received was a very pretty black and navy jacquard pattern. The fabric is stretchy and very comfortable. What kept this skirt from being a keeper for me is my personal modesty factor - since I work with thirteen year old boys, I try not wear above-the-knee skirts to work, and I couldn't see myself wearing such a formal-feeling fabric on the weekends. For reference, I am 5'1".

Then I got photobombed by my neighbors' cat.

#5: Crescent Croatia Lace Bib Blouse

Papermoon/Crescent is my favorite brand that Stitch Fix carries (they're also really sweet to me on Instagram!), and I'd pinned a LOT of emerald-green blouses, so I had high hopes for the Croatia. The color was beautiful, as was the lace detailing on the chest. However, this was a case of a piece looking better on the hanger than on my body - the bib detail ended too high on my chest and the flowy style kind of gave me maternity vibes. I tried pairing it with skinny jeans and it wasn't much of an improvement.

Here's a side profile shot so you can see how the hem is lower in the back. See how much the front of the shirt drapes away from my actual body? Along with the Deandra skirt, the Croatia blouse ended up being sent back to Stitch Fix. 

Overall Impression of this Fix:

I loved the pieces I kept and the inspiration I got from the capsule wardrobe stylist Heather put together for me. I felt prepared to take on the world - at least the world of project-based learning - at my conference, and I'm looking forward to signing up for a back-to-school Fix soon.

Please excuse the kitty booty. Do you ever have to travel for work? What are your go-to business trip essentials?

Linking Up With:
     Share Your Fix at Crazy Together                      Let It Shine at Still Being Molly    
    Beauty by Miss L                      Style Sessions at Style Elixir                   The Mix  
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting   Hello Monday at Sincerely Jenna Marie
Confident Twosday at I Do DeClaire   Fresh Fashion Forum    Good HUES-Day
Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet                 Thursday Fashion Files

Weekend Wear with Posh Classy Mom                            Elegantly Fashionable 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I signed up for Stitch Fix and purchase each of my Fixes myself. My opinions on this blog are always honest. This post does contain referral links - for each new sign-up I will receive a credit towards my next Stitch Fix.

Oscars 2016: Favorite Trends

This year's Oscar red carpet was a true reflection of current fashion trends, with several of Pantone's colors of the year for 2016 seen on leading ladies - and gentlemen. After SO MUCH TAUPE last year, it was refreshing to see lovely jewel tones dominating the fashion coverage. Here are some of the major color trends that went from the runway to the red carpet. For image sources, check out my Pinterest board (and pin from there rather than from this post, please!)

Best Dressed

Soft colors will always win me over (like Anna Kendrick's simple coral halter dress from last year), and this year I was infatuated with Cate Blanchett's gown in a color Pantone calls Limpet Shell. The appliques make it similar to the dress she wore to the 2014 awards, which makes sense - both are Armani Prive and make her look like a princess. The shape is so flattering on her and the color is gorgeous on her.

Blue Violet

My favorite colors made a big impact on the red carpet this year - Best Actress winner Brie Larsen wore a ruffled dress with a camisole neckline, and Mindy Kaling's black sheath dress featured a blue violet train that was really unique and lovely.

Naomi Watts and Tina Fey both rocked purple on the red carpet. I think this is the most elegant I've ever seen Tina looked and I liked how both leading ladies paired their strapless dresses with statement necklaces.

Trendy Taupe

This shade of cerulean has been dubbed Snorkel Blue and was spotted on both ladies and gentlemen at this year's Oscars. Both Sofia Vergara and Patricia Arquette chose flattering shapes in this color that looks beautiful on every complexion.

I have gone on record in totally loving dudes in blue tuxes (see Jason Sudeikis in 2014 and Eddie Redmayne last year). Among the handsome gentlemen wearing Snorkel Blue with black were Aaron Rodgers (escorting girlfriend Olivia Munn) and Best Actor nominee Mark Ruffalo. Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Michael Strahan also wore this color on the red carpet.

Classic Black

A black gown is always appropriate for Oscar night, and Jennifer Garner's was one of my absolute favorite looks of the night - so elegant. I also liked Julianne Moore's gown with geometric accents.

White Florals

Isla Fischer and Priyanka Chopra would both look great wearing paper bags, but look so lovely in white dresses with floral motifs. Isla's dress features romantic chiffon, while Priyanka's was figure-hugging, sheer, and J. Lo-worthy.

Marsala Shades

Variations of 2015's Pantone Color of the Year are still very popular at Hollywood events. I loved television host Zuri Hall's form-fitting gown and unique necklace, and Chrissy Teigen continues to be the most fabulous pregnant person probably ever.

Copper and champagne were the trendy metallic shades at last year's Oscars, but this year the pendulum swung back to classic silver and gold. Margot Robie clearly loves 70's-inspired dresses with plunging necklines and tassel details - her look this year hit many of the same notes as the black dress she wore last year. Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Daisy Ridley wore a silver tea-length sheath that was elegant and youthful.

What were your favorite looks at this year's Oscars?

style: favorite 2016 golden globes looks

As longtime readers know, I love movies and celebrities, and therefore I love award season! Though my taste in fashion tends toward the classic and usually shies away from anything angular or too revealing, I found myself really loving some styles that were very different from the gowns I've loved in the past I watched this year's Golden Globes. When I started pinning my favorites, I realized there were a few common threads (pun intended) in the dresses that were my favorites. [Image Sources]

Plunging necklines were a big trend at this year's Globes, and in my opinion Jaimie Alexander had the most stunning look of the night. Her emerald geometric-print dress was striking without being too distracting, she wore her gown confidently, and her hair and makeup were perfect. Where's our Lady Sif movie, Marvel? Another starlet who looked perfect while taking the plunge was Jenna Dewan Tatum in a navy blue sequined gown that looked even better on television than it does in photos and much better than last year's butter-colored strapless gown. BOTH gowns had pockets, a detail I really appreciate as a real human being who carries things to parties.

Two ladies looking elegant in black with sleek center-parted hairstyles: Fargo's Kirsten Dunst's velvet dress with plunging neckline looked great on video, while Caitriona Balfe's lacy gown might be a nod to some of the costumes her character Claire will wear on Outlander this season when she and Jamie travel to France during Louis XV's reign. 

I'm always a fan of a beautifully-made ballgown: Gina Rodriguez wore navy, one of the most popular colors of the night (with pockets!), while Tara Lynne Barr wore a classic red gown with an asymmetrical neckline and hem that made it look fun and youthful.

This year's Golden Globe goddesses were Soairse Ronan and Lily James - Lily's co-presented Jaime Foxx seemed to get a little tongue-tied when he took the stage with her!

Jennifer Lawrence, who won Best Comedy Performance for Joy, probably had the most unique dress of the night, though both the color and style are certainly in her red carpet wheelhouse. She looks great in modern styles and I like that she kept the rest of her look simple and sophisticated. I was blown away by how great Lady Gaga, who won Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series for American Horror Story: Hotel, looked - it seems that she's put the meat dresses and other outlandish gimmicks away for good, and her hair, makeup, black velvet dress, and jewelry were all perfectly Old Hollywood.

Also channeling Old Hollywood vibes in their elegant emerald gowns, Jada Pinkett Smith and Rebecca Bloom. Rebecca won Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy, for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which has become one of my favorite shows over the past year.

I'm always happy to see starlets take chances with beautiful prints on the red carpet, and both Rachel McAdams and Melissa Benoist managed to make florals look sophisticated.

What was your favorite red carpet look at this year's Golden Globes? Also, should we all buy stock in Hollywood Fashion Tape?

If you'd like to add any of these images to your Pinterest boards or blog, please visit my Pinterest board and pin/save from the original source. Thanks!