Stitch Fix #14 Review - Knoxville, TN - June 2015

June has been quite the exciting month for "style".  I have my "Fixes" from Stitch Fix set to automatically ship every 4 weeks (monthly).  this month since I got a fix at the begining of the month just 4 weeks later another box arrived on my door step.  WOO HOO!!! So excited to share this with you guys!!!

My Note To My Stylist

For Fix #14 I added the Frye Shirley Artisin riding boots to my closet, my pinterest cover photo, so I never thought I'd say this but I might need a pair of skinny jeans. I've also pinned several shift dress/riding boot combos as well as other riding boot styles I think would look amazing. Also look out for that Ruby maxi or like summer dresses.

My Stylist's Note To Me

Hi Lili! Thanks for updating your Pinterest board! Those Frye boots you got are super cute and hopefully will work with the Level 99 jeans included here.These jeans are super comfortable and perfect for any time of year. I've added them in a petite size for you (hopefully no hemming!) I've also included a tunic top like you requested.the Pixley tie waste tunic comes in a really lovely green that will really pop with your complection. I can't wait to see how they look on you from your blog! I saw that your last fix missed an opportunity to style you for your upcoming trip. the pixels dress included is awesome and will be be great for a date night with your husband.  I know you were looking forward to the Ruby maxi. We unfortunately don't have it in at this time, but Ill keep and eye out! With Love, Catie

GILLI Arisha Striped Dress

This dress is so soft and the uneven hem line is a fun change! AND a s you'll see below, the price was AMAZING!!!  One of the other unique details of this dress that I like were the rolled or twisted shoulder straps.  Just a fun little detail that made the dress different.

but as cute as the dress is hanging...

It just didn't translate.

I'm not sure if it's because I;m short, but it gave me no shape

LE LIS Alston Crochet Shoulder Knit Tank

Once again, this tank was so incredibly soft! I LOVE LOVE LOVE soft clothes!!

I probably could have had one size smaller as you can see that there's lots of gapping under the arms.

It also had a really fun uneven hem line and I like the loose feel and the back...

I LOVE the CUT of the straps; SUPER flattering I think, but the cut outs in the straps were a little young and I can predict that the gray color will likely show sweat on these hot southern days.

PIXLEY Darcy Weave Jersey T-Shirt Dress

This dress was just okay.

It was REALLY soft and comfortable.

but because it was really fitted...

With hot pink and black stripes it just looked like a "clubbing" dress.  Am I crazy? DO you agree?

Maybe a solid or softer color stripe or a geo print pattern would have helped.  These are the times I wish I were more fashionable because I know this dress had potential.  It was so form flattering!  I think the right accessories could have helped, but I just didn't know how to style it and make it work. Hmmmmmmmmm....?

LEVEL 99 Glenda Straight Leg Jean

Once again these jeans were ULTRA soft and had a great amount of stretch to them.  I do have to let you know that there was a time, when I first filled out my style profile when I told my stylist "NO SKINNY JEANS"  This is how much Stitch fix has pushed me out of my comfort zone.  I actually REQUESTED a pair of skinny jeans.  I bet Catie's jaw dropped when she read those words in my noet to her. 

And although I'm still a total novice at styling these super cute pants I think overall I like how they look.

I think the one hitching point is that they're one size too small. 

I tried them with another top that you'll see below.  It hides all my "extra" but when you can see where it counts, the, don't you think they sort of look a little painted on?

PIXLEY Polly Dotted Chevron Tie Waist Tunic

When I pulled this top out of the box I actually thought I'd hate it. Other than the fact that it was so soft to the touch, the print was crazy busy.

but once it was on and I paired it with the level 99 skinny jeans and my Frye boots it wasn't bad.

But there was something about it that didn't work.  I still can't put my finger on it, but even now, looking at the pictures,  it just didn't look right.  

Any thoughts?

Should I have kept it?

GILLI Arisha Striped Dress $38.00 - RETURN

LE LIS Alston Crochet Shoulder Knit Tank $44.00 - RETURN

PIXLEY Darcy Weave Jersey T-Shirt Dress $68.00 - RETURN

LEVEL 99 Glenda Straight Leg Jean $98.00 - RETURN

PIXLEY Polly Dotted Chevron Tie Waist Tunic $54.00 - RETURN

.........................................................................................

What is Stitch Fix ?

How Does It Work

It really is FANTASTICALLY EASY! The Stitch Fix Q&A page does a GREAT job explaining everything but the basics are... Fill out your Style Profile. Pick the date you’d like to receive your shipment. you'll pay a $20 styling fee before each fix which is applied to anything you purchase. Your "Fix" will arrive on your doorstep. (My mail lady actually hand delivered one of my Stitch Fix packages just so she could ask me what it was.) Once you have your package in hand, try everything on in the comfort of your home (you have 3 days). After you've had time to try everything on and see how each piece will work you log on to Stitch Fix.com and buy what you like and return the rest. You’re only charged for the items you keep when you let them know what you’re keeping and returning at Check Out. **DON'T FORGET*** The $20 styling fee will be applied toward any items you purchase. Also, ALL Stitch Fix clients enjoy free shipping both ways!

Buy All 5 Discount

One of the best parts about Stitch Fix is that if you choose to purchase all of the clothes in your fix, your order is automatically discounted 25%!

Get "Pinning"

According to Katrina Lake Stitch Fix founder and CEO 

"Pinterest is by far the most helpful. It's super interesting, and there's a lot of overlap with our audience. Even if you have nothing about fashion on your Pinterest board, you can learn so much by what people are pinning on their decor boards or DIY boards. It gives you a peek into what someone's life is like." - Q&A interview by Dana Hull, with the San Jose Mercury News

My Fixes

See some of my previous Stitch Fixs. If you’re new to Stitch Fix and want to give it a try, please consider signing up using

My Referral Link

(I get a small commission which goes toward my future fixes, so thanks so much in advance!)

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

The Swaddle: A Tutorial - Knoxville, TN. - June 2015

There's something I've been meaning to share for quite some time...  So while The hub is downstairs banging around in the garage building shelves and our 3 little ladies are snoozing down the hall, there's no time like the present to share.  I have several friends that have just had babies or are expecting, so I hope this post is helpful.

Those of you that know me personally know that I have a few talents.  I'm a decent singer, in the car and shower.  when there is time, I write, occasionally I craft, I make one of the worlds best eggplant parmesans, but in my little circle of friends what I am known for is...

Making my babies SLEEP!!!

Initially, we thought E's ability to sleep was our Lord's bizarre brand of humor.  

We just figured that since she screamed all day long, God took it upon himself to grant her that supernatural ability to give her parents a full nights rest in order for us to prepare for and survive the next day.  She slept through the night at 8 weeks.  And when I say slept through the night I mean SLEPT!!!  Like 10-12 hours on a regular basis.

However, when MJ cruised through her first full nights sleep at  4 and a half weeks we had a feeling we were on to something.

Then when Baby A followed in her big sister's footsteps, sleeping through the night at 3 weeks I felt a little bit more confident sharing a few of our baby sleep tips.

Note To Reader: I must preface this entire post by saying I'm not a baby sleep expert, and we have had our share of sleepless nights so please take these for what they are worth one mama (or papa) to the next... This is how we survived!

In addition to a sweet email with scheduling instructions from my dear friend Cozy that I STILL read whenever I need encouragement, we owe much of our sleep success to the following 3 things:

The Top off and GOOD Burp

The Swaddle

and Technology: The Video Monitor and The Ocean 

Today, as the title suggests, I'm going to dig into the 2nd, The Swaddle.  We have our lovely model, Baby A assisting us in today's tutorial.  She was about 9 months old in this pictures and we'd just switched her from the swaddled to the sleep sack.

You will need:

1 Baby (for best results, twins should be swaddled separately... Ha ha!)

1 Swaddler - We use the Summer Infant Swaddle Me
1 Large Lightweight Swaddling Blanket - Ours was a hand made gift, but these Summer Infant Swaddle Blankets are REALLY similar.

 The Blanket size in relationship to the baby.  You can see it's a large blanket, but it's a pretty thin single layer light weight fleece.

This blanket was a gift we received from our dear friend Lanier back when I was pregnant with E and has been well used and LOVED!!!

Step 1: Lay blanket in the floor and fold down the top corner.

Step 2: Lay swaddler on top lining up the top of the fold to the top of the swaddler.

Step 3: Put baby on top of the swaddler.

Step 4: Tuck feet into swaddler.

Step 5: Lay baby's arms at her side and TIGHTLY wrap swaddler from left to right around her and tuck extra behind her back, like this...

See arms and hands are still by her side.  This is one of the trickier parts because the more wiggly your baby is the harder it is to keep those crazy arms inside, but DON't be tempted to let them roam free.  The reason this works is because those wild hands and arms have a tendency to explore while baby is sleeping, and the moment those chubby little kissable hands touch baby's face...
***POOF***
The sleep spell is broken! So WRAP 'EM UP TIGHT!!!

There are velcro sections that will be close to touching.  Don't worry if they don't line up exactly.  Just be sure at lease a little bit is connected

Step 6: Pull the right side of the swaddler back around to the left and catch the velcro on this side.

So that's the inner swaddle.  It should be super tight and it might take some practice.  Now onto the "secret" outer swaddle.

Step 7: Take the left corner of the lightweight blanket and wrap it around the baby from left to right, like this...

Tuck the extra blanket flat around and behind baby, like this...

It should look smooth and flat.  The fewer wrinkles in the blanket the more secure the swaddle and the lower the chances of escape.

Step 8: pull the lower corner up and lay flat on top of the baby, like this...

Step 9: Tightly wrap the right side of the blanketfrom right to left, like this...

... and gently wrap all the way arond baby and pull TIGHTLY.

Step 10: You'll have a blanket tail that you'll need to secure...

Tuck the blanket tail inside the bottom, by the feet, like this...

Voila!  You now have what many people refer to as the "baby burrito".

HAPPY BABY!!

I'll close this post by letting you know that EVEN TODAY, although we no longer swaddle them, our children (ages 16 m/o, 3 y/o, and 5 y/o) STILL sleep through most nights and they nap.  This may sound bizarre but sleep is SUPER important in our house for EVERYONE's sanity and well being. We don't do "quiet time" or "rest time".  Between the hours of 2:00 and 4:30pm and you're under the age of 7 (and sometimes older, depending on your attitude) you're taking a nap!

Do you have any great baby sleep tips? post them in the comments below.

HAPPY SWADDLING!!!

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Stitch Fix #13 - Knoxville, TN. - June 2015

My Note to My Stylist

Hi Catie! I've updated my Pinterest board to help you. The lace Maxi dress that's my cover image really is my anniversary trip "inspiration picture". As we prepare for this trip, it's okay to get a little more "date night", and highlight my back and shoulders a little more than normal. Keep in mind I LOVE the clean and free spirit look of that lace maxi and The Hub's fav "date night" color is red.

My Stylist's Note To Me

Hi Lili, I'm so excited to be styling you today! I'm sorry, your stylist, Catie is taking vacation, therefore I hope you enjoy your Fix #13!  The Kut From The Kloth jeans have a great stretch and will look amazing with your 41 Hawthorn coral top.  Another cute option is your Market & Spruce teal green wrap dress that is comfortable yet super flattering.  Enjoy this beautiful Papermoom navy maxi dress.  You can dress it up with your Zad necklace and you are ready for your day!  Have fun trying on your pieces.  I can't wait to read your feedback! Martina.

My Five Pieces

ZAD Melodie Layered Teardrop Stone Necklace - $36.00

 

This Necklace was perfect! The stones weren't too big and I really love the color!  It isn't one I traditionally gravitate toward.  I also love the layering look! it really will be a great way to add a little something special to any neutral outfit.

41 HAWTHORN Trinidad Geo Print Henley Top -$48.00

Initially, I was on the fence with this top.  I don't really care for the little flair in the sleeve but I LOVE the softness of the fabric and I think it's flattering and would be a good "staple" piece. 

I think I tried it on a million times before making my decision.

With Skinny jeans, adorable wedge sandals...

nd that amazing Zad necklace!

After having it on and switching up the look, I decided that the sleeves weren't a deal breaker. looking forward, another thing I considered was that because of the length of the sleeve, this top really will fill a space in my closet in the fall.

KUT FROM THE KLOTH Cai Bootcut Jean - $88.00

These jeans were a really similar wash to the Level 99 jeans in Fix #1.

(level 99 jeans from Fix #1)

As my stylist suggested I paired them with the 41 Hawthorn top. But the true test for all my jeans is will they work for a laid back game day?!

 The fit in the legs and rump were good but over all they were just okay.

I may kick myself later for sending these back but really want to LOVE my clothes and to be more specific, my jeans.  The one disappointing thing about these jeans was the serious "gaping" at the back.  I've heard the J Brand jeans don't gap.  but if anyone else has suggestions for real "non-gapping" jeans.  Please let me know!

As with most jeans, they were a little too long and the waste was a little too high. And although the price was fantastic, the reason I decided to send these back is I just purchased a pair of jeans from Old Navy and I honestly think these jeans don't look any better than those jeans and I didn't have to have them altered.

MARKET & SPRUCE Ohara Faux Wrap Tie-Waist Dress - $68.00

This dress was like a faux wrap dress i got in Fix #9, just a different...

less flattering, horizontal print.

(sorry for the fuzzy image)

My other issue is the top was stretched out, sort of like it had been tried on or worn by a big chested girl. It just didn't feel new? This was the first time I've gotten something from Stitch Fix that felt USED!  it's a MAJOR quality concern!

PAPERMOON Waters Paisley Maxi Dress - $68.00

One thing I love about this dress is how soft and comfortable the fabric is.  However, I'm returning this dress because the print is UGLY!!! 

I know this is BLUNT, but to be truly honest, when I saw the Ruby Maxi Dress on the Stitch Fix Facebook page... 

and noticed it's similarities between it and the "inspiration dress" I mentioned in my note to my stylist...

I really thought it was coming my way! This dress doesn't even compare! This is sort of an across the boart frustration with Stitch Fix.  I see all the cute Stitch Fix dresses on blogs and Pinterest; Ruby, Theodore, Alycia, Lyra, and Beatrix just to name a few beautiful ladies on my Pinterest Style board) and not receive any of them. 

This fix was kind of disappointing. I know she wasn't my "normal stylist", but I'm not sure if she even read my "requests". There was nothing even remotely "date night"ish  in this fix.  These dresses were more for church or work. AND there wasn't a single stitch of red!

Down To Business

SO after much deliberation, 2 items included in my 13th Fix earned spots in my closet.

ZAD Melodie Layered Teardrop Stone Necklace - $36.00 - KEEP

41HAWTHORN Trinidad Geo Print Henley Top -$48.00 - KEEP

KUT FROM THE KLOTH Cai Bootcut Jean - $88.00 - SENT BACK

MARKET & SPRUCE Ohara Faux Wrap Tie-Waist Dress - $68.00 - SENT BACK

PAPERMOON Waters Paisley Maxi Dress - $68.00 - SENT BACK

.........................................................................................

What is Stitch Fix ?

How Does It Work

It really is FANTASTICALLY EASY! The Stitch Fix Q&A page does a GREAT job explaining everything but the basics are... Fill out your Style Profile. Pick the date you’d like to receive your shipment. you'll pay a $20 styling fee before each fix which is applied to anything you purchase. Your "Fix" will arrive on your doorstep. (My mail lady actually hand delivered one of my Stitch Fix package just so she could ask me what it was.) Once you have your package in hand, try everything on in the comfort of your home (you have 3 days). After you've had time to try everything on and see how each piece will work you log on to Stitch Fix.com and buy what you like and return the rest. You’re only charged for the items you keep when you let them know what you’re keeping and returning at Check Out. **DON'T FORGET*** The $20 styling fee will be applied toward any items you purchase. Also, ALL Stitch Fix clients enjoy free shipping both ways!

Buy All 5 Discount

One of the best parts about Stitch Fix is that if you choose to purchase all of the clothes in your fix, your order is automatically discounted 25%!

Get "Pinning"

According to Katrina Lake Stitch Fix founder and CEO 

"Pinterest is by far the most helpful. It's super interesting, and there's a lot of overlap with our audience. Even if you have nothing about fashion on your Pinterest board, you can learn so much by what people are pinning on their decor boards or DIY boards. It gives you a peek into what someone's life is like." - Q&A interview by Dana Hull, with the San Jose Mercury News

My Fixes

See some of my previous Stitch Fixs. If you’re new to Stitch Fix and want to give it a try, please consider signing up using

My Referral Link

(I get a small commission which goes toward my future fixes, so thanks so much in advance!)

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!