Stitch Fix Transitions My Closet to the Fall - August, 2015

I love the fall. I've loved it ever since I was a little girl. School starts again, seeing all my friends that I missed over the summer, cooler temps, new "back to school" clothes, football games, and bonfires. Fall is the season of new beginnings for me even now as an adult. And, I love football season ... Go, Cowboys! 

My closet is filled with beautiful summer clothes from local boutiques as well as Stitch Fix, so I knew my closet desperately needed some items to help me transition my style from summer to fall, even though it's still really hot here in Arkansas. I challenged my stylist, Susie, to send short sleeved to 3/4 sleeved tops, a lightweight cardigan, and high waisted blue jeans to begin my closet's transition to fall clothes. I was hoping a lightweight cardigan would allow me to continue to wear some of my beautiful sleeveless tops into the fall and winter. As always, Susie sent five wonderful items to surprise me in my Stitch Fix box I just received, along with this nice note. (Don't know about Stitch Fix yet? How can that be!?! Read all about it at the end of this review, then sign up using this link as a referral from me.) Are you ready to see what I received?


Market & Spruce Elaine Ikat Print Pocket-Front Knit Shirt: My first reaction was YUK! This is not a color I would ever pick up in a store, and I never wear patterns. Stitch Fix simply asks us to try on every piece they send us, so I reached out for this first, thinking let's get this over with. I immediately loved the soft feel of the material, and, as I slipped it over my head, I knew the fit was great. I'd love to accessorize this with a navy scarf in the fall, plus I love how this top feels, so I know I'll reach for it over and over again. A great new fall transition piece for my closet.

Kut from the Kloth Aberdine Straight Leg Jean: I'm always amazed that Stitch Fix can send me jeans over and over again that fit me perfectly in the waist, hips, thighs AND length. These are crazy comfortable. Sometimes they send me jeans with a low- or mid-rise waist which simply don't work for me, but all their jeans fit perfectly. Love these jeans, so they'll be a staple for my fall wardrobe. Wearing them today!


Mak Dahla Lightweight Cardigan: I knew at first touch that I was going to love this lightweight cardigan, with it's soft feel and beautiful navy color. Whoops, spoke to soon this time. Something is wrong with the fit. You can't tell from the picture, but the shoulders are really snug, and the sleeves are so snug on my arms, I wasn't sure if I would even be able to get this back off after trying it on. There's either a problem with the construction of this piece or the sizing of this cardigan. Not sure which, so I've asked if I can trade for a larger size to see. Love the feel, love the look ... but not a winner at this point anyway.

Market & Spruce Berg Pintuck Detail Top: This top is a bright green, even though the photo looks more like a turquoise. (If you can explain why it does that, I can do a better job with my photos next time!) You can wear the sleeves unrolled for a pretty 3/4 length sleeve or rolled for a little shorter, which I personally preferred. Again, this is not a color I would have chosen normally, but I'm digging how it looks on me. That's one of the things I really love about Stitch Fix. I already know I have trouble finding things I like when I go shopping, plus I never know how to put them together, unless I see them accessorized on a mannequin or a really helpful salesperson has mercy on me. Stitch Fix solves all these issues for me.

Collective Concepts Nathaniel V-Neck Blouse: I was surprised that I kind of liked this pattern when I saw it in the box, but it's probably because it's a couple of colors I'm really comfortable with a taupe and navy. When I tried it on, it was just too boxy and loose, and it was an immediate no from me and my hubby, who was graciously snapping photos. That said, I know some of you really stylish gals know exactly how to make this top look positively gorgeous with a partial tuck, a belt, a pencil skirt, Emer slacks and more, but ... I just don't get it, and, as a vacation planner, I dress really casually day in and day out. So, another gal in our Facebook Stitch Fix Discussion Group quickly offered to buy it, so it's flying off to Massachusetts to someone who will love it as much as I hate it.

And, that's another thing I love about Stitch Fix. They have something that fits the style preferences whether you're a new Mom, a new employee, a rocker, or a vacation planner. Lots of gals are receiving amazing dresses and maxis, but that's just not my style, and Susie knows it. Some gals get jewelry and handbags. I just want cute tops and great jeans.



Think you might like to try out Stitch Fix? Here's how it works ...


1. Fill out Stitch Fix’s Style Profile with your personal style preferences and sizes. It only takes about 10 minutes - and it’s fun to do! You tell them what you like, what you don't like, and how much you're willing to pay for each item of clothing.

 2. They send you a package of five items to try on in the comfort of your own home. Each item comes with a custom style card that provides two different outfit ideas and styling inspiration. These cards help me create two completely different looks.

 3. You only pay for what you want to keep and send back what you don’t. Your $20 styling fee is applied as a credit to anything you buy. 

And, you can cancel at any time. If you're going to try it, please sign up at my referral link here, because I'll receive a credit toward my next purchase when your Stitch Fix box is shipped to you. I love referrals. Stitch Fix has made my closet a happier place to visit in every season!  



Casa Vista Magnifica ... your Home Away From Home in Costa Rica

We've been back from our vacation to Potrera, Costa Rica for exactly one week, so it's time to tell
you my favorite things about our vacation there:

• Casa Vista Magnifica is the beautiful 5 bedroom, 5 bath villa where the ten of us spent our week. The only rooms in the villa with four walls are the bedrooms, and many of us enjoyed the open air showers. We started our days around the infinity pool, which overlooked the beach and ocean below, as well as spending many afternoons there and wrapping up every evening there.

• Rosita is the villa's maid and cook, and Bizmarck is handyman and her sous chef. They worked together as a team to produce the most amazing breakfasts and dinner every day. We discussed visiting some local restaurants while there until we experienced their first breakfast, after which we quickly decided we'd be dining at home for every breakfast and dinner with traditional Costa Rica meals. Not only fabulous cooks, but delightful people to have around during our vacation.
• The coffee ... the coffee! Roger likes his coffee bold and strong, while I like a weaker and often flavored coffee. We both loved this coffee, as did our entire group, and Rosita and Bizmarck kept the coffee pot refilling for us all morning, every morning. We brought some home, and we'll be scouring the internet to find 1820 coffee we can order online!
• The villa is managed by the Concierges at the Tropical Homes of Costa Rica, and Roger and I love concierges, because we've experienced how they can smooth life for us. When I asked for an acoustic guitar to be available for our use at the villa during the week, Roxanna did not disappoint, and we all enjoyed the guitar stylings of our friend, Mark, as well as varied music offered by DJ Doctor A. We spent many afternoons and evenings dancing, singing, and relaxing with tunes.

We had some wonderful outings, but the villa, the food, and the service were the main reasons to visit this villa, so I'll tell you about our outings in a separate post.

If you're local to Little Rock, Arkansas, like us, a week at this villa will be offered at auction at the Once Upon A Time fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy on September 17th at the Little Rock Marriott. We'd love to see you there!