What I'm Loving and Learning about Stitchfix

I'm happy I stuck with this thing called Stitchfix. It's a great way to get unique pieces for yourself that you may not have noticed in the stores or even have available to you. This is my 4th shipment, and I'm loving the styles more and more each month. It's now influenced recent purchases and I've learned a few things about Stitchfix to make my experience all the better.

A look at my latest shipment and a few Stitchfix tips!

Hello four perfect little outfits!! The floral top and necklace are both flirty and romantic, just right for date night. The graphic maxi skirt was a perfect fit as was the black cowl neck top. The orange paisley tunic isn't really my style but it screams cooler temps and fall fashion! Which are your favorites?

A few tips for using Stitchfix...

Pay attention to who creates your package. I wish I had known when I was feeling discouraged with my first two shipments. Each time I open the box I'm greeted with a personal hello from a Stitchfix designer. Let's say Sally creates a package for me that is just perfect, I want to remember this so when I fill out the online questionnaire I can request Sally to do all my future packages. Now I can be almost positive that I'll love each shipment. Brilliant.

Be brutally honest with opinions on the clothing and jewelry. How much do you hold back from yourself when staring in the mirror of a dressing room? Not much, ehhh? Yea, me either. So why waste your time and theirs by being nice and agreeing that every piece sent to you was OK? I'm now sincerely honest with my personal style survey given to me with each shipment. I don't hesitate to admit I'd never wear certain pieces or if I think they're ugly. By doing this I fell in love with each piece of my third shipment.

Pick your shipments wisely. Stitchfix does not require you to continuously accept shipments, you choose the frequency. So when returning this shipment from June, I chose to not receive a shipment for the month of July. It would make no sense for me to accept a shipment during this month while in between homes, plus I couldn't guarantee a decison and return of style pieces within 3 days, like required. I plan to resume in August once settled into our new home.

Do the math.
See, I loved two of this fixes pieces dearly. They fit perfect, hit my almost there curves in all the right places and were pieces that I could build on and style throughout the seasons. The only thing that made the decision of what to keep hard were the prices. I think Stitchfix knows this to be a problem with some of it's subscribers. So in an effort to keep quality high they offer a 25% discount off the total price if you decide to keep all 5 items. Keeping the 5th item can sometimes make the entire purchase cheaper. And remember your 20dollar fee goes towards any purchases too!

Each of you are making a big difference in my Stitchfix experience too! In case you didn't know my Stitchfix account collects a few pretty pennies each time any of you sign up from a link posted on my blog. How kind of Stitchfix and how awesome of you!! And, since I'm a stickler, that money is just accruing, just awaiting the perfect piece that I can't live without. So people, click away! And then when you fall in love with your shipment, post it for the world to see and take this final tip from me.... make sure you "link" throughout your post in case your readers decide to join too!


Happy stitches people :))


Have you tried Stitchfix? Have any tips to share??
Did you guess the maxi skirt was my ALL TIME favorite item?





Linking with Random Wednesdays, WIWW, I Feel Pretty, Style Sessions, Dress for the Day, Favorite Things


...happy to have Jordyn with me this month...

Same Dress for Much Less...

You had a peek at this dress in last weeks Style Sessions but I felt it deserved its own post.  I LOVE this color. It's between coral and salmon, just the right shade for a sophisticated summer dress. I practically squealed and clapped like a dork child when I found this dress squished between shirts and shorts. I only feel a little sad for the person who wishfully hid it for a later purchase. Finders keepers Missy! I've been on a hunt for this dress.

Dress on left ----> Stitchfix item! Remember drooling over that beautiful coral slip dress just a few weeks ago? We were all in agreement that it was a must have piece but with a price tag of 80some dollars I just couldn't have that one. Dress on right ----> Forever21 dress for much, much less. perfect trade!

So the dresses aren't exactly the same and that's ok. I actually like the F21 dress better. You?
I like that I have the option to keep the collar buttoned up or relax the look by unbuttoning it. Either way, buttoned or not, it's a slip dress. And I love the ease and style of a slip dress. They're like summers equivalent to the little black dress. It's hard to screw up such a good thing. How nice is that on days you just can't think anymore or don't feel like coordinating an entire outfit!

If you been with me through past style posts you know I don't accessorize often. It's something I don't think about until last minute and by the last minute I'm getting pushed out the door. But I dug around and was pumped to find these "quiet statement" pieces. Camel heels were the right fit for this occasion but I think wedges and bold color/statement jewelry pieces will be another fun way to style the dress!


I've had my ups and downs with stitchfix, but one thing is for sure they inspire awesome, one of a kind looks.  They definitely provided the inspiration behind this simple and pretty dress! If you want in on some Stitchfix fun, look here...

One more thing. I want your HONEST opinion on this "button" yay or nah? 

It's one of a few I'm trying to decide between...

Have you shopped same piece for less?
What's inspired your style lately?

and, HAPPY EARLY 4th TO ALL OF YOU!!!

Linking with Random Wednesdays, WIWW, I Feel Pretty, Style Sessions, Dress for the Day


....happy to have Jordyn with me this month...

Style Sessions Co-Host!!

I'm SO excited to be co-hosting Style Sessions today and featured as a Head Stylist!
But before we get to all that fun... you first need to know the genius behind all of this!
Lauren from Style Elixir



She's been here with Heart Shaped Sweat this month and is giving away a $30 value Ad Space 
in this months giveaway!

She's also sharing with us a beautiful, colorful Wallis outfit as part of the Blogger Style Competition.
hint, hint... show her your support in this competition and vote for her every day (even every hour)
during the month of June to ensure her win!
It's take just a moment, click the link above and vote! It's that easy and means so much :)
In appreciation for your time and votes she is giving away 
$25 gift card to store of your choice 
and Ad Space!
ENTER HERE!!!

Now Let's get back to the Style Sessions FUN!

In case you're new here, Style Sessions is live every Tuesday from 5am PST. It's all about sharing what we've been wearing, or if you're on a budget, a virtual outfit you'd love to wear! Every week I also select someone to showcase as 'Head Stylist' in the next edition - it's a brilliant way to showcase your personal style and your blog.

Want to join the fashion link-up? Add your post now and meet some new fashionistas!  I simply ask that you please follow Style Elixir (via Bloglovin', Twitter, Facebook or GFC!) and provide a link to this in your post or add the button below to your blog. Any tweets to spread the word are fabulous, we all love meeting new blog friends!

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.stylelixir.com/" title="Style Elixir"><img src="http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s570/stylelixir/StyleSessionsLogo_zps1d35aa03.jpg" alt="Style Elixir" style="border:none;" /></a></div>  

Lauren's look this week - Polished Prints

It probably comes as no surprise to you, but I do adore brights! Especially red, coral and at the moment orange hues too. This patterned print dress from Wallis really caught my eye, I thought it was a great piece to dress up or down and so versatile for any season. For a polished touch, style with a little black jacket and patent pumps..

Outfit Details:  Wallis Dress c/o   |   Black Jacket (similar)  |   Prada Sunglasses   |   Pave Earrings (similar)   |   Black Patent Heels (similar)  |  Tiffany & Co. Ring   |   Gold Bangles  (similar)  |   Black Bow Ring (similar)   |   Marc Jacobs Handbag

As part of Style Sessions, Lauren features one of us bloggers each week as head stylist. 
Here's what she had to say this week :)

Meet Our Head Stylist...

I'm excited to introduce Kristine of Heart Shaped Sweat! As gorgeous on the inside as she is on the outside, Kristine is a super fit mom who loves her fashion. I have such a weakness for coral, it's always so fresh and looks perfect the way Kristine has styled it with gold and tan...

STYLE Q&A WITH KRISTINE

What is your go-to look?  Anything easy and comfortable, yet stylish. As a busy mom of two, I rely on classic but flirty tops to show my personality and add style to my favorite jeans.

There are so many fashion trends right now, which one are you currently loving?

I love the pattern mixing trend and knotted button-down shirts with a maxi look! But, my all time favorite trend is bright colors. Bright colors and neon let us really make a statement, no matter how trendy we are. 

What inspired you to start Heart Shaped Sweat?  After my second son, friends started asking how I got back in shape. No matter what advice or tips I offered, the best thing I could give them was motivation. I realized what an awesome feeling it was to see them get up and get active. I turned to blogging to continue that passion. I try to blog motivation and inspiration for being fit and healthy - along with my family's happenings!

Name three beauty products you couldn't live without:  Easy. I use Aquaphor on my lips throughout the day, everyday. I use baby oil everyday in the shower as a full body moisturizer (I swear it prevented stretch marks in each pregnancy). And I couldn't live without water, the benefits of water are endless.

How would you describe your style?  My style is all over the place! You will find me in flowy maxi's with a tank top, pencil skirts with a button down, or jeans with flip flops and you will always find me in bright nike workout clothes!

To discover more about the beautiful Kristine, visit Heart Shaped Sweat.

Join the Link Up Below and Share Your Style:

...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

One Too Many..

One of the awesome, not so awesome things about the Army is they practically force you to clean out your home every 3 or so years. I have touched every shelf, every closet, and every drawer over the last few days. We've been to the corners of the attic and underneath the house... deciding what to keep or donate. Giant metal Santa from great grandma? Donate. Snow shovel? Keep. Tree face? Donate Keep. Outdoor items are easy decisions. No worries over donating yard crap. But inside, where the clothes are - is where I start to struggle. The boys are growing monsters so I can eventually convince myself to donate their clothes and only keep a few special pieces. It's my closetS and dresserS that stress me!
(and you don't even want to know the number of Tupperware bins in the attic)

I mean, I'm from a state that has 4 seasons! I have something for every temperature. But I've realized I have two weak spots. Jeans and Workout clothes. I have one too many of each of these that I may need therapy. I can not part with any of them! I managed to put 4, only 4 of these items in the donate bag. 4. It's as bad as the man who owns 4 drawer-fulls of T-Shirts but only wears 5 of them... ;)

A girls gotta have...
the jeans for in case you gain 5 pounds.
the jeans for in case you loose 5 pounds.
the jeans for when you feel bloated, like you gained 20 pounds.
the faded jeans, the dark jeans, the ones that never go in the dryer.
the jeans for heels, jeans for flats and skinny jeans for knee boots.
and I repeat, I'm not getting rid of my favorite pair that require a 5 pound loss and I'm not donating my awesome jeans for the day I gain back 10+ pounds. So silly, right?! Somewhere during pregnancy and sometime after pregnancy my sizes were ALL OVER the place.

Then there's jean skirts. Do people wear those anymore? Maybe I should just keep one, one in case you know, people still wear them. And Jorts?! Yea, no. I don't wear Jorts. Or cellphone belt clips.

But, cut offs! Yes, I love,love cut offs. Cut offs are not jorts at least not mine. I could live my entire life in a pair of cutoffs. This collection runs as deep as the pile of jeans. Daisy style, yes. Momma style, yes. Bermuda/Boyfriend style, double yes. And I decided on two pairs of worn jeans that may join the collection of cut offs, once I find the scissors. I can't help it. I told you I might need a leeeetle help here.

So jeans are my weak spot. I confess to 25+ pairs that I must keep.

My other weak spot.... work out clothes. I'm a sucker for anything made to sweat in.
Shiiiiit. If I could I would wear workout clothes for my entire life. Well, during the times I wasn't wearing jeans. You have no idea how hard it is for me to pick which jeans/cut-offs and which workout outfits to keep (while between homes) for the next 5-6 weeks!! ha! It drives me crazy. And this is just the tip. Next I need shirts and then shoes. Thank God we're not flying. Imagine the added worry of how heavy my suitcase is...

Tell me I'm not alone in this mess of clothes!!!

How many "perfect" pairs of jeans do you own?
What's your weak spot? Anything you can't part with?





Linking with Random Wednesdays, Walkabout Wednesday,  WIWW, Hump Day Hop



...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

Paperwork and Cocktails

Paperwork.

Cocktails.

Maybe it was the day spent at the zoo with Landon or maybe it was the $6 H&M price tag but something inspired me to wear animal print. I rarely ever wear animal print and if I do it's in small doses, very small doses. But this tank is easy, breezy and really the print isn't overpowering. It's a level I can handle. With it's high/low style your bum is well covered, good thing because the skirt is obvi "form fitting". For work, I added color with a cardigan and rocked camel flats and belt. For 5 o'clock cocktails... loose the cardigan, add some jewelry and summertime wedges then all you need is a fresh  drink with a little kick and a lime please!

tank and skirt H&M, flats and belt Target, wedges Nine West


Do you wear animal print? Is it too daring or safe enough for your style?
What color would you have added to this black and white look?
Turquoise? Red?



*************************************************************************************************************************************



I'm running my Summer Kickoff 5K today!!!
Monday night's workout was inside at the gym so today's outdoor run is much needed! I really, really LOVE that so many of you are participating in the virtual 5K... I wish I could get there and run with each of you! But I'm there in spirit and I'm there cheering you on through the highs and lows of your run! And trust me, I think of you all during my highs and lows too! How about these race bibs making our 5K totally legit?!!

They're awesome! And just perfect! Rekita at Her and Nicole hooked us up with these speedy race bibs! All of her design work is impressive and these are no exception. BIG thanks and hugs to you Rekita!






Linking w/ WIWW, Random Wednesdays, Trending Pretty, I Feel Pretty, Walkabout Wednesday, Hump Day Hop



...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

Round 3.... of trying Stitchfix!

The mail man has been good to me this week. He finally delivered a bracelet set I ordered as gifts for Mothers Day. Mothers Day. And he brought my third Stitchfix collection!

Remember the awkwardness in my first two shipments? I was blown away by all of your reactions. It's pretty awesome to get your feedback and support, definitely helped me feel better about giving Stitchfix another try.

And it seems, third time's a charm.
I was worried they'd strike out but no. They totally scored.
I fell in love with one particular piece. See if you can guess which one....

I LOVE the peter pan collar tank. So that's what we'll start with. I know this is a stylish look yet I've walked past dozens of these tops. But why? I'm convinced I need one in my wardrobe pronto. Just not one with a $61 price tag.

Next LOVE, the striped dress. It's just a staple piece. I should totally have this in my closet, it's not too clingy and not too short or "old". It's seriously perfect for my age and activity when with the family. And if paired with a jean jacket and knee boots like the style card suggested, I'd be looking good for a cool dinner date.

Cutout styles... I think they're adorable and way fun but still not totally sold on this for myself. The orange color of this tank is awesome. As much as I love yellow (here, here, and here)(!) I think orange is a much needed color in my closet.

The black pants would cost me an arm and leg so back they went but they were superior quality and tailored just right, I wanted them to keep some kind of bad! I like black on black outfits just not in the heat of summer, so really these pieces should be broken up but one girl, one half hour, one timer on one camera...

You get it, I'm sure. The sheer black, graphic blouse is perfect for interviews but definitely not an interview for my new found dream job. It's the high/low style that I've tried making out of straight hem shirts, ha! Really happy designers are making this easy and more flattering than any of my front tucks ever could!

I still feel a little "awkward turtle" about the whole thing but this time around, Stitchfix did what I was hoping for from the beginning. They sent me pieces that are appropriate for me and stylish. Overall, they've pushed me a bit and opened me up to purchases I would have hung back on the rack. And, the style cards are very helpful in letting me see other ways to style pieces than just the obvious. I'm going for one more round, and that'll be it. We're homeless for the month of July and I haven't a clue what Colorado will bring in August!

Wish me luck in finding a peter pan collar tank like this one!
And, if you're interested in trying Stitchfix, sign up is super easy :)


Do you ever feel caught between a younger style and older style?
Would you have guessed the mint tank to be my favorite?


P.S. That's 2 day old hair. ha! I never get this luxury unless I curl it. Something about the curling and products keeps it from getting oily overnight?!!

P.P.S. You should absolutely, no doubt about it enter this giveaway hosted by some fabulous ladies!
It's winners choice for the prize, so have at it! If you're feeling extra lucky enter this one too for some fun at Victoria Secrets!




Linking w/ WIWW, Random Wednesdays, Trending Pretty, I Feel Pretty, Walkabout Wednesdays, Hump Day Hop



...happy to have Max with me this month...

el cheapo!

Because I can't wear workout clothes or a bikini to work, I must pull something together, right?! And as much as I wanted to throw on a skirt or summer dress I still have KT Tape wrapped around one hamstring and knee. ehhh, yea don't think that's something I want to explain all day. So back to the trusty skinnies.

Note... I actually bought and wore jewelry. I went el cheapo and practically dizzy looking through the 2 for $10 section of Charlotte Russe. I rarely buy gold toned pieces but I liked these and couldn't leave them behind. Know what else cost me the same $10 amount? This cardigan from Forever 21. Another store that makes me a bit dizzy. I love way too much of everything in that store. Just stop it with the two floors. I need assistance in that place, it's a serious time zapper. But, I'm obsessed with the 10 tank tops I bought this cardigan and glad I found it at the end of 2 long hours. I know cardi's get a bad rap. understood. but you need them for the workplace. It's far to cold in every office I've ever worked in and there are just times you gotta tone down the lovely lady lumps. A cardigan does that :)

see, nothing really happening in that picture above!
Clocking out of work is the best part of any work day. Lucas and Lance were already home while I was still eyeing the time at work, waiting to scoop up Landon and head home. Hubs and I had made a deal earlier in the day that pretty much required him to make dinner for us. Little did I know he'd take this so seriously and have baked and grilled, set out dinner and poured me a glass of wine all timed perfectly with us pulling in the driveway. that's winning for both parties.  So the must have grandma cardigan came off, the girls were set free and all was well. Dinner and dessert were delicious.

Happy Wednesday peeps!

Do agree cardigans are a must have?
What's your favorite place to shop for jewelry on the cheap?




P.S. your comments on last week's style post made me feel so much better! thank you, thank you so much!


Linking with Random Wednesdays, WIWW, Trending Pretty, Walkabout Wednesdays, I Feel Pretty, Look What I Got, Style Sessions



...happy to have Max with me this month...

Trying Stitchfix 1 more time....

Stitchfix. My thoughts were "oh how cool, someone sends me clothes, I fall in love with them, possibly buy some and have fun creating a post" ehhhh, not exactly how it went....



Stitchfix Shipment numero uno

It's ok, you can laugh at me. I haven't a clue what you do on your side of the screen :) Personally, I was thrown off by my first shipment. I mean, where's the fun maxi dress I see on every other Stitchfix post? I kept searching the box for a pretty bracelet or necklace. But it seems I somehow created a profile that pegged me with these 3 tops/style options. hmmmmm. I will say the hot pink cut-out shirt is cute, I like the color and the fit. The printed blouse was actually cute too. Can you see the tiny screws, wrenches and bolts? Not a typical print but definitely something this momma of two boys could get down with. And then there's peplum and petals.


Stitchfix Shipment numero dos

We're getting closer. I think my problem is... I say yes to everything. even questions on clothes. Oh sure, I'd love to dress up, oh yes, I like peasant tops and pastel plaid. Really, Kristine?! But still, I think I did better with the questions and received better choices this time around! Don't you agree? These options were cute. Full of static but cute. The dress was something I would no doubt wear again. And the card that suggested the navy blue top be paired with grey and camel was appreciated. I wouldn't have ever tried that combo and really it's a good look. The tops I sent back with no problem but the dress and I had a serious debate.


Have you tried Stitchfix?
Basically you pay $20 to start and if you purchase something from the items they ship you then your $20 goes towards that purchase. If you choose to not purchase any of the items personally styled just for you based off your answers to a fashion questionnaire then you simply ship items back. (this is free) The packaging is pretty and frilly for us girls and each piece has a style card with two suggestions.


I have to say this may not be my thing! I love, LOVE seeing everyone else's posts go up, I think you all look amazing in your pieces. Those are the reasons I wanted to give Stitchfix a try! But once I got the chance (twice) I just felt a leeeeeetle weird about it all. I couldn't even look up at the camera, I just wanted to laugh! Partially because my husband helped by taking the pictures (!) but mostly just out of awkwardness. And lets not even talk about the panic I felt for those 3 days. I was uber worried my boys would get into the set of clothes or dog hair would sneak into the box. Geesh. Am I the only one who worries like this?

Moving on.

This week, I've worn...

And a whole lot of gym clothes. These are easy outfits. Not much fuss and simple. Maybe too simple but I like it this way. I definitely think the second shipment from Stitchfix was closer to the kind of items I was hoping for. I'd love to get some help/ideas from them for changing up my "everyday easy wear".
Fingers crossed this next shipment will be just right!


Happy halfway point peeps!
The weekend is in sight :)





Linking with Random Wednesdays, WIWW, Trending Pretty, Wednesday Walkabout, I Feel Pretty


...happy to have Max with me this month...

Is Yellow Your Color?

I'm half and half on these flats. They're Nine West, which I love, the style is super comfortable and the shoes are well made but at times the stripes feel juvenile and then at other times they feel way elderly. Buttttttt they begged to come home with me and pleaded that with all their colors I'd find plenty to wear them with. Go figure I'd pick to wear these flats first with yellow! I never thought yellow was my color and really I'm still not sure, but I love the way yellow brightens my mood and paired with white and navy it's a crisp and fresh look for work :) By days end I was back in my skinnies. Those white pants weren't gonna last long on the home front. You guys it's finally warm here and sunny until almost 8pm, don't you just love this time of year??

Another reason I love this time of the year....it marks my little mans birthday!

Last year was all Mickey Mouse theme, kid was OBSESSED with anything Mickey. This year not so much. He's a bouncy ball with all that he loves but basically anything with wheels wins his heart. So this years theme is Construction Trucks. I've received specific instructions to not "do it up" like last year...but that's easier said than done. You must know that I want to have a fun table spread including dump trucks, cones and hard hats?! And I'm taking any tips on how else to play up this theme!!

That's all I got today, I'm off to clean and prep for this party and hopefully squeeze in an easy run this evening...remember we have our 10K this weekend too!

oh, and if you love anything TORY BURCH 
you should probably enter this giveaway! $300 smack-a-roos up for grabs!





Linking with Trending Pretty Random Wednesday, WIWW, Best of Friday Style Link UP