On Independence Day, the World Cup, and Stitch Fix

You know, some days I show up here and don't have a clue about what to write.  But then there are other days when I'm just bursting with things to talk to you about (whether or not you want to hear these thoughts of mine is something else entirely).  And today is one of those "bursting with ideas" kind of days.  It helps that all of these thoughts have been inspired by today's outfit and this just so happens to be a style blog...

First let me address the fact that I am enamored by this top!  Stripes and polka dots and floral, oh my!  Now we can move on to how this shirt inspired the other seemingly random topics listed in today's title...

I've noticed many other bloggers posting wonderfully creative 4th of July ensembles.  Independence Day always sneaks up on me and leaves me scrambling for a patriotic look.  It just so happens that this lovely top of mine features the good 'ole red, white and blue combination.  So here you go, friends, my 4th of July look!

Has anyone else been watching the World Cup matches?  Admittedly, I don't pay much attention to soccer until this tournament rolls around every four years.  And yes, I think that makes me stereotypically American.  However, the reason that I really enjoy the World Cup (or la Coupe du Monde, en français) is because I was studying abroad in Tours, France during the tournament in 2006 (the year of the infamous Zidane head butt...youtube it, friends).  The energy of the French people during that summer was infectious and it was so much fun to be a part of the experience.  Getting into the matches every four years is a way for me to relive the excitement of that summer.  Will you forgive me, though, if I want France to go all the way?  I promise that I cheered for the U.S., too!  It's a good thing that both nations sport the same color combination...so I can wear this shirt to cheer on both teams!  

And finally on to Stitch Fix.  If you have no idea what Stitch Fix is, allow me to refer you to my first review where I explain what the heck it's about.  Anyway, I mentioned in my last SF review that I hadn't been pleased with the prices of the items sent to me and wouldn't be continuing with the service if the situation wasn't remedied. Well, I have great news!  Stitch Fix has redeemed themselves!  Not only have the prices been lower overall, but they also sent me this top that I have been obsessing over throughout this post.

Below are the photos of the other items I received.  I knew, however, when I pulled this shirt out of the box, that no matter how well the other items fit, this was what I wanted to keep!  By the way, you can keep as much as you want from your Stitch Fix box.  I just have a self-imposed rule that I only get to keep one item.

And as always, if you are interested in trying Stitch Fix, please follow my link (I will earn credit towards my next SF) and I will be your best friend forever!

What I'm Wearing:

Top: c/o Stitch Fix (similar, similar)

Shorts: LOFT Outlet (similar, similar)

Flats: Land's End (exact)

Linking-Up:

Because Shanna Said So- Random Wednesday

The Modern Austen- Sunday Best

Rachel and the Hat and Lena B. Actually- Passion 4 Fashion

Simple Sequins- Fashion Item Friday

Style Elixir- Style Sessions

Vodka Infused Lemonade- Très Chic Fashion Thursday

Splurge vs. Save

I was recently contacted by Credit Card Insider (a provider of practical information about credit and credit cards) to participate in a fun campaign called "Splurge vs. Save."  In order to take part, I'm going to show you something pricey that I've been coveting lately as well as what I've actually purchased to fulfill this desire...but at a much easier to stomach price!

Espadrilles are back in a big way this summer!  There is something about the canvas shoes and fiber soles that have me ready for those laid-back summer afternoons.  As I started to notice other style bloggers sporting their espadrilles, I decided that I would like to add a pair to my closet.  Here are some espadrilles that sparked my fancy:

c/o Neiman Marcus ($43)

c/o Carnet de Mode ($80)

You probably already know that I love all things striped so obviously some fun, striped espadrilles are just the thing to spice-up my summer wardrobe!  Now, $40-80 shoes like the ones above might not be considered "breaking the bank" to others, but for this girl on a budget of $250 for three months, I wasn't quite sold.

Now, cue Target, arguably the greatest store around!  While shopping for some apartment decor at my local Tar-jay, I just happened upon these gems on clearance for only $5!  They also come in red and white stripes.

Target ($16.99 online)

You may remember seeing these shoes on me last week because I love them so much that I've created multiple outfits around them already!  Here is another outfit featuring these espadrilles that I wore to a sunny art festival this weekend.

These shoes are oh-so-comfortable and were perfect for a day full of walking and admiring the artwork!    

I also want to send a shout out to Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood who featured one my looks on her blog today.  Please stop-by her blog to say "bonjour" because she is one of the sweetest bloggers out there!

What I'm Wearing:
Tee: Everlane (similar) <-- If you purchase through this link, I will receive credit towards more Everlane tees!
Denim Jacket: Old Navy (exact)
Necklace: Gorjana c/o Rocks Box (exact) 
Pants: c/o Stitch Fix (similar, similar)
Shoes: Target (exact)

Linking-Up:
Because Shanna Said So- Random Wednesday
Penniless Socialite- Favorite Fashion Friday and Look What I Got
Perfectly Coutured- Three-fer Thursday
Rachel the Hat and Lena B, Actually- Passion for Fashion
Simple Sequins- Fashion Item Friday
Style Elixir- Friday's Fab Faves
Vodka Infused Lemonade- Très Chic Fashion Thursday

Stitch Fix Review #3

Bonjour!  I am back with another Stitch Fix review today!  If you are not familiar with Stitch Fix, it is a really fun personal styling service who delivers fashionable items right to your doorstep.  Keep what you want and mail the rest back...it is that simple!  For my full Stitch Fix explanation, visit this post.  I've also reviewed another one of my orders here.

If you are interested in trying Stitch Fix for yourself, I would be so super-duper thankful if you would follow this link so that I may receive credit towards my next fix!

And on to the review!  Here are the items that I received that I chose not to keep:

So I really liked the idea of this stretchy, colorful skirt but I just didn't love it on me.

The sweater was really soft and comfy but it was a little bit "blah" looking...especially for the price!

I was really hopeful about the mint-colored jeans but they were unfortunately too small.  Shockingly, this is the first pair of pants Stitch Fix has sent me that haven't fit (I say "shocking" because typically I have a really hard time finding pants that fit).

I really really liked this denim jacket.  I get a lot of wear out of the one that I currently own that is a hand-me-down from my sister.  I've been thinking of investing in another one in a darker wash...cue this jacket, right?!  Wrong!  Unfortunately this jacket cost $98!  And this teacher cannot afford $100 jackets.  (In other news, I just ordered a dark-wash denim jacket from Old Navy for a much easier to stomach price.  Stay tuned to see how it works-out)!

But finally, (drum roll please) I decided to keep this beautiful blouse!

I love the feminine, floral pattern and the fun details like the key-hole cutouts and the slit in the back.  I know this will be a great top heading into the summer because it is so light and flowy.  I really like it paired with my dark skinnies but I think it will look cute with my navy shorts as well!

I threw in a touch of subtle pattern mixing by adding some striped heels.  Although I do have to admit to not wearing these shoes very frequently...only to events that don't involve much walking or any consumption of wine.

Anyhoo, long story short, I really like my beautiful, new blouse.  However, it was also on the pricey side ($68).  Since I had already spent $20 to receive my Stitch Fix box and that amount was credited towards my purchase, I decided to go for it.  Unfortunately, in the review I submitted to the company, I told them that if the price points don't decrease, I will no longer be able to receive Stitch Fix boxes.  I will let you know if the company complies and if I decide to continue with the service in my next Stitch Fix review!

What I'm Wearing:
Blouse: Stitch Fix (exact)
Jeans: LOFT (exact)
Heels: Gift (similar, similar)

Linking-Up:
Everyday Fashion and Finance and Perfectly Coutured- Three-fer Thursday
Penniless Socialite- Favorite Fashion Friday and Look What I Found (with The Tiny Heart)
Rachel The Hat and Lena B, Actually- Passion for Fashion
Simple Sequins- Fashion Item Friday
Style Elixir- Friday's Fab Faves
Vodka Infused Lemonade- Très Chic Fashion Thursday

Stitch Fix Review #2

About a month ago, I wrote this review of my first Stitch Fix box!  Not familiar with Stitch Fix?  They are a fun personal styling and clothing subscription company.  Basically, your very own personal stylist will send you a box full of goodies and you get to choose what to keep and what to (very easily) ship back.  Please read my first review for more details.

If I have convinced you to try Stitch Fix, I would be super duper appreciative if you would follow this link.  By doing so, you will give me a bit of credit towards my next box!  Merci beaucoup!

I mentioned before that my first box wasn't exactly what I wanted, but I wrote a detailed review of the fix and was hoping for improvement the second time around.  Well ladies, my stylist nailed it this time! I loved several of the items in my fix but was only able to keep one thing for financial reasons.  

Without further ado, I kept these amazing red pants!  I've mentioned before that I really struggle with finding pants that fit well.  For this reason, I was skeptical that someone could just send me a pair, without me trying them on first, and they would fit.  But they do fit!  And now I finally have a pair of colored bottoms!  I like these pants so well that I've worn them three times already (see below for these looks) and I mentioned in my Stitch Fix review that I wouldn't mind receiving more pairs in different colors, hint hint.

Here are the items that I decided to return:

While I really enjoyed the detail of the dress, the fit was off for my body.  The skirt was a bit too short for how much it flared.

If you can't tell from the photo, this shirt is covered in tiny, adorable swans.  I loved the print but the shirt was a bit too small.

I so wish that I could have kept this shirt, but alas, the pants won.  This shirt was comfy and cute but just slightly too pricey...and the pants were too good to pass-up.

I liked this necklace...but again, the pants won!

When I decided to keep the red pants, I was a little nervous about thinking of a variety of ways to wear them.  For my first pair of colored bottoms, I'm not sure I would have chosen red.  But beggars can't be choosers...and did I mention how well these pants fit??

Anyway, I shouldn't have been nervous at all considering I've worn them three times so far!

For this first look, I drew inspiration from the style card that came with my Stitch Fix.  The stylist recommended a striped top with a camel cardigan.  My striped shirt will definitely be worn with these pants again and I liked the addition of the neutral cardigan...I might not have thought of that one on my own.

I wanted to somehow make the red pants a little less bold and I think I did that by adding this floral scarf.  The scarf has red tones that work with the pants but the other colors in the flowers help to soften the look.

Nautical is back in this spring!  A navy and white striped blazer create a sharp look!

If you are interested in my future Stitch Fix reviews, please follow me at Bloglovin'!

What I'm Wearing:

Pants: Stitch Fix (similar, similar)

Striped Shirt: Banana Republic (similar, similar)

Cardigan: Target (exact)

Black Flats: DSW (exact)

Grey Tee: Everlane (exact)

Scarf: Gift (similar, similar)

Colored Flats: Toms (similar)

Blazer: Banana Republic (similar, similar)

Tassel Necklace: Loft (similar, similar)

Linking-Up:

Delusions of Grandeur- Favorite Fashion Friday

Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance- Three-fer Thursday

Simple Sequins- Fashion Item Friday

Style Elixir- Friday's Fab Favorites

Vodka Infused Lemonade- Très-Chic Fashion Thursday

Work Clothes I Suppose- Third Thursday Threads

Stitch Fix Review #1

For Christmas, my very thoughtful and stylish sister purchased a gift certificate for me from Stitch Fix.  Have you heard of Stitch Fix?  It's a really fun personal styling service!  Here's how it works...

1.  You go to the Stitch Fix website and complete your style profile by answering a few questions.
2.  Your very own personal stylist puts together a box of goodies that have been hand-picked for you!
3.  You receive your box of goodies including cards featuring suggestions for styling the items.
4.  You get to try on all of the lovely pieces.
5.  Keep what you want and put the rest into envelope with prepaid postage then drop it in a mailbox.

The fee for each styling session is $20.  But there is a catch...an awesome catch!  You get to use that $20 towards whatever you decide to keep and purchase from your fix!  What fun!

Also, after returning your unwanted items and paying for what you decide to keep, you answer a few more questions regarding what you liked and disliked regarding price, fit and style of the pieces you received.  Your personal stylist takes your suggestions into account when compiling your next box of goodies so that your fixes just keep getting better and better!

Sometimes it's so fun to have someone else pick-out clothing items for you because there is the potential to find pieces that you love but would never have picked-out for yourself!

Stitch Fix also has a credit program where you earn cash towards your fixes just by referring friends!  If you are interested in trying Stitch Fix, I would truly appreciate it if you would use my link so that I can earn another fix!

Here is the adorable blouse that I received in my first Stitch Fix box!  It is a gorgeous cobalt color and I love the fun touches.  The patterned panel down the front adds interest and the jeweled buttons on the sleeves are so cute!

The styling options are endless!  As I said in this post, detailed blouses are such versatile pieces because they can easily be dressed-up or down.  Also, they speak strongly enough for themselves that you don't necessarily have to do much else to your outfit.

For my first ensemble featuring this blouse, I was inspired by one of the style cards provided in my Stitch Fix.  I created a work-appropriate outfit by throwing-on a black pencil skirt, black tights and leopard print flats (for a little more pizzazz).

How would you style this blouse?

Here are the other items that I received and ultimately decided to return:

All of the items fit really well but I returned them for a few different reasons.  First, I already own a pair of black jeans and a black pencil skirt.  I really don't need duplicates of these things.  Also, I like the idea of Stitch Fix to get unique items I wouldn't necessarily choose for myself.  I don't really want to use it for basics that I could look for myself.  Finally, all of the items I returned were just a little bit too expensive.  For me to pay that much for an item, it would really have to stand-out.  I explained all of this in my post-fix questionnaire so hopefully my stylist will take notice and my next fix will be even better!

What I'm Wearing:

• Blouse: 41 Hawthorn c/o Stitch Fix (similar, similar)
• Watch: Fossil (exact)
• Skirt: Target (similar, similar)
• Tights: Target (similar)
• Flats: Loft (similar, similar)