I'm Officially A Fix Junkie

So, I stitch fixed again.

That's right.

And I'll do it again, I'm sure.

In case you didn't read my last post (shame on you!) I'll give you a synopsis again about how it works. You pay $20. You fill out a Bible-sized style profile/size profile. They hand pick 5 items for you on whatever basis you chose (monthly, etc) You try on at home. You buy or you send back. No shipping, no tax. If you buy, the $20 styling fee comes off your purchase price.

If you want to try - and you should, because its really fun - follow this link:

Stitch Fix Weeeeeee!!!

If you go, please use my link, as I will get store credit and you will further enable my sick shopping addiction. Thanks in advance.

I have to say, although fun, this wasn't my favorite fix of all time, you know, out of the two I've experienced so far. I loved two items, but they were pricey.

The first was this sheer deep teal shirt. I don't think the color translates well in the photo, but its a favorite of mine - a deep, dark green. When I wear this color, people actually notice that I have blue eyes. It's like magic. Also, I think its very artsy and stylish in an "I look good and I didn't even try, I'm just gifted with an innate fashion sense" sort of way.

But, you can see my bra, which is a slight issue. I could wear a tank under it. I'm pretty torn on this one.

I also enjoyed this gray/black dotted sweater. When I pulled it out of the box, I hated it... but on, I sorta like it. I can't decide, though looking at the photo I look pretty thin, so it may be a keeper.

 

 

Now, we have the mediocre. I asked for a scarf, because as you well know if you've met me or read me, I am a lover of all things scarf. This scarf, while pretty, just didn't stand out to me as anything special. Sorry scarf, you're going back.

And now for the things that I hated. Wow, I just HATE these two items. First, this sweater. Why would anyone with any fashion sense wear this sweater? Could it be any more average - any more Midwestern soccer mom?? Ugh. I'm appalled that they thought I would like this.

As if it couldn't get worse, here is what I would look like if I was a sailor-streetwalker hybrid. This is the worst dress ever made. IT HAS SHOULDER PADS. I need a shower now, I'm so upset.

 

Will I fix again? I sure will.

 

What did I learn? I learned that peplums are the work of Satan, and that I should be a little more specific in my Stitch Fix Profile next time around.

 

Happy Fixing!!!

 

 

 

 

Kitty loves a Stitch Fix!!

As if I needed another shopping outlet, I've just been made privy to a site/service called Stitch Fix.

Oh my God. So fun.

You pay $20. You fill out a massive style profile. You include all kinds of links, like to your Pinterest pages, or your blog (like me!) choose once a month delivery (or more often, if you choose) And then you get assigned a personal stylist. This person picks out 5 items that they think you'll like based on what you've written. Free shipping/Free returns. You try the items on, if you like, you buy. If not, you send them all back without penalty. If you do buy an item, the $20 that you spend for the service is deducted from the cost. Oh, and there's only sales tax if you live in California where the business is based. Awesome!!

HOW FUN.

You pick your style. Your price range. Maybe you only want tops. Or dresses. Or earrings. They'll accommodate.

Follow Me To Stitch Fix!

I filled out my profile on Friday, and 5 days later a box came filled with items chosen especially for me by "Sarah" - my personal stylist. Some were great, some were eh. I give her feedback and she tweaks her choices for me for the next shipment.

Here are some pics that I took of the items that I received today. I mixed them with some items that I already own, but each item also comes with a style card that gives you suggestions for how to style it yourself. I'm in love.

The first item in the box was this printed dress, with belt included. It was a little shorter than I'd normally wear, but with tights and boots it is just adorable. It will be perfect for teaching in the fall. I might pair it with a thicker belt.

This second dress I just hate. It feels very 80's to me. The neckline is pretty boring, and I'm not a fan of the pseudo-sarong type waist. Its also too short and too big. Oh well, you can't win them all!

Notice the necklace in this last photo? It was in the box also, b/c I asked for a "bold statement necklace" as I've been wanting to give one a try. Its totally out of my comfort zone, but I'm strangely drawn to it. I feel like Cleopatra reincarnate.

This black tunic shirt is a great basic, and machine washable. I've styled it here w/the aforementioned necklace and some dress pants, and then with a pencil skirt and belt.

Finally, I was sent this blue and black tunic. I really love it, however, it is way out of my price range so its going back! :(  

 

You have to visit this site! If you don't have time to shop because you're a busy mom, or you just want a little surprise in the mail once a month, its a really fun thing that can cost you next to nothing. Please use my link, above, because I will get a $25 referral bonus if you sign up!

Poor Kitty Bankrupt Kitty Little Ball of Fur

If you’re anything like me, you sometimes allow yourself to walk down memory lane and wistfully look back at those bygone days when blowing your entire paycheck on a new purse, a pair of jeans and a Mexican pizza combo seemed like a great idea. At age 24, spending $480 on a Louis Vuitton bag was completely acceptable. I’m pretty sure that I even convinced early 20’s Heather that this was an investment – it’s a bag you’ll be wearing 30 years from now! Worth every penny!

Well, its 11 years later and I sold the bag on eBay (at a loss!) to pay for something much more necessary – mortgage? Vet bills for my million dollar Mimacat? A sectional sofa? I’m not sure. But when you’re a real full grown adult you think twice about dropping a car-payment sized chunk of change on something like shoes. So, again, if you’re like me you probably have to do some penny pinching, liquidating and some scaling back of your expenses.

I recently tried to impose an all-out shopping ban on myself.

I lasted 48 hours.

So, I’ve made it my new quest in life to bargain shop and find the cheapest possible version of things that I love, covet, and just have to have. I’m going to report some of my findings to you, below. While I no longer allow myself to blow hundreds of dollars on a shopping spree the way pre-mortgage, pre-marriage, pre-cat Heather might have, there’s no good reason why I can’t take, say, $15 a week and have a little fun. That’s right – ALL of my “bargain” items below were under $15 each. They make me feel like I can still treat myself but not risk foreclosure and bankruptcy in the process.  

Journey with me, fellow paupers. 

When it comes to makeup and beauty I will admit to you that I am a total moron. Clothes are my thing, but knowing what to do with my face (and my hair, but that’s another story) has always eluded me.  I’ve always defaulted to Clinique products because of my allergies, and because who doesn’t love BONUS TIME?? (caps necessary) Anyone who doesn’t appreciate a free makeup bag full of treats is a communist, in my opinion.  Well, I’m on the precipice of running out of my moisturizer ($26!!) powder foundation ($25!!) and mascara ($16!) That’s $67 worth of items that you probably won’t even notice that I have sitting on my face!

I made an executive decision and I decided to research drug store brands, and I made the switch. Now, I have horrible allergies, so I was limited to which brands I was able to try. After some internet research, I’ve settled on Neutrogena. Allow me to compare and contrast my new, cheaper items with my prior, more expensive choices. 

Moisturizer. I know that many of you use Dramatically Different Lotion. I think 87% of the free world does. I do enjoy it in the winter, but to be honest, its been making me break out lately when coupled with the horrible heat & humidity. Because of this, in combination with its price tag, I made the switch to an Oil Free formula from the good old drug store.. I chose the Oil Free bottle, below, from Neutrogena. $9.99! So far, I’m happy to report that my skin is supple and my breakouts have gone away. Its not as thick as CDDM, but it has a cooling feeling and barely any scent, which I appreciate.

 

 

Foundation. I use a powder foundation because I feel like liquid just settles into all of the cracks on your face and looks awful after two hours. There is barely a difference between the Perfectly Real Powder foundation from Clinique and the Mineral Sheers powder foundation from Neutrogena. They both offer light to medium coverage. They both went on evenly. And Neutrogena was only $14.99, plus I had a $2 off coupon (go to their website and print it out!)

 

Mascara. Truth be told, I usually I just use whichever free one comes in the Clinique BONUS TIME bag. This last bonus, I received Clinique High Lengths Mascara. I have to be honest: it sucks. SUCKS. It has a dumb long brush that would be better suited for scratching my inner ear (also, another story). My lashes didn’t really even seem longer. But, it was free, so I went with it. Now its almost dried up, so I was forced to make a purchase. I went with Neutrogena Healthy Lengths mascara. I’ve always been vehemently opposed to drug store brand mascara. I feel like every formula I’ve tried is thick and clumpy. Maybe I’m on some weird Neutrogena high, but this mascara is just excellent. Not thick, not clumpy. My lashes felt long and feathery. A curler prior to application is a must, but it was really worth the $10.49.

So, my Neutrogena purchases, with the use of my coupon, cost me about $34 total, as compared to the $67 that I would have spent on comparable products from Clinique. That’s nearly a savings of 50%!! Sounds like I can afford that Mexican pizza after all.  

But I’m not truly happy unless I can shop for items to stock my pride-and-joy-walk-in-closet. Even with a $15 week budget, you CAN allow yourself some new, stylish items. 

Do you own Tory Burch flip flops? Well, color me jealous. I just can’t spend $50 on a pair of rubber shoes that might someday come into contact with dog poop. That being said, if my lovely friend who happens to work at TB wanted to leave a pair on my doorstep (size 7) I wouldn’t complain. Anyhow, I can’t bring myself to purchase a pair like these:

So, as a consolation prize I bought these adorable Havaianas at Marshalls for 12.99. I think they look pretty darned similar if I do say so myself.

 

I know. You are asking, “Heather, I want some new clothes that I can wear now, but also Autumn-up when October comes around.” Well, me too, my friend… me too. You simply MUST lean on Marshalls in your time of poverty. Two items that I really want for the fall are new skinny jeans in an almost-black wash, and a paisley-type printed shell. I am certainly coveting the items below, from LOFT, but these days I can’t shop in my beloved store unless I have a gift card or an 80% off coupon, which I’ve yet to see on this Earth.

 

 Fear not, I found and purchased these two very comparable items, from Marshalls – for $14.99 each. Jeans for less than $15?? Amen, sista. They exist! (shell by Olive & Oak; Jeans by dJeans)

 

 

 

The moral of the story? You can have nice things on a budget. And you thought you’d have to start shopping at Rainbow Shops!  

PS – I’m totally bringing back the 80’s style charm holder necklace. I want you all on board w/this one.

 

 

We're BACK

To quote a wise man commenting on the reunion of Van Halen, We're BACK!! And we're better than ever. We're BACK! Thanks, Jim Norton.

Well, its been a year and a half since I've taken the time to write a blog entry. To be honest, I didn't even remember my password. But, alas, I have persevered through the password retrieval process and I sit here before you a woman ready to discuss fashion circa March 2013.

Its that time of year, again. The last, seemingly unceasing, days of winter, when we stand on the precipice of spring. Oh yes. For us north easterners this has seemed a long, cold winter - replete with chilling wind and an abundance of snow. I say that makes the advent of spring that much more exciting. Or, perhaps, as I can tell from my overly poetic language, it has just made us stir crazy and in need of oxygen. Either one. Regardless, as the days get longer and the sun shines more, I tend to want to break out my spring clothes and pack away my sweaters, despite the possible persistence of 50 degree weather.

Now, I was that girl who showed up in a full-on winter ensemble for the first day of school in September every year. I would suffer in a sweater, jeans, and boots in spite of the lingering summer heat. Likewise, I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been known to sport a pair of sandals in March. In order to avoid pit stains in September and frostbitten feet in March, allow me to suggest to you some ways to incorporate a little bit of spring into your life now. I think it will allow you to feel like you're pulling yourself out of that deep, cold well known as winter, while at the same time, you'll be clothed enough so that you won't expose yourself to cold weather, thereby weakening your immune system, eventually resulting in developing a spring cold because your body is just not able to fight off an antigen all because YOU wanted to wear peep toe cork wedges and a halter top during a blizzard.

Transition pieces. You should get some. Incorporate these 4 - count 'em one, two, three four - transitional items into your wardrobe. Winter won't seem quite as long. I'll share with you my favorite transitional items from my collection (yes, I think of my closet as my COLLECTION) and then I'll include a few suggestions with shopping information.

Ahh, the peep toe bootie. Mine, naturally, are from Loft, and are, for your convenience, still available. Now, I didn't quite understand the idea of an opened toe boot for some time. Why wear a boot if your feeties are going to catch a chill? Well, after many hours of thought, I've come to realize that these, my friends, are the ultimate in seasonal transition footwear. Clearly not meant for the height of summer or depths of winter, peep toe booties protect your feet (well, 89% of your feet) from the cold, but still allow you to show off that Winter's Almost Over pedicure.

 

The color yellow. I dare you to suggest a color that connotes the very idea of sunshine more than yellow. You cannot, as sunshine itself IS yellow. Why not throw a yellow shell, like the one pictured here (from Marshalls), under a sweater for work? In a few months, you'll be able to wear a piece like this on its own. Its like injecting a little sunshine into your life. I wish I could have thought of a statement less lame than that, but the idea of sunshine and yellow just makes me silly I guess.

Pretty colored cardigan sweaters. Get some! Gosh, my uniform in life is pretty much pants/jeans, shell + pretty sweater. Orange? Yellow? Turquoise? Peach? Spring, in knit form. Plus, Mima loves them. (PS - 2 of those sweaters I bought at yard sales for .25 each!)

Bright scarves are a great way to cheer me up, so if you ever come upon me sad and crying, go out and buy me a pretty scarf. I'll be so happy. Scarves in spring/summer colors are the chimera of the fashion world. On the one hand, their bright colors suggest Spring! Summer! Flowers! Foliage! Tropical things! On the other hand, they keep your neck warm. A paradox, indeed.

 

This cardigan, from Loft, has Spring written all over it... and yet it is long sleeved, so you won't freeze your hiney off. Or, at least you won't freeze your arms off.

If you don't have tons of money to invest in Spring items, consider this sweater from Old Navy. It comes in about 890 colors and is currently only $19.

 

Although I am rarely able to afford them, Anthropologie has the best scarves ever. This one would look just superb with the cardigan, above, don't you think?

 

This scarf, from Loft, is called the "delightful dots" scarf, and it is, indeed, delightful.

 

 

First of all, these boots are from Timberland. Did you know they made non-hiker type items? I did not. These boots would make me feel like a sexy Jane Eyre. What the deuce, Janet??

 

These booties, from Nine West, are strangely alluring to me. Its like when I wear them I'll feel like some sort of weird hip hop beachy gangster basketball player in the summer time.

 

 

 

This is a great yellow layering piece from Tinley Road. Wear it under a sweater now, wear it alone in the summer. I found this on the Piperlime website. Plus, I really enjoy the necklace pictured.

Don't neglect your feet! They need some spring too. These yellow flats from Vince Camuto will make you glad you've put off getting that pedicure, thus forcing you to hide your badly chipped toenails.

 

Well, I hope I've inspired you to go out and purchase/find some pinnacle transitional pieces to coerce your dull winter wardrobe into the sunlight.

 

Next up: making sweaters, hats and afghans out of cat hair.