A big thank you to everyone who has signed up using my referral link! I so appreciate the credits. If you are interested in learning more, I wrote about my first experience on the blog, and you can do a search on my Stitch Fix posts.

So, a month or so ago, I was sent an offer to try Stitch Fix again, without the styling fee. Since there was no risk to me if I hated everything, and we had the trip to Paris coming up, I took them up on it. After two or three disappointments, I was wary, and still frustrated that the blame was placed entirely on my previous stylist, when it was apparent that a big part of it was what fabrics and styles were available to her. The new stylist did fine, though she didn't spell my name right. On to the contents of the box!

Item #1 Plenty by Tracy Reese Wynona Dress - $128



I love the jewel tones and bright blues of this dress. It fit well, and is flattering. Rich loved it on me. When I saw it in the box, I was a little concerned it would look a bit too 1970s retro, but I don't think it does. It is in the running for one of our evening events while in Paris. Rich likes that the zipper is metal (he hates plastic zippers), but I'm not sure what I think about it being exposed.
If I wear my hair down, it won't show that much, though, either way. Definitely keeping this.

Items #2 Lila Ryan Melina Straight Leg Pant - $88
& #3 Market & Spruce Evella Boatneck Top - $64



My stylist did say that although these pants were not the exact color I was looking for, she thought they would work, and I think they did. I was skeptical at first, though both Rich and I were pleasantly surprised at how nicely they fit and looked. These will be great for walking around Paris. Keeping.

The top. Hmmm. Rich hated it. He wanted me to send it back with a note asking if it was a joke. I don't hate it. It is almost entirely polyester, though there is a little cotton. I wish the neck had either a trim or collar in the same fabric as the cuffs and hem. It did have sleeves, though, and I liked how the stripes looked on me. I am keeping it, but with a note about the things I didn't like. The 25% off discount on the box makes this (and the other item I wasn't in love with) only $9 more than getting just the three items I fancied the most in the box.

Items #4 Skies are Blue Brendie Lace Hem Knit Top - $54



I liked this a lot. It is a linen and rayon blend, is lined, was cut well, and I even thought the pink was nice. It looks good with the pants, and I can wear it with other clothes I have at home. It's a little pricey for the item, but considering that it is primarily linen, and I didn't have to shop for it, I'm willing to live with that. It was a little frustrating that it was sleeveless, since I asked for various styles of sleeves, as most of my summer tops and dresses do npt have sleeves. That may have been a product of the selection that Kristina, my stylist, had available to her, though. Keeping.


Items #5 Alice Blue Milliman Ruffle Detail Top - $38



This top is pretty, and neutral enough to go with just about everything, but with enough color in it to keep a neutral outfit from being monotone. I would have loved this with flutter sleeves. Instead, my bra shows. Rich had me try it without a bra, but between the fact that I am a busty woman who needs one, and the fabric is a little thin (another beef I have with the fashion industry is how thin the fabrics are for women) and unlined, it was not okay. I only could have worn it in our room. However, I tried it on with a jacket I already own and a silk knit skirt that I got on ThredUp, it looked cute, I think. It is annoying that I have to either get a strapless bra for this top (and finding one that is steel belted and industrial strength and still comfortable is pretty challenging), wear a corset, or always have a jacket or shrug to wear the top. Since, as I said above, getting this and the boatneck top with the box discount is only $9 more than getting the other three items on their own, I am keeping it, but I'm leaving a comment about the disregard of my measurements, size, and busty-ness.

Overall, I think Kristina did a good job, and with three items that I unequivocally wanted to keep, I think it is a success. I'm still frustrated at the dearth of natural fibers available in ready to wear fashion. That is not even considering how many of these were made in China. There were two sleeveless items when I specifically asked for cap to three quarter length sleeves, one of the items was mostly polyester, and there was a top that is clearly not designed for busty women. I do not know if the sleeveless items were because of what was available, or if my note was just ignored. Either way, I wish there were more items with sleeves in various styles, as well. The biggest frustration was the last top because it just is not reasonable for a busty woman to wear that on its own. If I can find a good strapless bra, it will help me with other dresses, and I can wear it without a jacket, which would be nice with a casual skirt or pants and flats, but I am not thrilled with having to look for and buy one just to do that. I was really pleased that Kristina understood my retro, feminine, casual style. There was nary a clunky, modern item, nothing boxy or masculine, no ultra stylized or industrial looking pieces. Since there was more than one item I really liked in this box, it is more than a success, and I will be packing all of these things with me on the Paris trip. It is nice to avoid the mall and stores, and fun to have the box sent directly to me to try on at home nearly risk free. Rich loves the fashion show, which is always nice, too. If you would like to try Stitch Fix, using that link will get a credit which helps me use their service more often.

Labels: Fashionista, Reviews, Stitch Fix

A big thank you to everyone who has signed up using my referral link! I so appreciate the credits. If you are interested in learning more, I wrote about my first experience on the blog, and you can do a search on my Stitch Fix posts.

On to Stitch Fix #8




This box arrived about two weeks ago. So, this is the first time I didn't even bother getting pictures of me in any of the clothes. I did try them on, but none of them suited me. Several of them flat out ignored specific requests or instructions I've given previously or in my style profile. Rich actually asked if I was given a different stylist this time, because it was so off the mark. I had high hopes for the dresses, and the dolman top in the slate blue, but there was something wrong with the fit or the fabric or the cut on every single piece.

• The pants fit, but were too long, and too skin tight. I like fitted clothes, but these were more like spray painted on me. Although I like burgundy, these were a little too much on the dark side, too, and more brown than red. They were just okay.
• I hate mustard yellow, which I have mentioned before and have (after my first fix) included in my profile, and there it was again, right up against my face, too. I didn't like the pairing of the floral print with the black and white stripes on the sleeves, either, and the fabric on the sleeves was thicker in an unpleasant way. The three parts together didn't go well, in my opinion, and I thought the floral print was a bit washed out, too.
• The purple dress was a lovely color and print, and I thought the cut might be nice for me. I couldn't even get the bodice over my chest. I have mentioned, numerous times, that items that button/zip/snap/fasten over the bust need to be larger than my regular size to account for the lack of stretch and keep them from pulling.
• The teal and blue dress was actually a color combination I really like, and generally I think that wrap or faux wrap style of dress is flattering for me. However, it was such a deep/wide wrap that I had to be constantly readjusting the top so I didn't expose myself. That is not practical for my life and, again, for a busty woman, something that low cut exposes even more than a woman with a smaller bust. I couldn't wear it to one of our dances, because I have to be able to move. I certainly couldn't wear it to church or a work event with Rich. I'd look like a hired date. And the dress itself wasn't all that immodest, but that bodice would have made everyone forget about the rest of the dress. It would make for a memorable work function.
• I did like the dolman top, but it was made of mostly polyester. I have stressed on every fix that I prefer all natural fibers, or if that can't be managed a blend that is primarily made of a natural fiber. I didn't want to pay retail, and department store retail, at that, price for this item that I could have picked up at the local Ross or Marshall's for about $15. I also thought it would have been better, had it nipped in more at the waist than it did.

I am so disappointed. This is a splurge that we only occasionally get for me. I have raised the price points to the highest point on everything to try to ensure that my stylist can more easily honor my requests. That meant that I wouldn't be able to get them as often, and that buying an entire box was going to be a rare experience. That was fine with me. A successful box for me did not have to be full of five perfect items. One item that delighted me and could replace something I didn't wear often or didn't flatter me was my goal. Anything more than that was a bonus. And I didn't mind paying retail if it saved me the time, gas money, and hassle of traveling to shop somewhere. This was supposed to be a treat for me before our 22nd anniversary of our first date. Instead, it made me sad. This is the first time I've sent every single item back. I was out the styling fee, but it was worth it to me, and since I have had referrals before cover quite a bit, I figured it wasn't too bad.

So, not a win this time. I don't know if I am going to try again. I had one disappointment, then the better box that came after it, but this was a bomb, through and through. It seems like the first few boxes were better, both in terms of quality and style, than the later ones have been. I was also rather frustrated that the Stitch Fix response algorithm placed all the blame on my stylist. The automated response was to change my stylist for the next time, but although she certainly shares some of the blame, some of it is what was available to her, and I think the in house brands are just not as good as the other brands they were getting before.

If you are interested in trying it for yourself, my disappointment notwithstanding, go ahead and use my referral link. I may wish to give them another chance in the future.

Labels: Fashionista, Reviews, Stitch Fix

A big thank you to everyone who has signed up using my referral link! I so appreciate the credits, as they allow me to get these more frequently than I thought I would initially. If you are interested in learning more, I wrote about my first experience on the blog, and you can do a search on my Stitch Fix posts.

This box was so much better, which made me happy. I still only kept two things, but I loved a lot about the things in the box, instead of being disappointed. Rich was stressed out from projects at home and frustrated with things that weren't going the way he wanted with them, and I wasn't feeling really well when we did the pictures, so we were kind of off our photographer/model game. I feel like I wasn't that photogenic in these, but you get the idea of the clothes.

Items #1 Brixon Ivy Rolfe Knit Back Top - $54
& #2 Kut from the Kloth Siena Cropped Pant - $58

The shirt was fine, I liked it enough, but I didn't love it, and I wished it had cap or flutter sleeves. Besides, I didn't want to spend that much on a sleeveless top. Nope.

The pants were so much better than last time, and they had about a billion fasteners on them, so I know she listened. However, they were low rise, which means that the "waist" measurement was perfect for my waist, but not my hips, which is where the pants sat on me. The reason I'm wearing this top with those pants is because of how unattractive my waist looked in the pants. Technically, they fit, in that I could get them on and still breathe, but not nicely. I had to sent them back, which made me sad. I loved the color and they were perfect for spring and early summer here.


Items #3 Maggie London Ema Crepe V-Neck Dress - $118

I loved the color on this, and the neckline, which you can't really see in this picture, it was folded as well as a v-neck. It was interesting to me that the main color appeared more teal/turquoise than the peach/pink it appeared in the box. I really liked how it looked like a floral watercolor. However, it was entirely polyester/nylon, the zipper was plastic, had something weird with it where it attached to one part of the fabric and, for over $100, that wasn't okay, so it went back.


Item #4 Pixley June Polka Dot Skirt - $58

Polka dots almost always win here. Rich loves me in polka dots. Also, this pencil skirt has a nice kick vent in the back, and is pretty slimming. It's cotton and lovely, and obviously was kept.


Item #5 London Times Braedyn Lace Dress - $98

The color and fit on this are so gorgeous, and the lace over the dress was wonderful, almost vintage looking. I really loved this dress, and Rich said he was so glad I was keeping it. His work is having an anniversary hangar dance this summer, and he asked if I would wear it to that.

This box was a success. Not everything was a winner, but everything had some aspect about it that I either loved or liked enough. If the pants had fit, and the floral dress had been even a blend with natural fibers, I would have kept the entire box, even though I wasn't absolutely in love with the sleeveless top. In the future, I will be looking for necklines like that dress and the big, watercolor floral pattern, as well as that turquoise color. Again, it's the details that really sell me on an item, and the way the pattern lined up on the skirt, and the kick vent, so I wasn't hobbled, as well as the lace overlay and fit of the dress were really great.

I won't be getting a new fix for quite some time, perhaps for Christmas, but not because of anything to do with dissatisfaction with this box (or even the previous one), but rather because we are saving money for a possible trip to Paris next year, and I'm cutting everything non-essential for myself and the family. However, if you are interested in trying Stitch Fix for yourself, I encourage you to give it a shot. It's been a fun treat for me, and a way to help me refine and define my personal style. I'd encourage you also to do as I do, and get rid of something you don't love or that doesn't fit for every item you keep. And if you try it, I get a credit, which means that more money goes toward my trip to Paris (I haven't been out of the country since I was 14) and the fun things I can experience and bring back from there. I promise I'll post pictures.

Labels: Fashionista, Reviews, Stitch Fix

A big thank you to everyone who has signed up using my referral link! I so appreciate the credits, as they allow me to get these more frequently than I thought I would initially. If you are interested in learning more, I wrote about my first experience on the blog, and you can do a search on my Stitch Fix posts.


This was the first box I've received that actually kind of disappointed me. I only kept one item, and it wasn't because the others were things I liked/loved, but were not quite right in some way. I just didn't really like most of the other items. This fix actually came in February and I'm only now getting around to posting it. Part of that was our busy life and how sick we all got and Holy Week and travel and so on, but mostly it's because I couldn't get that excited about it. I'm giving them another shot this month, so I'm really hoping to see something much better. There were two items I might have kept had they been better designed/constructed in this box, but they weren't and I don't want to pay retail for something that isn't just right. One thing I was particularly disappointed in was the quality of their in-house lines. I understand that having in-house designs cuts their costs and can, potentially, cut the customer's cost while still keeping their profit high. I don't have a problem with that. It was the fact that patterns weren't lined up, seams weren't sewn properly, there were visible flaws. That should go to a TJ Maxx or Ross type store, where you get a steep discount, rather than coming as a curated style box at retail prices.

Item #1 Fate Rowen Faux Leather Quilted Vest - $78

I hate faux leather. And I didn't like the whole SnM vibe this gave off. Not my style at all. I did ask for a quilted vest, but I asked for bright colors. (I was thinking more royal blue, emerald green, ruby red, something like that). The slash pockets were good and the zippers were metal instead of plastic, which I do love, and if it were real leather (which would have cost more, but I removed all price limits some time back) and without that belt at the neck business, it might have tempted me away from the brighter color desire. But, no.


Items #2 Margaret M Emer Printed Straight Leg Pant - $98

& #3 Amour Vert Norma Split Neck Silk Blouse - $118

I asked for coral or melon colored pants. I even liked this color and, sort of, liked the print. But there was no closure whatsoever on them. Which meant that elastic and plenty of fabric was needed to get them over any woman's hips, let alone a woman who has been pregnant nine times and had six c-sections. It sagged around and emphasized the c-section belly in a way that nobody wants to see. These needed a side zipper and hook so it could lie flat and tight against the belly, or even a front fly with zipper and button, or something. They were also a bit too long, and I have specified the length I need pants to be in my style profile. I don't need elastic band pants at this price, either. Had these been made with a little more style in mind, I would have kept them, and worn them with heels.

The blouse had that gorgeous royal blue going for it, and it was silk. However, I wasn't entirely sold on the print, and the neck band seam was sewn wrong. We took the picture in a way that you can't see it, really. I wish we'd taken a shot of it that just showed the weird, sticking out, sewn badly neck band. Again, this was one of their in-house brands, and it was sorely disappointing to have flaws in brand new, retail examples. Pass.


Item #4 Loveappella Jina Back Slit Knit Top - $54

This is the only thing I kept. Honestly, though I really like the teal color, it was more because I didn't want to lose my styling fee and it was fine enough. I liked it. I didn't love it. There is a slit in the back, which is cute, but I have to fiddle with it a bit if my hair is not down to make sure that my bra doesn't show. So, that's a little too wide of a slit for so buxom a woman. I can't exactly wear it without one, and they don't make industrial strength strapless numbers for women of my bra size. And I don't want to wear a strapless bra to wear a shirt. So, I wear this with jeans and skirts and keep my hair down. Which means you don't really see that slit, anyway. But, it is cute enough, and I can wear it while running around with kids, so it works. Because I had some credits (thank you again!), it only cost me $4.


Item #5 Market & Spruce Corinna Striped Dolman Top - $48

I actually really liked this top. It was a dark slate/navy blue with white stripes, I thought the dolman sleeve was flattering (more than I thought it would be), and it was fitted at the waist, which showed that I actually have a nice shape. But the stripes didn't line up on the tops of the sleeves. Obviously. I even liked the diagonal/chevron thing that was going with the stripes on top of the sleeves, but having them not meet drove me crazy. This, too, was from their in-house brands. So, I sent it back.

Details are important to me. I've mentioned before how details have sold me on a piece sent, but this time it was the details that turned me off. I definitely would have bought the pants and this top, had they been designed better and made properly, which means I would have spent another $146 on this box, which means they lost those sales. I hope the higher up types listen to the comments I made to my stylist about the in-house brands. Rich was actually surprised that I kept anything. He figured that, especially with the credits covering the styling fee, I'd just send it all back. I did need more tops, though, and I like that length sleeve for fall through early summer, as well as the color. Even though this one wasn't successful, I am going to give them another shot. If I have another one that is this far off for me, I may either wait much longer, or decide to stop for a while. This is a splurge for me, and a successful box, in my opinion, doesn't have to be filled with 100% winners. But there should be at least one thing I love, and other things that might work, and that I like. I didn't have that enough in this one. My next fix is scheduled to arrive in two weeks, so we shall see.

In some ways, the more I do this, the more I get to know what I like and don't like and my own personal sense of style, so I am more willing to say no if an item doesn't fit that. I've learned more about styles that work for me, thanks to my stylist sending things I wouldn't have picked myself, and I've learned how much the details really matter to me. That has been valuable, even without considering the items I've kept that I love. I'm hoping my comments and other people's comments to them will help improve the choices, and definitely improve their own brands.

If you are interested in trying Stitch Fix for yourself, I encourage you to give it a shot. It's been a fun treat for me, and a way to help me refine and define my personal style. I'd encourage you also to do as I do, and get rid of something you don't love or that doesn't fit for every item you keep.

Labels: Fashionista, Reviews, Stitch Fix

A big thank you to everyone who has signed up using my referral link! I so appreciate the credits, as they allow me to get these more frequently than I thought I would initially. If you are interested in learning more, I wrote about my first experience on the blog, and you can do a search on my Stitch Fix posts.

This month I took another shot at getting a fix after the last one which was so close, but not really what I wanted. I removed any price limits on my profile in an attempt to have a better chance at getting more natural fibers. Some of the things in the shipment didn't quite fit what I was looking for, and as part of my effort to be more conscious of my own sense of style, and not just get something that is good enough, there were some things that I actually liked quite a bit, but didn't keep. I'm trying to only buy things that are absolutely perfect for me, and just wait if I can't get that. Liz did my styling again, and I really do think she is doing an excellent job. Her note indicated that she definitely was reading what I was writing and requesting, and while some of the items she sent didn't fit my wishes, she explained her choices and reasoning, and I think they were good choices, just not necessarily in line with the perfect for me bit.

So, here are my items with my comments on what I passed on and kept.

Item #1 Crescent Leadora A Line Dress - $58

First, the wonderful: The color. Obviously. The cut and fit, the cap sleeves, the interesting hemline, the little peek of the chiffon underlining.

Really, I think that Liz gets what I'm looking for there. This was very early 1960s, which is the upper limit of the kind of vintage look I love. However, it was, as she pointed out, 100% polyester, and I just don't want to go there. If it had even been a blend, I would have kept it. Rich's comment was not to wear it on an airplane. Sent back. Sadly.


Item #2 Skies Are Blue Mino Scallop Detail Cardigan - $58

It is almost a cruel joke to have anyone try to pick a sweater for me. I'm so, so, so picky about them, being a knitter. And, again, there was a fiber content issue. This was 100% acrylic, which I just don't care for, especially at retail price. The color was gorgeous, though, and I loved the scalloped detail on the bands. I'm not entirely sold on dolman sleeves. I like them when I see them, but I think you have to be either really skinny, or rather small in the bust to look nice in them. Since I am neither of those, and haven't been since I was nine, this didn't really work for me. Besides that, it was still bulkier than I like my clothes to be. If it had been more fitted, or even loose and drapey, but body skimming, with that scallop detail, and had been made of natural fibers or a blend, I would have kept it. Pass.


Item #3 Mavi Kalie Denim Jacket - $98

Again, this was kind of unfair. Liz listened really well to my wishes about color and not having distressing on my denim. This was an excellent color choice, I liked the cut and style, and thought it went well with a lot of the clothes I already own. Also, this is the same brand as Rich's favorite jeans and we could wear them together and be too cute. Two things got in the way of my buying it: One being that in the time between my last fix and now, I found another one that I liked quite a bit and bought it, and the other, that the sleeves on this were still remarkably tight. I don't know if I just have abnormally large arms, but it was uncomfortable, so I couldn't imagine how it would be after washing. If I had been getting the rest of the box, I would have gotten this and given it to a friend and we could have been denim jacket twins, but since there were two other items I wasn't keeping, this was a pass.


Item #4 Market & Spruce Nic Striped Dress - $64

I think I pinned this exact dress from someone else's fix, actually. It was awesome and made me look curvy and sexy and not fat, but also wasn't plunging at the neck, skin tight, or too short. Navy and white stripes are great for me, the fabric was rayon and spandex, which is nice and feels great, it is comfortable and can be dressed up or down pretty easily, and it goes with a lot of what I already have in my closet. Rich loved me in it. I think it will look great with the green jacket I received in my third fix. Definitely kept this!


Item #5 Amour Vert for Stitch Fix Alessandro V-Neck Blouse - $118

So, I kind of love this blouse. It is sheer silk, but not so sheer that I have to wear something else under it, my bra doesn't show with just the blouse on, the polka dots are hearts (!), which is adorable, I like the placket with the buttons and the v-neck, it can be worn untucked, but doesn't look slouchy that way, and the kind of peasant-y detail on the sleeve with the elastic and the wrist is a nice touch, the collar was cut really well, and the buttons didn't pull across the front, which is often a problem for busty women. The jeans were a pair I already own, but they were the exact same shade as the hearts on the blouse, and I feel like I could wear this to a semi-casual event, or running errands this fall and look put together without too much effort. I can also wear it with skirts, or with a white camisole underneath. Keep, keep, keep!

As an aside, I think this is the first time I've shared a photo of me in pants. Also, I love that jeans and high heels are back in style. It's wonderful for shorter women like me.

I often tell my family that the funniest things done or said around here are things I can't share online. Rich's comments are the best, but mostly not really repeatable, by the way, so sorry you are missing out on his commentary. I'm trying to find a way to clean up something he said. He said that he loves my Stitch Fix shipments, because he gets to watch me change my clothes so many times. And that they should use that as a marketing ploy: Improve your marriage with Stitch Fix!

So, this definitely was a successful box, I think. I didn't keep it all, but each item was something I could have worn. As I've said before, I am a detail person. The details that make an otherwise standard piece stand out are what draw me the most. Each of these items had at least one detail like that, the chiffon underskirt and the tulip hem on the cobalt dress, the scalloped edging on the cardigan, the fitted cut on an otherwise boxy jacket on the denim, the diagonal, criss cross stripes on the dress, and the placket v-neck and heart polka dots on the blouse.

My stylist and I seemed more in sync this time. I had asked for a couple things that weren't in the box, but Liz explained why, the vest I was interested wasn't available to them in the colors that I wanted, and the kind of top I asked about was only available in polyester, so I wasn't too disappointed that they weren't in the shipment. I will just have to keep my eyes open for them in stores and online. Really online, because I never go shopping any more.

If you are interested in trying Stitch Fix for yourself, I encourage you to give it a shot. It's been a fun treat for me, and a way to help me refine and define my personal style. I'd encourage you also to do as I do, and get rid of something you don't love or that doesn't fit for every item you keep.

Labels: Fashionista, Reviews, Stitch Fix

That is Amira's cropped hoodie with a finished headband I made from a practice tube during the circular sock knitting machine retreat (I have another to be finished off, and it will take all of five minutes, but I have so much else to do in the interim that it's waiting in my knitting bag) and some yarn for swatching up there. The jacket looks like it's almost finished, doesn't it? Except the number of stitches for the hood is too small, and so I have to rip back both fronts to change the neck decreases and try to make the numbers work. I'm changing the gauge as well as size, so it's taking a little experimentation. In my opinion, this is the difference between good knitters and beginners: Good knitters are not afraid to rip their projects back and make it the way they actually want it. So, anyway, I actually finished the swatch for a proposal, but really didn't like the colors together, though it seemed like they should be lovely, and frogged it. The only reason I kept knitting was so I could see how the stitch patterns worked in concert and get a photograph of that for my own use. I didn't want to redo the swatch in the same way if I didn't like the stitches as well as the color combination. This is the new set of colors, which is remarkably similar, but different enough that I think it will appear more harmonious.


Pure Merino Worsted in Weathered Frame and Masala.
Not only did I get the lovely September yarn club shipment from Paradise last week, but this week I received two sweater quantities of yarn from the Magnolia Society. I did end up signing up for the new yarn club for the fall, and I will be cancelling the Paradise club membership. Besides that, I got my ipsy Glam Bag since my last post, and my next Stitch Fix box should be here tomorrow or the day after that. It's been a great week for mail and UPS deliveries here. And that's just for me! Alexander received his fancy pants, engraved, brand new iPod for use at school (And home. Also, can you believe that my baby boy is taking college classes? Just the first day of being in class, and he became a responsible adult: He called me while I was at ballet with Amira and asked if he should start dinner for everyone so it would be ready when we got back!).


©Geneve Hoffman Photography.
Also, in case you missed it, Saint Catherine of Alexandria was published a couple weeks ago and is available in the book and on Ravelry. And here's the weekly reminder to like Arabian Knits Designs on Facebook, if you haven't already. That's where I put updates and testing opportunities and other design news. Your liking it gets me more visibility with folks who may not know about my patterns. Thank you!

I finally started reading Everywhere Present: Christianity in a One-Storey Universe. I bought it a year or so ago, and it isn't long or hard to read, it's just been sitting amid my other stacks of books until fairly recently. It is a great read, and I wish I'd started it earlier. The text is accessible even to kids, and I've been reading it aloud to them as we discuss what is being said. This is definitely written from an Orthodox/Sacramental perspective, but there is a lot in it that all of Christianity really needs to think about and wrestle with, in my opinion.

We're still reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 25th Anniversary Edition to our kids and loving the humor and fun. Last night, I explained what a petit four was to them, how it was a small cake and the name implied that since it was so small, it was made in a tiny oven (four is the French word for oven). The description in the book was of a giant petit four.



Also posting to Keep Calm and Craft On, and Yarn Fanatic Party.

So, I didn't actually intend to permanently combine my yarn along posts with my menu plans. We still haven't quite recovered from our whirlwind trip and abrupt slam into full time daily life. Alexander began his college program this week, we have school work, ballet began before we left, we have our first week of co-op this week, and we have some dear friends who are moving this week and the last two weeks have been full of events and parties to send them off and give our kids a few more chances to see them before they won't see them for a long while. Pennsylvania is a long way away, and it is unlikely that there will be frequent visits. I've tried to emphasize how blessed we are to not only have phone and mail, but the internet and FaceTime and so on, to help us keep in contact. It's still been a pretty sad week here. Most of our kids said their goodbyes on Monday, after a final sleepover here with their friends, but Alexander is going with Rich to help pack their moving van on Saturday, and will have to say his goodbyes then. We also have a dance on Saturday, and I am doing the morning devotions for our co-op, so I have a little extra to prepare each week. It's all good things, but busy things, too. Not to mention proposal deadlines.

Our garden hasn't quite given up the ghost, so we're still getting squash and tomatoes and chard and such. It's slowing down, though, and our plan is to use our pig, Sir Francis Bacon, to help plow under the remaining plant material after we go through and harvest the last of it. He will turn over the ground, and the plan is to put grass clippings and straw and wood chips over the whole thing and put the garden to bed for the year after that.

Below, I include our daily Bible readings which we use to read through the entire Bible each year. We read through all of the Old Testament and New Testament, reading the Psalms and Proverbs twice. Remember that the Psalms are according to eastern numbering in our daily Bible reading, also I Kings is the original designation, it is I Samuel in western Bibles (II Kings is II Samuel in the west, III Kings is I Kings, and IV Kings is II Kings, I Ezra is also called I Esdras in other translations, II Ezra is often translated as Ezra or II Esdras).

• Sunday Job 41-42, Psalms 45, Proverbs 9:12–15, I Corinthians 2
  Breakfast: Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon on Toast, Bananas, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Tortilla Chips with Bean Dip and Salsa, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Grilled Yellow Squash, Potato Salad, Grilled Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and Steaks, Blackberry Sorbet Bars, Dark Chocolate Pudding
• Monday - Feast of Saint Matthew the Apostle Ecclesiastes 1-2, Psalms 46, Proverbs 9:16–20, I Corinthians 3
  Breakfast: Leftover Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Toast, Sliced Pears, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Leftovers Soup, Bread
• Tuesday Ecclesiastes 3:1-5:6, Psalms 47, Proverbs 9:21–25, I Corinthians 4
  Breakfast: Garlic Cheese Toast, Bananas, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Homemade Hamburger Helper with Green Beans and Elbow Macaroni, Sliced Cucumbers
• Wednesday Ecclesiastes 5:7-7:29, Psalms 48:1–10, Proverbs 10:1–6, I Corinthians 5
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese and Tomatoes, Sliced Cucumbers, Mint Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Potato, Zucchini and Chard Frittata, Tomato-Cucumber Salad, Italian Bread
• Thursday Ecclesiastes 8:1-10:10, Psalms 48:11–21, Proverbs 10:7–11, I Corinthians 6
  Breakfast: Pear Banana Bread with Cream Cheese, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Papas con Chorizo, Marinated Cucumber and Onions
• Friday Ecclesiastes 10:11-12:14, Psalms 49:1–15, Proverbs 10:12–16, I Corinthians 7:1–24
  Breakfast: Toaster Waffles, Milk & Coffee
  Dinner: Cream of Poblano Soup, Fried Tortilla Strips, Cucumber-Tomato Salad
• Saturday Song of Solomon 1-2, Psalms 49:16–23, Proverbs 10:17–22, I Corinthians 7:25–40
  Breakfast: Saint Phanourios Cake, Bacon, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pasta with Bolognese, Salad, Garlic Bread

What is on your menu this week? If you want a recipe, ask and I will provide it as soon as I can. If there are any starred recipes, I will follow up separately with a weekly recipe round up.

Labels: Books, Church Year, Design, Family, FOs, Homemaking, Homeschooling, Homesteading, Knitting, Menu Plans, Stitch Fix, Tales from the Kitchen, Yarn, Yarn Along

Again, thank you everyone who has signed up using my referral link. I so appreciate the credits, as they allow me to get these more frequently than I thought I would initially. If you are interested in learning more, I wrote about my first experience on the blog, and you can do a search on my Stitch Fix posts.

This was my birthday box and I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in it. Each item had something about it that was just right, but most had something or somethings that made them not quite right and one of the things I am trying to do and learn is only to buy and keep those things that I love, that fit well, that make me feel attractive and comfortable. Don't get me wrong, there are some beautiful items here; that was almost worse than having them be completely wrong, because I wanted to like them. Rich said he saw them laid out on the bed and thought that it was entirely a miss, but he agreed with my assessment after seeing it all on me.

Item #1 Market & Spruce Barrymore Solid Pleat Detail Top - $48

The orchid color on this was exquisite. It was lovely and flattering, and I will definitely be looking for it when I shop, both for clothing and yarn. However, it was a little too tight at my high bust, even though I have been losing weight steadily since January (and on my illness and antibiotic diet I have lost about 18 - 20 pounds in the past two and a half weeks). I really wanted more cap sleeved and flutter sleeve and short sleeved items, and I think I even mentioned that in my note. I own a lot of sleeveless tops, and need something different. Also, I think I wore outfits almost exactly like this when I was in high school. My senior picture has me in a top that is made of the same material and shaped in almost the same way. Sent back. Regretfully.


Item #2 Pixley Carissa Striped Fit & Flare Dress - $64

When I first looked in the box, this was honestly the dress I thought I'd like out of the two. I thought it was a slam dunk. I love big stripes, I love grey and navy, so I thought it would be an easy yes. However, the navy panels on the side really made the dress kind of odd. This was a cotton and spandex dress, really comfortable, but it should have stayed a little more casual - gathering rather than box pleats. And those navy panels were also textured like lace pressed on something, which I didn't like. Had the bodice been solid (either grey or navy) or had the stripes gone all the way across, I think it would have been better, but broken up like this, it made my bust and top half look gigantor. The back had a V, and I actually put it on backwards in our room to see if it would look better, which it did, but not enough to change my mind. Rich took a photo, but it showed the mess in our sick room and our jury rigged sun/heat block in our windows. The side zipper was really flimsy, in my opinion, Rich was worried he would break it zipping it up, and this wasn't a tight fit at all. It was quite comfortable with plenty of room to maneuver and fasten. This dress ended up confusing me more than anything. That V belonged in the front rather than the back, and it couldn't decide what kind of dress to be. I did not understand it at all. Rich said he was glad I didn't like it, because he thought it looked more like a rugby shirt to him. I like having casual dresses that I can wear every day, though, so I was hoping it would work. It didn't. Sent it back.


Item #3 41Hawthorn Kassidy Faux Wrap Dress - $68

This was the item I was sure I would not like on first glance. The print was a little more toward the 1964 side of fashion, which is the upper limit of the timeline I feel fits me (1936 - 1964, if you are interested). However, I adore it! It was the winner of the box. It was a heavier material without being hot, was lined, the navy and blue-red were lovely colors, I liked the arabesque, geometric print, it flattered my figure, it was comfortable, and my detail loving heart appreciated that the print lined up almost exactly where the front wrap crossed. Happily kept and I wore it most of the afternoon after doing pictures. I will be wearing it when we go dancing for my birthday. The only things that would make it A +, absolutely perfect would be if it had pockets and if the polyester were not part of the blend - rayon was the bulk of it and spandex was the other part, I would have liked just those two fibers better. I hung this up in my closet before I even decided on everything else.


Item #4 Just USA Anjuli Dark Wash Denim Jacket - $58

This was the right style, the right color and I wanted to love it. However, I couldn't button more than the bottom two buttons, and that took work for the second one, the upper arm was too tight, and it was distressed, and I've said that I don't like that. I don't want to pay extra for someone else to wear out my clothes. If this jacket had ended up this distressed after a couple years of ownership, that would have been perfect. Starting that way? Not so much. Also, since denim always shrinks a little, I knew it would end up looking comical on me. I really wish it had been better, because I loved it in so many ways. When I looked up the brand and style to see if it came a little larger, I found that it was a junior cut, and that just won't work with my nearly 40, mother of many, curvy even when I was young and thin, body. Sadly sent back.


Item #5 Street Level Huron Reversible Magnetic Closure Tote - $48

This is the one I feel kind of bad about, really. I pinned this. I'm sure Liz thought this would be a gimme. But, somehow I didn't realize that it was this gargantuan. Had it been a little smaller, it would have been perfect. I loved the gold, the inside was cream, as was the detachable zippered pouch inside it. If the denim jacket had fit, I would have kept this to use as a knitting bag and the sleeveless top anyway, and just gotten the whole box and given the striped dress away to someone who loved it. Had this been a bit smaller and the denim jacket fit properly without the distressing, I would have loved all three and worn them together a lot.


Even though I only kept one item, I still think this was a success. My biggest fear doing this has been receiving a box that I hate so much that everything has to be sent back and I lose my styling fee, and at least I avoided that - and with an item that I truly love. Like I said, it was harder with the items being almost right and me wanting to like them so much. But, I have committed to owning clothes and accessories that I love and know I will wear and feel comfortable and beautiful in, rather than having something that looks nice hanging in my closet instead of being worn. And since I do this to expand my sense of style and help me develop it more, rather than because this is a bargain, I also don't want to spend the money at retail prices for something that isn't exactly what I like/want. I'd rather wait. Liz did still do a great job, though, and I like that she is still expanding my tastes and pushing me to try things I wouldn't otherwise. The blouse was a color I like, but wouldn't have tried on myself in a store, the print dress was something I wouldn't have even paid attention to while shopping, except to quickly pass it over, and I love it. I have adjusted my style profile a little to see if we can align a little better and made a couple specific requests for my fall box. Stay tuned and see how Stitch Fix #5 goes!

Labels: Fashionista, Reviews, Stitch Fix

I have now done three fixes. Technically, I've kept four items from one and three from the other two, but the first was because I wanted the 25% discount, and they made an exception since it was my first box and I would have kept them all had it not been for a size issue with one blouse. I gave away the sweater from that box. So, the number of items I kept in my home from each fix has been three.

These are the absolute successes. Each item has inspired compliments when I wear it, each one makes me feel good with it on, and each has replaced something in my closet or dresser that didn't fit right or I didn't love. My rule when buying something new is that it needs to replace something that is too worn, or the wrong size, or that I hardly wear, or that I don't love. If that item is good enough, then I will give it away, otherwise, it goes to our rag bag for cleaning.
So, here they are.

Yumi Marina Polka Dot Belted Dress





Gilli Genna 3/4 Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress





Octavia Harlow Heart Print Infinity Scarf





41Hawthorn Dianne A-Line Skirt





Pixley Kathy Striped Fit and Flare Dress





Pixley Lucille Cascading Pearl Collar Necklace





Market & Spruce Julia Utility Jacket





Market & Spruce Adler Embroidered Shoulder Knit Top





Gilli Astra Sleeveless Maxi Dress




If you'd like to try Stitch Fix, this link gives me a credit which I use toward getting another box in the future.

Labels: Fashionista, Stitch Fix