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I can’t believe it’s already the first of the month and time to show you a peek at my latest Stitch Fix shipment. This fix was extra fun for a few different reasons. Now that I’m a mommy, my time is more valuable than ever before. I find myself craving simplicity and convenience and thankfully Stitch Fix is the most convenient way for me to shop for clothes. I send a quick note to my stylist and let her hand-pick five items that she thinks I will love. And this most recent fix provided exactly the simplicity that this busy mama needs. My stylist, Kate, provided me with a mini Stitch Fix capsule wardrobe in a black and gray color palette.
What’s a capsule wardrobe you ask? Well it’s a limited collection of clothing (usually 30-40 items including shoes) that can be mixed, matched and recoordinated to create a variety of outfits. All of the pieces in the capsule wardrobe compliment each other. It’s a way of dressing that has been gaining popularity as more and more people look to minimize their belongings, pare down their closets, and live more simply.
The mini Stitch Fix capsule wardrobe that came my way included 5 items that I styled with ten of my own belongings (including shoes, accessories, and extra layers) to create 8 different looks. I had so much fun styling this fix and I’m pretty sure you’ll love reading about it.
I think you’d also love to be the winner of a $50 Stitch Fix gift card – which I’m giving away to one lucky reader of the blog this one. Make sure you read all the way to the end of this post for your chance to win!
Plus, my sweet little Dessa made a special appearance in a few photos.
Macy Open Cardigan
The first item from my fix that I reached for was the Macy Open Cardigan from Emily Rose ($58). I thought the sweater was gray during the entire time I styled and tried it on. It wasn’t until I sat down to work on this blog post that I realized the color listed on my receipt said “navy”. The sweater must have an exceptionally dark blue thread in it, because I still swear that it’s gray. So I’m going to go ahead and talk about the sweater like it has black threads, ok?
Anyways… I had asked my Stitch Fix stylist, Kate, to send some easy care items my way since I don’t have much time on my hands for hand-washing and taking trips to the dry cleaner these days. The Macy Open Cardigan was sent as a result of that request – it’s machine washable! This sweater was also lightweight and breathable enough to be the perfect layer on a cool summer night. Another detail that I really loved was that the collar was creased to maintain the perfect open fold. I didn’t have to worry about folding the collar over in the right spot or having it flop around while I moved. Because of the crease, the collar laid flat and nicely the entire time I wore the Macy Open Cardigan.
This was a great cardigan to style for a casual weekend look. I paired it with my BlankNYC jeans (grab them at a great price from Nordstrom Rack!) and layered a basic Old Navy tank over one of my white maternity tank tops (non-maternity version here) for a little extra coverage. I also added my all-time favorite statement necklace from Rocksbox (similar here). I’ve been on the lookout for a necklace with the same mix of boldness, femininity, and lightweight design without much luck. I also paired my silver Kate Spade watch (get it from Amazon for an amazing price!) and matte black Tieks with the outfit.
I love bargain clothes as much as anyone, but I do invest in high-quality items for my closet as well. My Tieks ballet flats are one of those investments. I’m on my feet all the time when I’m in my kindergarten classroom and I need a comfortable pair of flats that are durable enough to last a long time. If you’re curious about Tieks, you can read my complete review and find answers to the most-commonly (as well as not-so-common questions) in this blog post.
The great thing about a capsule wardrobe is that you can remix the same items in new ways to create many unique outfits. The Macy Open Cardigan and accessories were easy to dress down with a great pair of jeans, but could also be dressed up with a pair of black pants to create a more professional look.
Speaking of black pants, that brings me to the next item in my fix…
Jacqueline Skinny Pant
For this fix, Kate also included a black pair of the Jacqueline Skinny Pant from Liverpool ($78). By now, I own several pair of Liverpool skinny pants (all of which are from Stitch Fix). I love them because the pants fit great, are super-comfy and look professional. This pair was very similar in style to my other pairs, except for one thing… it had a zipper and button fly. All of my previous pants have enough stretch that they don’t require a zipper and button closure.
Admittedly, my body has bounced back rather well since Dessa was born, but I can only fit into about half of my non-maternity pants. The zipper and button fly made me a little nervous that this pair was destined to be returned.
Not the case! The Jacqueline Skinny Pant was a perfect, comfortable fit. They didn’t squeeze or sag and based on the quality of the fabric, I’m pretty sure they will continue to be a great fit once my belly flattens out a bit more.
I already own a very fitted pair of black Liverpool pants so I wasn’t sure if I should keep this pair. The other pair is made of a thicker fabric that is such a snug fit, I usually only wear them with riding boots during the cool months. This pair was a little different because the fabric was lighter weight and had a little bit of room to spare around my legs that they look more like traditional dress pants and less like top-quality leggings. I love that I could wear them with a sweater and my matte black Tieks without worrying that I was dressed inappropriately.
These pants were the perfect staple item that could be mixed and matched with just about any tunic and a great item to add to a Stitch Fix capsule wardrobe.
RECREATE THE LOOK
Benter Mixed Material Top
My Stitch Fix stylist, Kate, knows how much I adore a good floral print and I love that she included floral print Benter Mixed Material Top from Kut from the Kloth ($58) that perfectly coordinated with the black and gray items in my mini Stitch Fix capsule wardrobe.
How gorgeous is this top?!?
I love the contrast of the floral print with the gray sleeves and trim at the bottom. This black and gray top made for a fun, edgy spin on the traditional floral print.
The Benter Mixed Material Top dressed up great with the Jacqueline Skinny Pant. You know I LOVE my Tieks, but if you’re looking for a very versatile black flat with a different style, try a Ghillie style flat. This particular pair is marked down 60% at Nordstrom Rack – just act fast before they sell out.
And just in case you were wondering how the top looked with my distressed jeans, rather than dress pants… I think you’ll agree that the combo looks pretty fantastic. That’s the genius of a capsule wardrobe. You only need a few items to create a new look for a different occasion.
RECREATE THE LOOK
Hillsboro Mixed Material Hem Knit Top
My Stitch Fix capsule wardrobe try-on continued with a gray Hillsboro Mixed Material Hem Knit Top from Skies are Blue ($54). This top was a lightweight knit material with sheer white trim along the hemline, which made for a fun spin on a basic top.
I love that the hemline of the Hillsboro Mixed Material Hem Knit Top scooped down in the front and back, rather than a traditional horizontal hemline. This is actually why I love all of the tops I’ve kept from Stitch Fix – they always have thoughtful and interesting details that make the pieces so much more special than clothes I usually find at the store.
As for the back of the top… it had buttons!
I had SO MUCH FUN styling the Hillsboro Mixed Material Hem Knit Top and it’s versatility made it the perfect addition to any capsule wardrobe.
I started by pairing the top with the Jacqueline Skinny Pant, statement necklace (similar here), and silver Kate Spade watch. Do you sense a theme yet?!? I also added my sliver and gray Kendra Scott bracelet.
Then I decided to have a little extra fun and mix things up even more. I changed into the same distressed skinny jeans I had been wearing and mixed in some different footwear.
First I kept on my matte black Tieks. I love this look for a night out with Rob or my girl friends.
Then I kicked off my Tieks and styled the exact same outfit with a pair of gray tennis shoes (similar here). I can totally see myself running errands around town on a Saturday while wearing this ensemble.
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The Hillsboro Mixed Material Hem Knit Top was the perfect addition to any Stitch Fix capsule wardrobe. It may be a simple top, but it can be styled in so many ways.
I was so torn about which item to keep from this fix. Rob and I have been especially mindful of our budget for several months in anticipation of Dessa’s arrival, but we really had to tighten things up the past few weeks. I knew that I could only keep one item from this fix and I was torn between the Jacqueline Skinny Pant and the Hillsboro Mixed Material Hem Knit Top. I ultimately decided to keep the pants, but as I look through these photos, I feel like I chose wrong. All wrong. I kept the pants because it’s always nice to have an extra pair in the mix while my other pants are getting dry-cleaned. In hindsight, all I can see is how gorgeous this top is and I really, really wish I had kept it instead!
RECREATE THE LOOK
Lana Cardigan
The fifth and final item that Kate included in my mini capsule wardrobe fix was a Lana Cardigan from Michael Stars ($138). Ever since Dessa entered into our lives, I have a whole new appreciation for basic, comfortable clothes that are easy to mix and match. This cardigan suited my needs perfectly.
I kept things simple, basic, and mom-friendly when I initially styled the Lana Cardigan. A basic black striped tank (similar here and here), statement necklace, silver watch and distressed jeans was all I needed. Add in a cute pair of gray tennis shoes and I was good to go. I love, love, love this look and could easily see myself sporting the outfit in and out of the house.
Of course, I can’t wear jeans to work (and tennis shoes are frowned upon) so transforming the look into a work-appropriate outfit was easy. All I needed was – you guessed it – a pair of black pants and flats. The Jacqueline Skinny Pant and my matte black Tieks did the job perfectly. I love this look for the days I need to look nice, but want to dress for comfort after a long night up with the baby.
I absolutely loved the Lana Cardigan and was sure that it would be the item I keep this month – until I looked at the price. Spending $138 on a gray cardigan definitely doesn’t fit into my budget. So this item was shipped back and I am not on the lookout for a similar, budget-friendly cardigan.
Dessa was dressed to coordinate with my mini Stitch Fix capsule wardrobe on the day we had photos taken and I couldn’t resist the urge to have her join me for a couple of shots. I’m very thankful she didn’t spit up on the sweater!
Dessa looks more than a little confused about what kind of craziness she stepped into when we snapped the photos, but I’m sure she’ll get used to our lifestyle pretty quickly!
RECREATE THE LOOK
My Stitch Fix Capsule Wardrobe
Here’s a quick recap of what arrived in my mini Stitch Fix capsule wardrobe fix this month, and what I decided to keep. It was such a tough choice this month!
Macy Open Cardigan from Emily Rose ($58) – return
Jacqueline Skinny Pant from Liverpool ($78) – keep
Benter Mixed Material Top from Kut from the Kloth ($58) – return
Hillsboro Mixed Material Hem Knit Top from Skies are Blue ($54) – return
Lana Cardigan from Michael Stars ($138) – return
Start a Capsule Wardrobe for Your Closet
If you’re ready to simplify your closet (and your life!) with a capsule wardrobe, here are several great pieces that will get you started in the spirit of my fix. Click any image to shop!
Stitch Fix Giveaway
This month I’m thrilled to host another Stitch Fix giveaway. A $50 Stitch Fix gift card is up for grabs to one lucky blog reader. Use the rafflecopter below for your chance to win. I’ll cross my fingers for you!
Which Would You Have Kept?
You know that I have a little buyers remorse about keeping the black Jacqueline Skinny Pant instead of the Hillsboro Mixed Material Hem Knit Top. If this were your fix and you could only keep one item, which piece would you have kept? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks so much to Brian from BTW Photography for the beautiful photos!
