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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!
Maria,
First of all, you look fantastic weeks after giving birth to your adorable daughter. I agree with your choice although it was a tough decision. I also liked the open cardigan. It looked navy to me at first glance but then it appeared grey to me too. Weird.
You made the right choice. Pants are harder to fit that blouses.
Oh My! I think I would have splurged and kept both. I also love the Macy Open Cardigan. You had an amazing fix and I’m hoping for an equally amazing fix this month since my family is doing family photos in October for our Christmas card.
You got a really great fix!
I love the black pants from Liverpool that Stich Fix has sent me. They even have maternity pants which I was really excited about. It was a tough choice, I do love the grey top.
I love the gray sweater!
I love them both! Black pants that fit well can be hard to find, so I think you made the right decision!! Congrats on your baby girl!!
Definitely the pants! You made the right choice!!
Maria, you do look amazing! No one ever can have too many black pants. Good choice!
I love the sweater!!! It is gorgeous on you!
You look so amazing for being 6 weeks pp! I love that blouse on you, but when you find a pair of pants that fit well, you have to keep them! I’m really hoping to get that KFTK top in my fix later this month.
You look amazing! I think I would have gone with the Gray sweater with the cream hemline…love the details and it looks fantastic on you!!
I think you made the right choice, because sometimes it’s hard to find pants with a right fit that you love. However, that gray top is gorgeous! I would have definitely splurged and kept both haha!
I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe! It would have been hard to choose, but I did love the top you decided to send back. However, in my book a great pair of pants are the hardest to come by. You looked great in everything!
Love the hem knit top!
Love the Stitch Fix + Capsule idea.
Totally the sweater! You looked gorgeous in it, showing off every curve in a flattering way. 😊
I love the pants on you! I do love the knit top on you as well, but pants are so hard! Both you and Dessa are lovely!
I love that grey sweater. I might have to request it in my next Fix!
You look amazing, btw!
Love the sweater! You look amazing in all of the pieces!
You made the right choice, though the sweater did look great!
You look great, Maria! Grey is my favorite color and the perfect neutral color. The Liverpool skinny jeans would also be my pick because the fit is INSANELY perfect (I think I own 3 or 4 pairs). The Lana Cardigan did look superrrr soft, though…
I loved the sweaters, but totally agree with your choice! I love stitch fix and will be requesting some of these items in my next fix!
I would have kept both! They both look great!
I’d go sweater only because it sounds like you have several pairs of great jeans! I love stitchfix for denim though- it’s such a headache to buy it yourself!
I can totally relate to buyers remorse and regretting sending a piece back! The pants are really flattering on you and were a great choice. That sweater was so lovely – maybe if you re-request it she’ll send it back to you next month!
Alysia
http://www.pearlsandsportsbras.com
Oh, Maria…. I feel your pain on this one!! The top is beautiful. But, good fitting pants can be hard to find, and I think you made the right choice! Perhaps you can find a similar top in the future, or perhaps you could ask Stitch Fix to send that top again for another fix!! :)
This is so hard!! I would have thought about it for a few days… not which one to keep… more like how I could keep both of them! They were both so cute and perfect! I love those pants. I’m a teacher and I cannot go without great black pants.
yes I definitely think you made the right choice! A good pair of black pants – especially pants that will still fit as your body bounces back – are so hard to find and irreplaceable! Also, you look amazing! I’m two years out from delivery and literally just hit pre-baby weight!
Looking great!! I would have kept the top!
You look fantastic in everything, but I have to say (sorry to feed the remorse) that top looks really good on you!
I love your fix!! I think you made the right choice keeping the Liverpool pants! I have 2 pairs of denim jeans in different colors from Liverpool (through Stitch Fix!) that I adore!!! I think my second choice would definitely be the Hillsboro top though, that is so my style! Love love love your blog!
Wow, what a tough choice! You got a really great fix. You can’t beat those Liverpool pants though. They are one of my favorite fix items! The Kut From The Cloth shirt looked really cute on you too.
I’ve never thought to ask for pieces for a capsule wardrobe. I probably need to try that sometime. Thanks for the idea!
I would have kept the Hillsboro top – I LOVE it!!
Gosh I’m so torn! I passed on a Liverpool pair of pants before and totally regretted it, so I would probably get the pants to make up for that one time! But I also love the top. Hard one!
I would have kept the top. Also, you look amazing for just having had a baby not too long ago!
All of them look great!!!! I would have kept the top. Thank you for all of your time…especially now with a new baby….keeping us informed. I love your blog!!!
First of all you look amazing! I understand your hesitation because the top looked amazing on you. That being said, you can NEVER go wrong with a great fitting pair of black pants. I always go with the pants because you can wear them more often without feeling like you are repeating an outfit. I think you made the right choice :)
Thanks for introducing me to the idea of a capsule wardrobe. You look great! Dessa is adorable in her giraffe outfit. I may have to find one of those for my granddaughter, who is due any day.
I would really have a hard time deciding between the skinny pants and the grey top. I actually *need* a new pair of black pants for work, but that scoop hem is so flattering, I really love that! Difficult decision, Maria. :)
I love love the scoop hem but think for you…you chose right!
I would have kept the top :(
Such a great fix! Love everything and would have had a hard time choosing. It seems there is always that one item that is too pricey and keeps me from buying all 5 and getting the discount!! Love the pants but hope you get a second chance for the adorable gray top!!!
I have the same black jeans from stitch fix! I love them too as a comfortable, easy way to dress up anything! fun!
Tough choice. I think I would have kept the Hillsboro top. But a great pair of black pants is a must have too. But I always lean towards to tops.
A great fitting and versatile pant is hard to find. I think you made a great choice!
tough choice, i like them all! you always look great though so I wouldn’t worry about it too much
I loved some of your items SO much that I decided to change my next Fix from Nov. to Sept. and ask for some of the items you received!
I love that entire fix! I just got my first pair of Liverpool skinny pants and they are life-changing! I’m kind of surprised that grey cardigan was so expensive, but it should be fairly easy to find a cheaper alternative. I’m going to have to look into at your Tieks review because they look so cute!
Yes! I think you made the right choice! Black goes with everything and can be worn anytime!
I think you made the right choice!!
But maybe you could ask SF to send the sweater again next month… ;)
I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but don’t know if I’m ready to get rid of all my clothes unnecessarily…
(Also, Dessa is DARLING!)
I love everythng
Yes. Love how the black skinny pants look on you.
Both are fabulous pieces. While I understand your initial thought behind keeping the pants over the top, I would have kept the top. Personally, I have fewer pairs of pants, but the ones I do have are ones that fit well and are versatile. I have a plethora of other tops to mix and match with bottoms. I have felt instant remorse for what I have sent back. I know what you are going through!
Love your Stitch Fix posts! You inspired me to start over a year ago AND I bought black Tieks a few months back, I don’t know if I should thank you or be mad at your for my obsession!!
Can’t wait to see the next post!
Lol! I don’t know if I should say “you’re welcome” or apologize!
The May cardigan looks so cozy! I think I would live in that!
It WAS very cozy!
Hi Maria!
I’m kind of in love with that open cardigan! I love the unique pattern!
Your daughter is adorable!
Both items are beautiful on you!
Thank you and thank you! And I couldn’t agree more about Dessa being adorable 😉
I own the Skies are Blue top and I seriously love it. I got it in the spring and ware it quite a bit with shorts. I tend to get cold easy in buildings and appreciate a light weight sweater. Whichever one you chose, you were going to want the other. The pants looked super fab on you though, so that would have been tough to give up.
Wow! Your “fix” was awesome! :-D You looked great in everything, Maria, but I know that good pants are hard to come by after having a baby, so I think you made the right choice…To be honest, I don’t know how you choose to send back anything from this fix!
Your daughter is so precious! If sweet little Dessa wants to join you for any future photo shoots, I won’t complain in the least ;-)
I’m so bummed that I missed my chance to enter your giveaway :-( Maybe next time…
On a side note, I tried to subscribe to your newsletter, but when I enter in my email address and clicked “go,” a new window pops up that states that the webpage cannot be found (???). Please help – I don’t want to miss any of your new posts! :-)
Hello! I love the idea of this capsule wardrobe, and it is the first time I have heard of it. I have all these clothes in my closet, and many of them are ill fitted or I just don’t wear. I keep thinking I need clothes of every color, but seeing you style those five items was so clean, easy, and basic. I get stressed when I go into my closet everyday and there are CLOTHES all over my bedroom. Have you gotten rid of all your clothes that don’t fit into this capsule style?
Love the review! FYI my company Stockpile is giving away free Stitch Fix stock to all SFix fans this week. Here is the link to the Waitlist if you are interested 👉🏽 https://get.stockpile.com/stitchfix-ipo/
Love the review! FYI my company Stockpile is giving away free Stitch Fix stock to all SFix fans this week. Here is the link to the Waitlist if you are interested 👉🏽 https://get.stockpile.com/stitchfix-ipo/