During these cold and blustery winter days in Michigan, a girl needs something pretty and fresh to keep her spirits up. Something delivered directly to her door so that she doesn’t have to step out into the cold. For me, that something is Stitch Fix. My latest “fix” of 5 items hand-selected by my personal stylist, Layla, arrived this week from Stitch Fix and I was so happy to see a box filled with fresh colors. Spring is still several weeks away, but at least this shipment will help to keep the winter doldrums away while I wait. Grab a hot cup of coffee and relax for a few minutes while you take in the pretty eye candy that arrived in my fix. Pin your favorite items to your style board and make sure you read all the way to the bottom of this post because I’m giving away a Stitch Fix gift card to one lucky fan.
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Any items purchased through one of our links helps to support the blog.
The first item included in this month’s fix was a gorgeous green Elisha Zipper Accent Structured Sachel from Urban Expressions ($58). My style profile specifically asks my stylist to avoid sending bags, but when I saw this purse on Pinterest, I knew that it was just my style and I wanted it! So I pinned the item to My Style Pinterest board and asked my stylist to please send it in my next fix.
I had fun wearing the handbag with the Ackley Houndstooth Print Blouse that came in my 16th fix and the Sophie Skinny Jeans from my 14th fix . I love how the green pops against the black and white. Paired with my glossy black Hunter boots and black Fossil watch, this outfit gives a nod to the upcoming spring season.
My one criteria for purses is that they have to be large enough to hold a bottle of water and my planner. Between wedding planning, teaching and managing two blogs, I am one busy girl and my planner keeps me sane. If you are in the market for a new planner, I highly recommend an Erin Condren life planner.
I also love that this bag can be carried by the handles, but it also includes an optional cross-body strap. I notoriously carry way too many things at once and it’s great to have a hands-free option for my purse!
The second item included in my fix was a Gazele Abstract Print Silk Blouse from Amour Vert ($108) . When I first laid eyes on this blouse, I thought to myself “Layla, you have got to be kidding me! I would rather die than wear this blouse.” It was a little too flower-power for my taste.” I gritted my teeth and reluctantly tried the blouse on.
Unexpectedly, I kinda liked it.
I modernized the blouse by wearing it with my Kensie skinny jeans and brown Enzo Angiolini riding boots . I also added a mint green statement necklace, my white ceramic and rose gold Fossil watch and some mixed metal bangles. Similar items can all be found below.
The resulting outfit was surprisingly hip and cool. Still not quite my style, but better than I expected.
Next up was a coral Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt from Loveapella ($64). My stylist must know that I am a sucker for anything that comes in coral. I couldn’t wait to try this one on.
I kept on the Kensie jeans, brown riding boots, and jewelry. I tried on the sweater and immediately fell in love. It’s so perfectly casual while still being chic. I love that it’s warm and cozy, but the bright coral color felt fresh and new.
Just in case you were curious, the coral sweater looked gorgeous with the green Elisha Zipper Satchel!
I left a note in my style profile that I have a new obsession with all things floral and girlie, so I was overjoyed to find this gorgeous Sicily Pintuck Detail Blouse from Daniel Rainn ($64).
Lately, my favorite dressy-casual style has been to pair my black Pixie pants from J. Crew with black riding boots, a longer blouse and cardigan. This stunning blouse was so perfectly me and it looked gorgeous with the Donelle V-Neck Button-Up Cardigan that I kept from my 12th fix.
This ensemble is feminine, dressed up and allows me to comfortably kneel or sit comfortably on the floor while I’m teaching my kindergarten students. I also cannot say enough good things about my Pixie Pants and leather riding boots. The pants are like heavy weight leggings that provide much more structure and warmth and I could wear these black boots all day long. Both items are a bit of an investment, but they are worth every penny!
The fifth and final item included in my fix this month was a navy blue Whitmee Button Neck Striped Shift Dress from Loveapella ($64). Once again, Layla was pushing the boundaries of my style limits when she selected this item for me. It was reminiscent of the Ida 3/4 Sleeve Striped Shirt Dress that I received in my 7th fix. While that dress looked cute on the hanger, it was not my style at all. Like most women, horizontal stripes are generally not my friend.
I bit the bullet and once again found myself trying on an item that I did not think I was going to like at all. My legs have been covered up all winter long and are not ready to see the light of day, so I wore my gray Pixie pants under the dress. I also added my brown riding boots (similar can be found here) and a cream knit scarf.
I need to trust the judgment of my stylist more often because this dress was actually very much my style and I felt quite comfortable wearing it. With pants, anyways.
What I Kept (and Returned) from My Fix
People always want to know what I decided to keep from my fix. Here’s the breakdown of my February Stitch Fix review:
Elisha Zipper Accent Structured Sachel from Urban Expressions ($58) – KEEP
Sicily Pintuck Detail Blouse from Daniel Rainn ($64) – KEEP
Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt from Loveapella ($64) – KEEP
Gazele Abstract Print Silk Blouse from Amour Vert ($108) – RETURN
Whitmee Button Neck Striped Shift Dress from Loveapella ($64) – ???
I cannot decide whether or not to keep the navy blue striped shift dress. It fit and was flattering, but I am only comfortable wearing it as a tunic with boots and leggings. Does it look weird to wear that type of dress with gray pants? I need to decide SOON so I can check out and I would really love to hear your thoughts!
Sign Up for Stitch Fix
If you are a busy woman, you NEED Stitch Fix. It’s easy to get started. Just create an account and complete your FREE style profile. The process takes about 15 minutes and there is absolutely no obligation to purchase anything. Your style profile allows you to share which fashions appeal to you, which colors or patterns you love (or hate) and your size information. You can even set different price limits for various types of clothes. When you are ready, you can schedule your first fix. Stitch Fix will pair you with a personal stylist (like my own wonderful stylist, Layla) that will review your style profile and select five items that she thinks will be PERFECT for YOU. The garments will arrive at your door so you can try the items on in the comfort of your own home with the clothing and accessories that you already own. It takes all of the guesswork out of trying on new clothes. Keep the items you want, and ship back anything you don’t like in the pre-paid shipping envelope that is included in your fix. The entire process costs $20. Shipping and returns are free, and the $20 styling fee is deducted from the price of anything you decide to keep. If you choose to keep everything in your fix, you automatically save 25% on your entire order. Pretty great, right?
I cannot express how wonderful it is to know that someone who understands my personal style and body type is carefully selecting clothing for me. Rob can attest that I can be very picky and my stylist does a far better job clothing me than I could ever do on my own. If you are new to Stitch Fix, please consider signing up with my referral link. I earn a small commission each time someone signs up that allows me to keep sharing this type of blog post. If you have already signed up using my link, thank you SO much!
How to Get the Best Clothes from Stitch Fix
Wondering how I always seem to get great clothes in my Stitch Fix shipments? This blog post outlines my tips for getting beautiful pieces in each of my Stitch Fix orders. Check it out and get ready for even better styles to come your way.
Stitch Fix Giveaway
Whether you are a Stitch Fix veteran or considering taking the plunge and scheduling your very first fix, I have the perfect treat for you! I am giving away a $20 Stitch Fix gift card. It’s enough to cover your styling fee and let you enjoy your next fix without any risk.
Use the rafflecopter below for your chance to WIN!
I’ve linked up with What I Wore Wednesday from The Pleated Poppy. Click to see fashions from other great bloggers!
So what do you think? Should I keep the navy blue dress or send it back?
Find More Stitch Fix Styles this Spring
If you are looking for more great spring fashions to pin for your Stitch Fix stylist, you will love these posts. They feature amazing clothes that came in my previous spring fixes. Click any image to see more photos.
Marsha McGuire says
You had such a great FIX! I love the dress and the bag.
Marsha
anne says
Maria, i love the blue dress on you! Also, you should keep the pink blouse! It looks great too!
Marsha, i can’t wait to see your fix!
I live vicariously through you guys, and my 16yo daughter who got StichFix for her bday. **jealous**
Julie Davis says
Love looking at your fixes every month!!! I think the dress is a definite keeper :)
Jordan says
Keep the dress!! The pants looked good, couldn’t tell they weren’t leggings!
Kim says
Keep the dress, it looks great on you. I love the bag and the black floral top!
Katie says
KEEP the dress! It’s my fav look for you in this fix, honestly.
Annie Ramos says
I love the dress and I think it looks great with the pants! You are so cute with your fixes!
Suzanne says
If it were me, I’d send the dress back. It bothers me that the stripes don’t line up at the seams.
RB says
Totally agree! First thing I saw was that the stripes don’t match up!
Samantha says
Keep the dress! It looks super cute and because of the look of the material and the color, I think it would look better with the leggings you put with it! Super cute and, as you said, different from other things you have! You look great in it!
Rachel says
I loved everything in your fix! Keep the dress!
Kate says
Keep it- you look great! :)
Megan says
Love your fix! Keep the dress – it looks great on you!
Lauren W says
Keep the striped dress! It looks awesome on you! I think it would be fine without leggings, but maybe not for work since you have to get on the floor with the littles. But it is seriously amazing on you!
Erin says
Keep the dress! Wear it with leggings or opaque tights. It looks gorgeous on you.
Jenny says
I just LOVE your style and you always get the cutest items in your fixes!! I had to cancel my Stitch Fix for a while as it just wasn’t in the budget but I did pick up a few great things. I absolutely LOVE that green bag!!
Haley says
What a great fix! I am in love with coral too. I am pinning this bag, it is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for and I love the color. So excited for spring to come!
Andrea G says
keep it, super cute! It’d be cute in spring on the weekends with flats too, leggings great to make it work for kindergarten
Tracie says
Love the dress- keep it. It looks great on you. When winter is over where it with a white denim jacket and pops of color like red shoes..
Maria Manore says
Oh, I like the sound of that! My poor pasty white legs are dreading that day!
Denise Waida -Scanish says
The dress looks good on you, and would also be nice with flats in the spring /summer. I did notice the stripes don’t match at the seams so
I think I say return it , if you LOVED it they could look for one that lines up in pattern , but I think you don’t love it…return it
Priscilla says
How do you make EVERYTHING that you get look so good? I’ve had more bad luck than good with my fixes but I still look forward to the box every month.
I vote KEEP the dress!
Maria Manore says
Hi Priscilla,
I am very lucky to have a closet filled with lots of basic pieces: really great black pants, lots of boots, cardigans and scarves. Having so many basic pieces really helps me to create something fun with the statement pieces that come in my fix (even if they aren’t really my style). I was really surprised at how nice the abstract print blouse looked with my existing basic pieces.
Megan says
Maria you looked beautiful in everything! I think the dress looks stunning on you and I’m sure Rob would agree with me. I do have a question for you. How does Stitch Fix work on a teacher budget? I would love to do Stitch Fix but I can’t get past the sticker shock and I also fear having too many clothes.
Maria Manore says
Hi Megan,
Thank you so much for the kind words. Rob did agree that he liked the dress :)
If I couldn’t afford all of the clothes in my fix, I would try and fit one piece into my budget each month. When I was just getting started with Dave Ramsey and building up my emergency fund, I literally budgeted $35 in clothes each month. Gradually, as that budget went up, I allowed myself $75-$125. If my clothes came from Stitch Fix, that would allow me to have 1-2 new pieces each month.
Melissa says
The way the stripes don’t line up would bug me to no end!
Breanne says
I LOVE the dress!! I would wear it with leggings, too. :) I loved my last Stitch Fix that I won from you and I’m getting another one in a few days…Yippee!!
Maria Manore says
That’s so great, Breanne! I’m so happy to hear that you loved it! I hope your next fix is amazing too!
Elizabeth says
Great fix! I think you should keep it all :)
April Clark says
I love everything in your fix except the dress. That I merely like.
Renee Choi says
Love all of the outfits! So cute. I love the dress with the black skinny jeans as well! Adorable!
Sue Newman says
Keep it – and then send it to me! lol
Crystal says
I just started following your blog and am waiting for my 2nd fix to arrive :) I vote keep the dress! It looks great on you!!!
Krystal Griffiths says
I think the dress could work with more accessories. It fits you perfectly but I think it needs something to break up all the stripes. A belt perhaps? A cardigan sweater over it? It’s just a lot of stripes covering a lot of your body lol. My favorite item is that black floral top! LOVE :)
carrie says
I think you looked great in the dress. I would keep it! Love the black shirt with the green sweater! Wish I was as skinny as you ;)
Kim says
Girl keep that navy dress! So adorable!! In the spring and fall you could wear it with leggings and flats. You could even find some colored leggings like yellow, green or or coral to pair with the dress. Also I have a couple pairs of leggings that come to my mid calf to wear during spring and fall for those shorter dresses. This was a great fix! Very cute!
Maria Manore says
I love the idea of wearing capri length leggings and flats with the navy dress in the spring! Thank you for the great idea – I decided to keep the dress :)
Anna Was says
You got a great fix! You look great in the dress and I am sucker for stripes! I look forward to your fix review every month. I have used it to help make my fixes even better. I just got my 5th fix and it was by far the best. One of the items I kept, I thought would be all wrong but it was perfect! Thanks for your idea to always try on! Living in northern Indiana it was great to see some glimpses of spring!
Maria Manore says
Hi Anna! I’m so happy you were able to enjoy a great fix as well. Sometimes I am amazed by how much I like an unexpected style. I’m glad you tried everything on! As a Michigan girl, I know exactly how you feel about being excited for spring. At least I have some pretty colors to admire while we wait.
Jen Engel says
Ok wait… You KEPT the weird flower power one and sent back the Daniel Rain black floral that you loved? Is that a misprint?
What lens are you using to shoot these? Do you have to do it 100 times to get it in focus? My iPhone pics aren’t working to get the real feel of the outfit….but my Canon is not so easy to shoot “selfies” with :) I’d love to hear your tips!
Great blog! I’ve pinned BUNCHES!
Maria Manore says
It’s a typo! I kept the black one and sent back the flower power one. Fixing my error right now!
I alternate shooting with a 40mm and 50mm lens. I used to have to shoot about 100 times to get it into focus, but I’m getting better. I will try to share some tips soon! Great suggestion!
Leah M says
Loved all these pieces! I’ve been wanting to try Stitch Fix, but haven’t actually done it yet…! Thanks for sharing your Stitch Fix Box :)
Tracy says
ALL of it really looks awesome on you! The dress bugs me because the stripes don’t match up on the seem but that’s just me. ;)
Preslee Snyder says
I love how you styled each piece. My favorite is the funnel neck sweatshirt. It looks so comfortable!
Maria Manore says
Hi Preslee, it IS super-comfortable. Such a great piece to add to the collection.
Carla says
Great Fix!!
Trish @ tagsthoughts.com says
Great fix! I absolutely LOVE the bag. And I think I’d go ahead and keep the dress. :)
sunny says
The stripes on the dress don’t line up…that would bother me enough to send it back.
Maria Manore says
LOL, Sunny. I actually don’t mind the stripes lining up that much. I think it’s because I don’t have to look at them since they are on the side of the dress.
Debbie says
Keep the dress – you look adorable in it!
Carol says
I love your fix! Definitely keep it all!
carrie says
Ooooh all your items were so fun!!!
The dress looks amazing!!! Keep!!!
Angela says
Keep the dress! I think you can wear it a lot-sandals and a cardigan in spring, boots without leggings, big statement necklace, etc. Also, this would put you at the discount price, so keep the funky blouse, it is colorful and fun!
Amy Simpson says
Love the striped dress! Honestly I couldn’t pull off most of these items, especially the coral, but they all look fabulous on you! Seriously! Love the green bag! My least favorite is the black and floral blouse, but still like I said, it looks amazing on you and the way you paired it looks great!
April Smith says
Hi Maria! Everything looks great on you.. so I always want you to keep everything!
I had a question for you… what camera do you use to take these pictures? I think I’m finally going to take the plunge and buy a digital SLR and take some photography classes, but I have no idea where to start!
Maria Manore says
Hi April!
When I started getting serious about my photos, I used a hand-me-down Canon Rebel XT. That camera eventually died and I upgraded to a Canon T3i. Unfortunately, the T3i has been discontinued. I’m sure you could find one on Ebay, but the T5i is the most similar version on the market right now. Here is a link to purchase one from Amazon. This particular item includes a basic starter lens (which you will want to upgrade at some point, but it’s good for starting out). http://amzn.to/1FPGxVV
Rob is beginning to learn a little about photography and he found and inexpensive Rebel XT on Ebay with the same basic starter lens. It isn’t necessarily about the camera. Learning the basics of photography is the most important first step you can take. I also highly recommend learning how to shoot in manual mode right from the start. It gives really great control of over the photos and frees you from the pre-set adjustments that your camera tried to do but may-or-may-not actually look good in photos.
heather says
Hi, I am a fellow stitch fix addict, and I love your blog posts about stitch fix. in several pictures you are wearing cardigans with corsage flowers (there’s a cobalt blue one and a tan one too) I love them! would you mind passing along the store/website/brand where you found these adorable cardies?
Thanks
Maria Manore says
Hi Heather! I wish I had wonderful news about those cardigans. I purchased both of them from TJ Maxx a few years ago. The tag inside says “Vertical Design”. I think they were just a couple of random sweaters that I was lucky enough to stumble upon one day.
Thanks so much for your interest in my Stitch Fix posts. You must be a dedicated fan if you noticed BOTH of my corsage sweaters :)
Betsy says
I love reading your Stitch Fix reviews! I really like the bag and the dress that you got! I say the dress is a keeper. I just got my 8th Stitch Fix and although I only kept one thing this time, I was excited to get a really fun pair of pants. To see what I got here is a link to my blog post: http://www.theeverydaywarrior.com/2015/03/04/stitch-fix-review-8-march-2015/
Traci says
I am very new to Stitch Fix and love it. I just found your blog today and am sad I missed your giveaway by a couple of weeks! I had to chime in about the striped dress. I’m going to pin it now, because it is exactly the kind of dress I am hoping for. I am slowly making my way through all of your SF posts. You do a great job pairing your new items with things you already own. It’s very inspirational :)
Just got notice that my 3rd Fix was delivered today…can’t wait to get home!
Maria Manore says
Hi Traci!
This will cheer you up – I’m running another Stitch Fix giveaway on my teaching blog right now. Here’s the link! https://kindercraze.com/2015/03/my-19th-stitch-fix-review-march-2015/
Thank you for the kind words. I am thrilled to hear that this post was a source of inspiration for you!
Traci says
Guess What? Got home and opened my box last night…the blue striped dress was in there! THAT is how amazing our stylists are—they know what we want before we even pin it :)
Beth says
I think everything looks wonderful on you.
I love the dress, but personally I wouldn’t keep it b/c it appears that the stripes on front don’t match with the stripes on back. In my mind, that makes it a 2nd.
Sara says
I hope you kept that blue stripe dress! You are adorable & I’m really enjoying going through all your SF reviews. :)
Maria Manore says
Hi Sara! Yes, I did keep the dress :) So glad to hear that you are loving the reviews!
Mistle says
I just received my first Stitch Fix box last month and I loved it! I love the Sicily Pintuck Detail Blouse they sent you! I also received the Whitmee Button Neck Striped Shift Dress from Loveapella and I love it! Great review!
Maria Manore says
Those are both REALLY great items! So happy that you love them as much as I do!
Christy says
How did the dress do/fit after washing? I guess because I pinned it, I received it. I love the way it looks, but worried it will shrink. It is already 3 inches above my knee.
Britt says
Would you mind sharing the brand of your brown riding boots? I love them!
Maria Manore says
Of course! They are Enzo Angiloni boots that I purchased over 3 years ago. I always keep my eyes open for a similar pair from him because people ask about my brown boots all the time!
Christie says
Hi Maria!
Love your Fix’s and think our style is quite similar! Would love to know where you bought your brown boots!! Feel free to email me.
Christie
Maria Manore says
Hi Christie! The boots are by Enzo Angiolini and I found them at Nordstrom a few years ago.