My First Stitch Fix

Hello All!

It's been a long time since I last posted to this blog but I figured I would revive it to tell everyone about my first Stitch Fix experience.  If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, here is the cliff notes version:

What is it?

Stitch Fix is a company teamed with personal stylists that will pick out 5 items based on your preferences and ship directly to you.  Keep what you want and send what you don't want back. You also choose the frequency at which you want to get these shipments - every 2 to 3 weeks, once a month, every other month, or every three months.  You can change the frequency whenever you want to.

Cost?

The cost of each box is $20 (a styling fee).  

If you choose to keep items from the shipment, that initial $20 goes towards your purchases.  If you purchase all 5 items, you get 25% off the entire order.

If you don't like anything, you are out the $20.  

Process?
You will fill out your style profile such as your size, budget, how you prefer to wear your clothes, etc.  Then they will give you examples of outfits and you rate how much you like them.  At the end you can write a note to your stylist giving them more info on your style preferences or anything specific you'd like.  

When they send out your shipment, you will get notification.

My Experience

Filling out the profile was fun and took me about 10-15 minutes.  Once I got notice of my shipment, I cheated and looked ahead of time on what I was getting (look for how under Tips).  If you are wondering if I was that child who tried to find their Christmas presents before Christmas...you are correct.  I must say after my online research, my initial impression at all the pieces was pretty disappointing.  I really didn't like anything and was pretty sure everything was getting shipped back.  However, when I saw everything in person, it was a completely different story.  I actually ended up really liking everything!  So this is what I got:

1.  Kaitland Spade Charm Long Necklace 

I don't have many long necklaces and I loved the color and style.  KEEP!

2.  Brixon Ivy Fallon Mixed Print Sleeveless Blouse

Love the pattern and it's totally my style.  KEEP!

3.  Elaine 3/4 Sleeve Pleat Waist Dress

I loved the color (especially with Spring coming).  The material was nice and soft plus it had pockets!  Unfortunately, the fit of the dress was odd.  It was too tight in the chest area which is an amazing feat considering I don't have one!  So sadly, I had to ship back.  RETURNED.

4.  Skies are Blue Elsa Split Neck Top

I liked it but not enough to keep it.  Also, it was a very similar style to #2.  RETURNED.

5.  Just Black Banks Skinny Jean

I'm super short and the length of the jeans was perfect!  That's why I was sad when they didn't fit:(  They were too tight in the stomach and a little too high waisted for my taste.  RETURNED.

The shipment came with a prepaid postage bag that I threw the 3 items I didn't want and USPS picked it up at my office.  Super easy!

Also, included in the shipment was a personalized note from my stylist letting me know why she picked the items she did for me and when and how I might wear them.  It was attached to individual cards that gives you ideas on how to wear as well.

I must admit I was super skeptical when I signed up because I am very picky about my clothes.  I told myself I would give it a few tries before completely writing off.  All in all I was very pleasantly surprised with my first Stitch Fix experience! .  I have my next box coming in 2-3 weeks!

Tips

1.  See what's in your shipment before you receive it.

Once you get a shipment notification, go into your account and "Check Out".  There it will list out what they sent you.  Do a google search and hopefully someone has posted a picture of it.  **Keep in mind that you may be receiving a different color or slightly different style.  Also, some of the things may look better in person!**

2.  Set reasonable expectations.

If I like 1-2 items out of a shipment, then I consider it a success.  If you have expect to love everything you might be disappointed.

3.  Use Pinterest!

Set up a style board on Pinterest and pin anything and everything you like.  The more you pin, the more examples your stylist will have and get to know your style.  In your style profile, you can include a link to your board.  Who's not on Pinterest?!  If you can believe it, I know quite a few people who aren't.  (You know who you are...)

4.  Be specific!

When you send notes to the stylist, be very specific in what you are looking for.  My first note to the stylist is that I didn't want anything too form fitting because I've had two kids and avoid showing off my muffin top!  I also let her know I was headed to Vegas in May and going to a friend's wedding reception in April. 

For Stitch Fix #2, I specifically asked for boyfriend jeans and a blazer.  I also said that I could never have too much navy blue and if they were going to send any prints, to send a print that was only in two colors.  We'll see what they come up with!

Hopefully, this post gave you a quick overview on how Stitch Fix works and my first experience with it!  It's definitely lots of fun:)  If you want to sign up, use my referral link @ https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4893069

xo,
Hannah

It's Almost Time To Go. But First, Let's Remember What We Did Today!

It's been a loooong time since my last post. What can I say? I've been lazy!

Last month, PJ stayed home one Monday to watch BAR & BKB. He sent the cutest email about their day that I wanted to share. Obviously, those two kiddos are two of my most favorite things:) His email is below:

We watched the trash truck pick up all the trash...















We played drums...















We watched the trippy parts of Yo Gabba Gabba...















We walked the dog...















We played with sidewalk chalk...



















We both sat on the potty (pictures are not suitable for work (or this blog), and Brooks took everything off)...

And we ended the day with a nice kiss by the water...

Sleeping Beauty

Now that I'm a mom, I've realized that importance of sleep. Even though baby boy is sleeping through the night, he still likes to get up early. For some reason, babies don't seem to know when it's the weekend...what's up with that? For those moments when I am able to nap during the day when he does, I snuggle up with my best friend, my silk satin sleeping mask from Mary Green (sorry, Peej). It is a lifesaver and a little peice of heaven!

Baubles!

Clearly, I love South Moon Under and jewelry. On the same trip I purchased my mug (see yesterday's post), I also bought this cute bauble necklace. What's even better is that it was inexpensive - my favorite kind of jewelry! (Well, when I'm buying. If PJ's buying, it better be expensive!). I bought the periwinkle since it matches moer of my wardrobe but the turquoise and orange is perfect for spring/summer. Now all we need is for the weather to warm up!

Mug Shots

It's been a while since I've posted anything but I have been pretty busy with the usual day-to-day. So busy, in fact, that I haven't even really had time to do my favorite thing...shopping! Yesterday I was meeting some friends for dinner and decided to pop into one of my favorite stores, South Moon Under. They have great clothes, awesome jewelry & accessories, and fun gifts. I got a little nostalgic when I saw these:

Naturally, I had to get Little Miss Chatterbox. Just ask PJ how I am when I get on the phone with one of my girlfriends I haven't talked to in forever!

As we all know, the royal wedding is coming up. U.S. coverage will begin sometime around 5:30am. What better way to celebrate by drinking your morning coffee out of this very appropriate mug: If you're looking for something a little more personalized, South Moon Under also has initial mugs. On my first day at a new job, my friend got me an "H"mug as a "Congrats on your new job" present. I love it and everytime I use it, I think of her:) This is a great gift for a friend or yourself! Why drink out of a boring mug when you can drink out of a fun one? :)

Initially Speaking...

I know it's been a while since my last post. Between the holidays and planning Brooks' birthday party, I have been a busy bee. I must have been a very good girl last year because Santa (aka Peej) got me everything on my Christmas list...but really, when does he not? One of my favorite presents is the "little letters necklace" from Alex Woo. Naturally, I got the letter "b" for my boys, Brooks and Bailey. I love my necklace so much and I've gotten so many compliments on it. It's simple enough for me to wear every day and it bears great meaning. Ok, so sometimes I put it on backwards and it ends up becoming a "d" instead, but hey, it just shows the versatility of the necklace;)

I love all the other designs in her collection of jewelry. They are absolutely adorable. Not only does she have letters and numbers, she also has animals and symbols too. You can buy several pieces and mix & match them together to personalize it just for you. For any guys reading this (which I doubt), it would make a great Valentine's Day or Anniversary present!

Sporting a "b" for my boy, Brooks!

Some of my other favorite designs...

Keeping You Warm...Faux Real

One thing I dont' like about the bitter winter is how cold my ears get. I typically don't wear ear muffs because they usually aren't that cute...until now! I went to find a gift at South Moon Under for a friend and happen to come across these wonderfully stylish (and faux) ear muffs from Laundry by Shelli Segal. They aren't over bulky, the fur doesn't feel too cheap, and it feels like I'm wearing a headband. The best part is that they look more expensive than they actually are. When I looked at the price tag, I was pleasantly surprised to see they were way less than I was expecting. I snatched these up right away and almost wore them out the store!

Exploring the World of Michael Kors

I did a little outlet shopping last weekend (ok, a LOT of outlet shopping). I'm basically done with all my Christmas shopping, so this trip was all about me! This weekend will probably have a lot better deals but I do NOT have the patience for Black Friday shopping. I decided to venture into the world of Michael Kors. My friends always seem to find some great purses there and the prices seem very reasonable.

Not only did I find a purse that I absolutely love, but I also found a clutch too! I have been searching for the perfect hobo bag and found it in the Uptown Astor Shoulder Bag in Luggage (weird name for a color, but it's basically tan/camel). It's the perfect size and I love how I can just reach in the purse and am actually able to find things easily! For some reason, the bag is not on the Michael Kors site but you can buy it for retail at Nordstroms, but I highly recommend hitting up the new outlet in Leesburg first!

I have been wanting to branch out from the boring black cluthes I usually buy. Black is such a staple color that goes with everything, so I compromised and bought the Beverly Clutch in Python. Still classy but exotic and fun! Again, for some reason it's not on the Michael Kors website, however, you can buy the black one which is just as nice.

Ahhh, nothing better than getting a new purse...or new shoes...or a new necklace...or...:)

Greeting Cards Made Easy (and Cute)!

I love cards. I love sending them, I love receiving them, I love creating them! That's why I was super excited to find out that Tiny Prints (one of my favorite sites for invitations) started creating greeting cards. Not only can you personalize every card, but you can create the cards in advance of events and they will ship it off for you too!

You can either pay as you go at $3.99/card or sign up for a membership depending on the amount of cards you think you'll send in a year.

Plan on sending 5+? Pay an annual fee of $5.99 and every card you order is $2.99.
Plan on sending 10+? Pay an annual fee of $16.99 and every card you order is $1.99.

Also, since this is a new service they are offering, they are waiving you frist year's membership fee and you first 3 cards are free! As we all know, cards can be quite expensive. These prices are very reasonable and are really nice quality.

Okay, I feel like I just sounded like an informercial, but I really LOVE this service. Now I don't have to go to the store and browse for cards - I can do it at home or at the office. I just signed up last month and have already sent at least 7 cards already:) At the beginning of every month, I plan on checking my calendar and ordering all birthday and anniversary cards...and just like that, I'm done in one day.

Below are some of the cards I've sent...

For Berkleigh's First Birthday (Front)

For Baby Jude's Arrival (Front)

(Inside)

Silly Rabbit...I only wear Silly Bandz by Marc Jacobs!

I must admit when I first heard about the Silly Bandz craze, I thought "how silly"?! Maybe that's the point? But then I thought back to my childhood and remembered that I used to sport jelly bracelets like it was my job!

As I was looking through one of my favorite sites, Shopbop, I came across Marc Jacobs jelly bracelets which are essentially Silly Bandz. It's like the perfect combo of my favorite designer, my favorite childhood jewelry, all rolled into the new millennium! (Is it still considered the new millennium?)

Not only are the colors nice and bright, but they also have little charms attached to them, which makes them better than Silly Bandz. Wearing them will make me feel like a kid again. Or at the very least, my 5 and 8 year old neighbors will think I'm really cool:)

Make A Statement.

I love jewelry whether it be expensive, costume, whatever. As long as it's cute and especially if it's BIG. The bigger the better! That's why I always look to Anthropologie when I want a fun necklace. In fact, the one I'm wearing one today (pictured: the beaded swag necklace ), I paired with a plain gray long sleeve shirt. The shirt by itself would have been boring but looks more dressed up with the necklace. FYI - I am REALLY into yellow and gray these days. If you want to dress up a boring shirt give it new life by adding a fun necklace!

Name Change

I've decided that I needed to update the title of my blog (Already? I know!) because at the time, I really couldn't think of anything. The posts I plan on writing about are going to be things I like. Hence, the new name "Hannah's Favorite Things". Hey, if Oprah can do it, why can't I?

A Perfect Gift!

I happened to stumble across this website (Sarah + Abraham) full of adorable personalized gifts for children. With the trend of parents wanting to give their children unique names, it's hard to find mass produced already personalized items that have the names "Brooks" or "Berkleigh".

My new birthday staple gift for my friend's children has become the plate and bowl set from this site. You can select the hair and eye color to look like the child. My favorite feature - you can even make the eyes Asian!

This is the perfect birthday or Christmas gift. It's super adorable and thoughtful!

Cherry Blossoms Don't Only Bloom In The Spring...

I usually don't use hand creams because they feel heavy and make my hands all slimey. That's why I was very happy when a friend introduced me to L'Occitane Hand Cream. While it can be on the pricey side, I think it's definitely worth it. It's very light and a little bit goes a long way. My favorite scent is Fleur de Cerisier aka Cherry Blossom. They even have a handy travel size so you can take it on the go. And even in the cold of winter, it makes me feel like it's Spring!

The Grass is Greener...

Since I like consider myself to be a somewhat fashionable mom, I am always trying to find ways to incorporate style into some not-so-cute baby items. For instance, bottle drying racks. We originally had The First Years Spin and Store Drying Rack, which worked wonderfully, especially in the beginning when my son was drinking 7-8 bottles a day. Depending on what type of bottles you have, you'd be amazed at how many different parts there are! However, I just always found it to be an eye sore in our kitchen. Several months ago, when I was walking through the aisles of my favorite store (Target), I stumbled across the Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack. It immediately caught my eye. "How modern and ultracool!", I thought to myself. But at the same time wondered if it really held THAT much. Much to my delight, it can hold quite a bit depending on how efficient I am at placing items. Check out the reviews and some pictures of how to utilize here. When it's time for Baby #2 (it will be a while folks, so don't get too excited), those are the racks I will definitely be using!

Viva La Juicy!

While I'm over the Juicy track suit movement, I AM into the Juicy rollerball. I like to wear perfume but don't necessarily like to douse myself in it. The rollerball is a perfect solution and it is the perfect size to carry around in your purse, and even your clutch. There are four scents to choose from, Viva La Juicy being my favorite.

Go get you some;)

Perfectly Pink Party

My best friend's daughter turned one last week and to celebrate, she threw a "Perfectly Pink" themed party. She got super creative and the party turned out awesome! Everyone was asked to wear pink in honor of the birthday girl, which I loved. It made the pictures that much more fun. I had a hard time trying to find something pink for my 9 month old son without having people mistake him for a girl. I decided on a white button up shirt, jeans, and a pink tie. His outfit was a hit at the party. I found the tie on one of my favorite websites, Etsy. For those of you who don't know what Etsy is, it's a site where you can buy handmade or vintage items (think crotched baby hats, stationary, jewelry, art, you name it!). BAR's outfit and BKB's party were a great success!


Dessert Table

Homemade cupcake toppers

The beautiful birthday girl!

Everyone dressed in pink

BAR in his pink tie

Blogging...about stuff.

A few of my friends have blogs, blogs with purpose. Whether it's about their passion of accessories, their event planning company, or their art - all of them have some sort of resounding theme. I am a pretty random person, so I figured my blog would be about a little bit of everything. I enjoy shopping, tv, my family & friends, and...well, random stuff:) This blog is more for me than anything. A way for me to pass the time and to let everyone know what I enjoy. We'll see how long I can actually keep this blog going!

Thanks to Dana, Kelly, & Joanna for inspiring me to create my own:)

To follow Dana: http://theartofaccessories.com/blog/

To follow Kelly: http://silvertoucheventplanning.blogspot.com/

To follow Joanna: http://joannatorium.blogspot.com/