Maternity Stitch Fix #1

If you follow me on social media, you may have seen that I ordered another Stitch Fix. (If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, then check out this post.)

I was happy hear a while back that they would be offering maternity sizes now. Perfect timing for me! So I revised my style profile (since I no longer need so much business casual) and placed my order.

Today my fix came and it may have been one of the best yet! My stylist, Kate, wrote me a sweet note about the pregnancy and picked some wonderful items. And this time, I actually tried everything on so you can see how it looks on me versus the hanger.

I asked for pieces that could grow with me as I go through this pregnancy. I also wanted everything to be transitional since we'll soon be out of winter and into the heat.

Liverpool Collen Maternity Straight Leg Jean

Tops from TJ Maxx, Shoes from Nordstrom Rack, Jewelry from Stella & Dot

Leave it to my stylist at Stitch Fix to FINALLY find me a pair of maternity jeans that I feel like myself in. These are stretchy and a nice dark color, so they are slimming. (You can see the almost-five-month baby bump here). I also really appreciate that the back pockets are in a flattering position. Most maternity jeans are just so frumpy! They are a touch long so I've cuffed them here, but I'm not worried about that at all. I'm keeping these!


Madigan Ailene Lace Sleeve Maternity Top

Shoes TJ Maxx, Jewelry Stella & Dot, Purse 1154 Lill Studios

When I took this top out of the box I was worried it might be too small, but it is stretchy and oh-so-comfortable. I think it can easily be dressed up for date night, like I showed here (with the jeans above), or worn a bit more casual. The high crew neck isn't the most flattering neckline on me, but as long as I add a long necklace, I should be fine. I'm keeping this top.


Daniel Rainn Narline Button Down Maternity Blouse (made especially for Stitch Fix)

Jewelry Target, Shoes TJ Maxx

I knew that I loved the colors and the fun print of this blouse, but I could immediately tell it was huge! As you can see in the pic above, everything was just too blousy on me. Not flattering.

I pulled the back tighter just to prove to myself that it was an ok shirt, it was just the wrong size. I also think the stripes at my hips were in the wrong place on my body. This one is going back.


Market & Spruce Sollas Maternity Knit Top 

Jacket very old K-Mart, Shoes DSW, Pants Motherhood Maternity, Jewelry Stella & Dot and RocksBox

I was so happy when I saw the color of this top. I had something similar in my pre-maternity clothes, but I could no longer wear it. This top is short-sleeved, so it will be great to layer up, like I show here, or to wear as-is once summer hits. It is very soft and comfortable. Keeping this one!


Paradigm Gwenifer Kimono 

Jewelry my own found turquoise pieces

Oh how I love kimonos! I can wear them now and again when I'm not pregnant. I have a few in my closet and I enjoy wearing them. When I saw this, I was just sure it would be a no-brainer. My stylist even coordinated the top above to wear underneath. BUT, the front hit me in just the wrong spot. It made me look very boxy, so I, with a very sad face, had to send this back too.



All in all, this was a hugely successful box. The stylist nailed my style!

If you're interested in getting your own Stitch Fix box, the sign up process is fun and simple. Just click on any of the links in this post! Sharing is caring!

Best,
Karli

*This post contains affiliate links. While I was not compensated to write this post, I may receive credit for sign ups. All opinions are my own and I only share what I love!

Stitch Fix #9

I signed up for another Stitch Fix for February. My last box was great, but I didn't get to keep as many of the items as I wanted. So I thought I'd give it another whirl right away.

This was my best box yet! My stylist, Kia, called it "gold" because she said she had fun putting it together for me.

One of the best tips I have for you if you're thinking about getting a box, make sure to pin items you really want on Pinterest and change the caption to explain what you love about the item you're pinning. Then don't forget to leave a note in your request about your Pinterest board. Kia picked so much of what I'd pinned.

So let's take a look at what I got this month! The theme for this box is...Don't Knock It Til You Try It.

 

My first item is this color block hoodie. When I pulled it out of the box I was underwhelmed to say the least. But like most Stitch Fix items, once I tried it on, I was really happy with the fit and the way it looks on me. I like that its a "dressier" version of a lazy-day sweatshirt. Keeping this!

 
The next item was this cool cargo vest. It is really hard to tell if this is navy or black. They call it navy, but sometimes it reads black. I knew I'd love this before I tried it on. What can I say, I have the thing for vests right now. I got my mom a really cool vest for Christmas and I've been kicking myself for not getting myself one too. Now I have my own. Keeping this!

 
Oh, no they didn't. They sent me jeans. There is no way that they could possibly pick a jean that will fit. I have enough trouble finding the right size and style on my own. I was just sure that I would be disappointed when I tried to put these on. But...they fit like a glove. Plus, I love that they are slightly distressed boyfriend jeans. I don't have any distressed jeans, so I'm keeping these. So happy!

 

 
The fourth item is this cute striped tank. I was also worried that this wouldn't be flattering on or that it wouldn't fit across the bust area (my last box was wrought with that issue). But lucky me, it fits great and is really flattering. Plus I love the detailing with the yellow stitching. Keeping this!

 

 
Ahh, item number five. This was the one thing that I didn't have to try on to know it wasn't going to work. I look terrible in colors like this. I know blush is one of the hottest colors of the season, but it's just not for me. Plus the cut on the bottom of this wasn't flattering with my hips. This one is going back for sure.

So at the end of the day I am keeping four of the five items. So happy with my new pieces...especially thinking about how I'll style them with all my Stella & Dot bling. :)

If you'd like to sign up for a Stitch Fix box, just click on any of the links within.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you. I'll be wearing something from my box out to dinner tonight.

Best,
Karli

*This post contains affiliate links. While I was not compensated to write this post, I may receive credit for sign ups. All opinions are my own and I only share what I love!

Stella & Dot Announcement

You may remember me talking about hosting a Stella & Dot party last spring. I've purchased a handbag, numerous earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and more over the past four years. I'm happy to say that each and every piece has held up and is still in my rotation.

After my stylist moved to Louisiana, I was left with the desire to see the new pieces without an easy way to do so. I knew my friends (Sarah, Susan and Michelle I'm looking at you!) would be in the same boat. So being the problem solver I am, I decided it was time to put all this passion and my purchases to use. I'm officially a Stella & Dot Stylist! Trust me, you're welcome!

Between all the great items already in my collection and a few new purchases I've just made, I'll be up and running soon--ready to show everything off in mid-January. If you want to get your hands on anything, browse the catalog with me, explore my website in your pj's or even host a trunk party (hello, hostess rewards!) I'm here for you.

Here are a few of my favorites to whet your appetite. All images are courtesy of Stella & Dot.

My sister in law, Caren, purchased these earrings and she loves them. They look so great on her!

 

 
I have these fun citron drops and I get compliments on them every time I wear them. So fun!

 

I bought this ring on a whim and I love it so much that I wear it at least four times a week. It is simple with a fun twist!

 
I just ordered this ring and I can't wait for it to arrive. This shows the funky, edgy side that I love from Stella & Dot. They make classic pieces to wear every day as well as statement pieces for special occasions.

 
This is another bracelet that I personally own. I wear it much more often than I first imagined. I love that its a bit "rough" but the metal is classic and it blends well with many of my other pieces. I usually layer it with a few additional bracelets.

 

My friend Michelle owns this necklace in the gold version. Every time I see her wear it, I feel a pang of jealously that I didn't order it myself. Check out how many ways you can wear this thing! So versatile!

 
And my favorite new piece is a real showstopper. Like the necklace above, you can wear this at least five different ways. I love longer necklaces, so this is perfect for me, but you can also wear it short, peeking out of the professional button up shirt.

If you have any questions about the products or if you want to see it in person, just shout! Odds are I'll be wearing something the next time you see me anyway.

Enjoy!
Karli

Stitch Fix #7

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in Colorado. The snow flakes are just starting to fly, the Broncos are on the TV and I've got my Christmas decorations 90% up.

Earlier this week I got a Stitch Fix box. I hadn't ordered one for almost a year! I love getting these fun boxes of clothes and accessories. If you want to know more about what I'm talking about check out my introduction post.

I requested a few versatile tops that could be dressed or down and a vest. Like usual, the folks at Stitch Fix did a great job and even threw in a surprise for me :)

The first thing I saw was this black and white striped dress. I could tell just by holding it up that it ran small. When I tried it on, it was too tight on my bust and it was too short. I obviously sent this one back.

 

The next thing I tried on was this cute vest. The material is like a jersey stretch but it almost looks like denim. The interior is lined with a furry gray material. I love all the zippers and the fact that its asymmetrical. I kept this piece!

 

When I pulled this next top out of the box I immediately knew I'd love it. It was soft and cozy. The back is cut longer than the front, which I love. I kept this top and I've already worn it twice. What a great find!

 

When I saw this pop of bright blue in the box, I was thrilled. I love tops like this! Unfortunately, this top was also too tight across my bust and the buttons where gaping. I had to send this back.

 

The final item, I dreaded trying on. They'd never sent me bottoms and I just knew it would be a wasted effort. These skinny ankle jeans are a very dark navy, almost black. To my absolute delight and surprise, these fit like a glove and I LOVE them. I'm keeping these babies! Way to go Stitch Fix!

 
So I kept three of the five items this time. I consider that a win!! I also had a friend try Stitch Fix for the first time and she loved two of the items in her first box. What fun!

I also wanted to show you the style card they send with each box. They give you two examples of how to wear each item. Just in case you need a little inspiration when you pull the pieces out of the box.

If you have any questions about how Stitch Fix works, let me know. And if you decide to give it a try, feel free to use my referral link. I love hearing other people's experience.

Best,
Karli

One Shirt, Five Ways: My Favorite StitchFix Top

In a previous post I mentioned how much I love StitchFix--an online retailer who assigns me a stylist to shop for fun a unique clothing. In my very first "fix" I received a shirt I never would have thought would look good on me. They proved me wrong.

It is a slightly sheer fabric, so I have to wear a cami underneath. And you're not seeing things, it is cut shorter in the front and longer in the back.

 
Not only did they prove me wrong, but this shirt has become one of my very favorite pieces of clothing. It's full of colors that are easy to mix with, it's comfy, it has great details and the cut is so versatile!


 Up-close so you can see the colors, light material and detail at the neckline.


I decided it would be fun to do a few posts about how I change up the items in my closet and get lots of good out of them--especially with something as trendy as this top. If you're going to buy something that's "hot" one season, you'll want to make sure you get your money's worth. (It may be "not" next season!) 


Style #1: Business Casual Office Wear
I've actually worn this outfit to the office a few times and to a meeting. It's comfortable, yet stylish while looking professional. I simply throw on my black leggings, a black cami, then the top, a bright orange cardigan and my go-to reddish orange ballet flats. I kept the jewelry simple, so just some woven black earrings.

Daytime office wear

Style #2: Casual Friday
I also like to wear the shirt on the outside of skinny jeans. Since the top is long and loose, I feel like I need to keep the bottoms rather slender. I paired this with my "I can't believe I just found this on sale" leather jacket, brown riding boots, a tomato red textured scarf and some large silver earrings.

I like that this could transition to a Friday casual date night too

Style #3: Saturday in the Park (I think it was the 4th of July)--sorry couldn't resist finishing the lyric
In this case, I tucked the shirt in and bloused it out a bit with my black Bermuda shorts. I added some sandals and lots of silver jewelry.


A skinny colorful belt might be nice here too, but since I bloused the shirt, I didn't feel like it needed one.


Style #4: Dressy Date Night
I feel really put together when I wear something like this. Since we aren't really "dressy" people I think I've only worn this once. But it's still a good look! I tucked the shirt in smooth--not a lot of blousing this time--with a slim fit black skirt. I added a tan belt and tan wedge sandals. Since I wore a blue cami underneath, I punched up the color with bright blue woven earrings and an orange bangle.

My "I've got it all together" look

Style #5: Sunday Brunch
While we're being colorful, we may as well embrace it. In this case, I paired the shirt with my tomato red denim skinny cropped pants and kept the shirt on the outside since they're skinnies. To add another color to the mix, I wore my turquoise ballet flats and lots of turquoise jewelry.

Embrace the colors!

You might not have even noticed, but I didn't do any necklaces with this shirt. I'm sure you could, but I wanted to let the fun neckline speak for itself, so I just stuck with larger, statement earrings instead. With my short hair, I also think the earrings keep it looking feminine.

I hope you enjoyed this post. It was really fun to put together. I'm already scheming a few more soon (maybe my mustard yellow cropped pants--who knew those could be so versatile?)!

Karli

Let Me Introduce You to StitchFix...

One day my friend Jenn let me in on a secret and I've never been the same since. It's called StitchFix. Prepare to be amazed at the brilliance of this company and what it can do for your wardrobe.

It starts out simply enough. You sign up for StitchFix by filling out a profile about your style. Are your clothes more classic and preppy or maybe romantic or bohemian? (They have pinterest boards and a blog if you're not sure what your style is.)

You answer questions HONESTLY about your size and body and how you like your clothes to fit. You can even decide how much you want to spend on each item. For example, I'll maybe spend $75 on a dress but I want shirts to be less than $50. Then you decide when you want your first "fix."

And you wait with baited breath for your package (free shipping, mind you!). StitchFix sends you five items based on your profile--a complete surprise! The beautiful packaging sets the stage for what's to come.

This shirt and silver cuff were from my second fix. Love that this shirt is so quirky, light and colorful!

You open your package and are greeted by a note from your stylist and each item comes with two ways to style it. I like to lay everything out on my bed and examine it so I can see the details.

Then the fun begins. You get to try everything on...in your own closet, with your own shoes, skirts, bras, jewelry. And you have three days to decide what you want to keep (meanwhile all that's been charged is a $20 styling fee--so no large amount already charged or necessary to return).

My third fix was around the fall/winter. I asked for a versatile blazer. And I fell in love with this vest too. I've gotten the good out of both of these items. Perfect for the office!

 

The details of the vest are wonderful. Black and white pattern with suede covered edging and buttons.

 

The blazer is made of forgiving, stretchy jersey. It feels like wearing your favorite t-shirt! And the details--the inside is navy and white striped. I love to turn the cuffs up so you can see this nice style!

Simply return what you don't want in the PRE-PAID package. (That $20 styling fee goes towards anything you keep)

Here's the MOST IMPORTANT part about StitchFix...fill out the questionnaire at the end of your experience so your stylist can learn why you did or did not like the items she sent you. I can vouch from experience that the more detailed and honest you are, the better your future "fixes" will be.

My most recent fix was the best yet! I loved every single item. (Sadly one dress they sent was just a bit too short on me, so I returned it)

My fourth and most recent haul. I asked for light-weight, flowy tops and boy did they deliver!


Another bonus? StitchFix sends me things I might not pick out myself. I never would have guessed this top would flatter me, but every time I wear it I get compliments.

This was from my first fix--the only item I kept. It is what they call a hi-low top. It's cut shorter in the front and longer in the back. I'm planning a post on how many different ways you can wear something like this. Stay tuned!

 

What I love about items I get from StitchFix...the attention to detail and special touches. Love this gathered neckline.

And frankly, I like unique clothes that I don't see on everyone else. But I don't have the time or money to shop small boutiques to find these cool items. Answer: StitchFix.

And the prices are comparable to any online retailer I've found who carries the same items.

Seriously in love with this company, the concept and now my stylist!

If you're feeling compelled enough to sign up, please consider using this link to my referral code.

You can thank me later,
Karli

Hotel Sax Chicago: Design Inspirations

This week I traveled to Chicago for a recipe photoshoot with work. I decided to stay at a different hotel in River North. I found Hotel Sax online and was impressed with the location, rate and reviews. So off I went.

It is located right next to House of Blues off State Street and Kinzie within walking distance to lots of great Chicago steakhouses like Harry Carey's as well as some hip new resaurants like RMP and Sable Kitchen + Bar. (I ate at the last two. Did not disappoint!)

The reception area was the first unique element I noticed. The antique glass display cases were filled with cut crystal glassware. It was not the normal sterile greeting!

 

The halls on the way to my room featured graphic pewter carpet, metallic tone-on-tone wallpaper and dark wood trim. A sort of rock 'n roll vibe...

Loving the patterns, metallics and darker tones.

And so the wallpaper continues...

In my room I was greeted with a variety of textures, patterns and tones. A snake skin chair, an embossed leather headboard, plush black and white carpet, crisp white linens and wood grain furniture. (All of this with a lack of "artwork." I love how this design lets the colors and textures be the focal points instead of a large picture over the bed, for instance.)

LOVE that wallpaper. Very subtle but gives some interest to the wall.

An up-close of the wallpaper in the bedroom



This cool sidetable has a glass top with purple marbles inside. I also love the mirror behind the side lamp. Again, it doubles the amount of light and makes the space feel big.


In the bathroom, the lime green grasscloth wallpaper really set off the black and white tile and fixtures. 

Modern with a nod to retro



I love that this wallpaper makes you want to touch it!

After using the bedroom and bathroom for a few days I think there are a few things I want to tuck away in my own "inspirations" for our future master bathroom remodel and a couple updates in our master...

Larger white subway tiles.

Again, a modern bit of retro.

Black and white floors (I love these but I think I might get tired of them in real life)

So much fun

These were actaully small tiles laid in a square 4x4 pattern

I love their tasteful use of mirrors (because we all know there is a fine line between 70's creepy floor-to-ceiling mirrors and framed modern mirror features)...

This is opposite the large windows so it bounces light around and makes the room feel much bigger than it is.

Our master bedroom is big enough to have a small seating area. I love the idea of one soft chair and lamp.

Notice that this lamp base is painted a dark purple.

So if you can't already tell, I'd recommend this place if you're headed to Chicago and you like a posh, modern, rock 'n roll style.

Feeling inspired,
Karli