Trunk Club #3 Reveal

Trunk Club #3 Reveal

With the Nordstrom Sale happening now, I requested my stylist send me a trunk with some sale items and also more Zella pants. For those who don't know, if something in your trunk goes on sale, if you have the app you can see the sale price refelcted there. Always check before you buy as well as they will price match for you.

My stylist sent me 10 options and I didn't remove any, I liked everything she put in my trunk!

Madewell Cruiser Straight Leg Jeans Dalton - returning - I didn't like the straight leg look, these need to be rolled. I liked the fit and color but I already have boyfriend style jeans and didn't need another pair. Overall, they just look too short on me.

Hinge Pleat Back Sweater - returning - So soft and comfy, I loved the back of it. Why trumpet sleeves why?? I hated the sleeves and overall it felt too big. My stylist and I are still working on my size it seems.
Wit & Wisdom super smooth stretch denim - keeping - I have never heard of this brand but they fit amazing and I am in need of darker wash jeans.

 

Calson Knit Cowl Neck Tunic - returning - I wanted to love this. I love the color and material. However, pockets on my hips (the widest part of me) were not doing me any favors

Zella Etoile pullover Sweatshirt - returning - Less sweatshirt feeling and more just like a thick shirt. I was torn over this one. I liked it...the off shoulder was annoying me but I'd have a work out shirt or tank on under it anyway. It wasn't baggy on my like the stock photo or how a sweatshirt would have been. I was actually in Nordstrom after I got my trunk and was drawn to a shirt in the workout section and then realized it was this haha. If I never saw the description and stock photo I may have felt differently about this. 

Zella midnight high waist cut out midi - Keeping - these didn't feel like a high waist to me, they were a comfortable fit and I loved the cut outs.  I wore them already and got tons of compliments!

Zella live in Midi Leggings  - returning- love the color of these (thin black and white stripes) and the length, but just too similar to pairs I have. Color up close in the picture below.

Midi Leggings Print

Zella live in Midi Leggings in green balsam- returning - this color made me look washed out and did nothing for me. It looked more light grey than a green to me. I didn't even take a picture in them.

Caslon side slit cowl neck tunic - returning - I wanted to love this but there's ribbed sleeves. I hate ribbing, which I have communicated before to my stylist.

Zella  live in reversible leggings - returning - I bought a pair of black long leggings in a previous trunk and these are too similar. I'm lost on the reversible aspect. In the stock photos one picture is black and the other is a fun print. These were black on both sides. I could turn all my pants inside out and call them reversible! What the heck. No picture, just black leggings.

I was disappointed that none of the comfy sweaters were keepers, maybe my next trunk will work out better for me! 

Interested in trying trunk club? CLICK HERE.

Trunk Club #2 Reveal

Trunk Club #2 Reveal

My first trunk was fitness inspired and I didn't ask for a second trunk, but once I saw the boots she was sending I figured I would go for it.
I declined more options this time than last time, but overall I felt like she had a good sense of my style considering we haven't really communicated much about it. One shirt I declined because I already have it so that's impressive that out of all the clothes available she would happen to pick something I like so much that I have it. Other things that I declined just weren't practical for my working at home mom life (aka white and too expensive to take the risk).

Here is my trunk #2!

1. Madewell Cotton White Tee - KEEP - I love Madewell tees. I have another style with a pocket and it's super soft and I wear it all the time. Can't go wrong with basic white tees! And I've rationalized I need more than one because this one doesn't have a pocket and because my kid is always covering me in mystery stickiness. 
2. Faux Suede Jacket - RETURNED - This is not something I would have picked for myself but when I saw it in my trunk I didn't remove it. I think the whole point is to step out of your comfort zone and try new styles. I was also thinking about my amazing Sam Eldemann penny boots that are a staple in my wardrobe and how cute this would look with them. However, it's not tan, it's pinkish. It's sooo soft. I wanted to talk myself into it, but at this price point and with the color being pink, I knew I wouldn't wear it enough to make it worth buying. 
3. High Rise Skinny Jeans by Madewell - RETURNED - for as much as I love Madewell basic tees I've never tried their jeans. I also have never thought to try high rise jeans.They aren't as high as this picture looks. They seemed a normal fit to me (or that means all my jeans are high mom jeans?). Since they weren't anything special and I have jeans already, I returned them

4. Pleionne Scoop Neck Tee - RETURNED -not sure why I didn't realize this when I reviewed my initial trunk but I have a very similar top from the same brand that I got at the end of summer Nordstrom sale.

5. Free People Split Back Pullover - RETURNED - A few things about this with the first being it's RIBBED. Ugh. I hate ribbed clothing. It was comfy and oversized with an opening in the back. I wanted to like it but couldn't get over the ribbing.

6. Trouve Asymetrical Hem Sweater - RETURNED - In theory this is a nice fit and was flattering, but I also thought it was weird.

 




















 7. Lucky Booties - KEEP - The whole reason I decided to get another trunk was seeing these booties! I have been wanting a brown pair without a heel because as much as I love my knee high boots, I need shoes I can slip on and off for daycare drop off and pick up. I was worried because my shoe size seems to have changed post pregnancy and the shoes I got in my last fix were too small. You don't see what sizes you are getting but I sent my stylist a message asking for these a half size bigger than the shoes in the previous trunk. They fit! I love them!

8. Halogen Sweater - RETURNED - this was an item that was added after I removed some items. I love it and it's really soft. I don't own anything in this color and I'm not opposed to the color but wasn't loving it enough to keep.

9. Ponte pants - RETURNED - These pants were another item added after my initial review. I really like the style but I just have already bought too many pants for the fall and have things that are similar but more casual for my lifestyle. I just didn't think I'd have enough occasions to wear these. I think they also ran small and they just didn't feel like a great fit. I didn't even take a picture in them.

 10. Cable Knit Sweater Dress - RETURNED - This was added after my initial review. I was surprised to see it because I declined an item stating that white wasn't going to be practical with the baby right now. There's no way I would chance this. I wanted to keep it thinking it would be cute for the holidays but considering my daughter's birthday is at the holidays I can just picture frosting smeared on everything from her cake and we serve Italian food at Christmas. This is a magnet for spilled sauce. I just couldn't take the chance! It's REALLY heavy and thick. Which was kind of nice because some sweater dresses hug my curves and don't look flattering, but it was also just really hot. 

What do you think? What would you have kept?
Want to try Trunk Club? Click here!

Stitch Fix Review September 2016

Stitch Fix Review: How Stitch Fix Works + My Current Fix

I have been using stitch fix for at least two years that I can remember. I have also used it while pregnant. I don't know what fix number this is, but it's safe to say I'm a fan of stitch fix.

If you decide you are interested in signing up please use my referral link: REFERRAL LINK
Full disclosure, I get a $25 credit to help fund my stitch fix addiction. Mama needs new clothes!

A few things to know if you're new to stitch fix. Each "fix" costs $20, which is then credited towards the item(s) you purchase. When you sign up you will answer questions about yourself and select your style based on some images they give you. You can choose price points, select prints and fabrics that you never want to receive, and give information about how you like clothes to fit on different parts of your body (loose, don't like to show my legs, etc). You do not have to sign up for monthly fixes. You can sign up for automated fixes (I have done monthly in the past) or you can just schedule a fix when you want one. That's what I am currently doing.

There's also an option to include additional web links so they have a better sense of your style. I would recommend putting together a pinterest board for your stylist so they can get a better idea of what you like. Just be sure to change the comments on each picture.

If you love everything in your fix you get 25% off your entire fix! 

Newer Stitch Fix Options

There are a few things Stitch fix recently started offering: shoes, exchanges, and mens fixes!
The shoes are a lot of times found at Nordstrom (Stitch fix also price matches) and I've seen really cute shoes in other people's fixes.
Exchanges are also officially new. They existed in the past but you had to email customer service. Stitch fix has now made it an option at check out so it's more easily accessible. 
They also now offer a men's service, but my husband would look at me like I was crazy if I signed him up.
They also offer maternity boxes, which was newer around the time I was pregnant and I loved my maternity boxes. It was my first baby so while I had a lot of hand me downs, I wanted to get a few nice things of my own that I could use for future pregnancies. I got dresses for my baby showers and they sent me items I would have never picked out on my own but LOVED. A picture of me pregnant and in a dress from Stitch Fix:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to schedule a fix? 

Ok now we are ready for ordering our first fix!

Each fix you also get to leave a style note for your stylist where you can tell the stylist about any upcoming events you are looking for an outfit for or a style you are interested in getting. In the past I have mentioned I have a lot of baby/wedding showers coming up, please send some dress options or that I'm ready for some fall clothes. The people who end up disappointed are the people who are looking for very specific items, for example, they want exactly what they pinned. If you know the specific items and styles you need, go shopping. Stitch fix is best when you are open to trying items you would not have normally picked for yourself or give a general description (like comfy clothes since I'm a stay at home mom or vacation outfits for my upcoming Mexico trip).

I also suggest downloading the Stitch fix app so you can obsessively check when your fix ships and so you can SNEAK PEEK on the items you are receiving! If you click begin check out, you can see pictures of the items being sent and their price! Sometimes it's good to peek because you get excited over things, sometimes it's not because you think you will hate everything (but then end up loving it all once you try it on).

Review of my most recent fix

In my most recent fix I requested fall clothes that are comfy but don't make me look like a bum at daycare drop off (I work at home so I don't have to get too dressed up). I specifically asked for colored skinny jeans and a purse big enough for me to shove baby gear in. Below is a review of the items I received:

1. Market & Spruce Colibri Plaid Henley Top $48
Plaid is very in this year. I know, because I just bought 3 plaid shirts. Which is why I thought I would be returning it. However, I'm keeping it. It's light and perfect for fall. This lighter material is different from my other recent plaid purchases (at least that's my rationalization).

(Side note: One of my recent plaid purchses was this shirt. I found the brand at Nordstrom but then found it ON SALE on Amazon. It's worth full price. It's the softest shirt ever! I highly recommend it if you're ready to hop on the plaid train this fall)
Rails Shirt - comes in a bunch of colors


















2. Kut from the Kloth Callie Denim Jacket $78

My Stylist read my mind because I was just cleaning out my closet and putting away my fall clothes and thought to myself, I need a jean jacket! The one I own is from college. I love this brand as well! Fits like a glove, a keeper for sure. Also, if I keep it for as long as I kept my last jean jacket, it's an investment and a steal!


 










(Amazon has a few Kut from the Kloth jean jacket options, although the Callie style isn't listed: CLICK HERE for more options).


3. Market & Spruce Sam Hi-Low Short Sleeve Tee $44

My first thought was this is a grey t-shirt for $44. But it's not! It's amazing! It's soft, almost like a sweater, but not a sweater. And it really is high low, coming down lower in the back. I paired it with the Kamala skinny jeans I was sent as mentioned by my stylist in my note, but too much grey and I didn't like how you can see the top of the jeans sticking through. It will look better with leggings/pants without a button. I'm picturing myself now in my comfy outfit drinking wine under a blanket this fall. Keeping!









4. Urban Expressions Elisha Zipper Accent Structured Satchel $58
I asked for a purse in my last fix as well as my current purse has become a diaper bag catch all and the zippers inside are broken, yet I'm still carrying it around because it has all the baby supplies in it. Even though  my current purse is worn out and hideous, I've been so picky about selecting a new one. I just want one to arrive at my door. Hello Stitch fix! The purse from last month didn't work out because it was off-white and I can live in my mom reality that an off-white purse isn't a good idea. I immediately loved this purse and when I read my stylist's note I knew why, it was from my Pinterest board! Keeping!








5. Tinsel Kamala Skinny Jean $68

I asked for skinny jeans in my note, but I asked for colored skinny jeans. In my last box I got colored skinny jeans and it was the first time that a pair of pants I received from stitch fix did not fit perfect! I know, it's hard to shop for jeans so you wouldn't expect one random pair of a brand you aren't familiar with to fit, but they always have for me, even my first fix post baby! My last fix's skinny jeans came up way too low for this mom-bod. My stylist read my last note (this is why it's important to leave feedback!) and sent this pair which she thought would be a higher fit. They did fit great but while labeled as the color Olive, these are grey (I have two grey pairs already) and I don't love the material. It's not a jean, it's not a legging, it's slightly shiny. My note said to pair this with the Sam Hi-Low shirt but that was just too much grey. Then I remembered this black top from my last fix and threw on some heels and the pants were growing on me. I am keeping for the discount and I may resell.






My entire fix total was $296.00. Minus my $20 fee $276. I had a $30 credit (thanks referral!) and with the 25% off discount for buying everything my fix is only $172. It's important to do some math because even though I don't love the skinny jeans, if I were to keep everything but them I would pay $286 before my credits/ $236 after. So it just doesn't make sense to not keep them. 

There are a few facebook groups where people will sell things they kept for a discount so that's always an option. If you do this, especially in your first few fixes, let your stylist know in the feedback that you didn't keep it for yourself or they might think you love it and send similar items. I once got a poncho and I sent that back with a very strong stance on ponchos, haven't gotten one since!


Make sure if you sign up to use someone's referral link so you can help fund their addiction. Mine is above but you can get one from a friend as well who uses Stitch Fix. Then, once you sign up make sure to share your link as well! The normal credit is $25 but every once in a while they offer up to a $50 credit per referral. 

Have you tried stitch fix yet? Share your thoughts in the comments! 

Clothing Resale Options Review

Clothing resale website review



My post-baby closet needs a clean out so I have tried a few approaches for selling clothing. Also, babies grow really fast! I have baby clothes to sell as well in order to make room (and money) for new clothes. Below is a review of different methods of selling your clothing.

My first approach was to just give everything to Goodwill; I had no time or energy to try to sell things and just wanted things out of my house.  On the plus side, you are making a donation, but let's face the harsh reality of the amount I spend on clothes...it would be nice to get something for them. Below are the approaches I tried for resale.

First, cleaning out my closet:
Consignment stores
If there is one near you and you quickly want to unload everything with minimal effort, I say give it a try. The only issue I have with consignment stores is they will only accept things from last season or no more than two seasons old. I tend to hold onto things for longer before parting with them.

Facebook resale pages 
These were my start, especially for maternity clothing. I was successful with selling and buying maternity clothing this way. For regular clothes, you have to find a group specific to your clothes. There are high end groups, casual clothing groups & groups that only allow certain brands. Frankly, I can't be on Facebook all day and in 50 groups. Your items quickly move to the bottom of the newsfeed pages, so you have to go back each day to bump your posts. There's no great way for people to search for your items. Also, you have to figure out your own shipping, etc. So while it can work, it took too much effort for this busy mama.

Poshmark
This has been my favorite and most successful way to buy and sell women's clothing! The thing about consignment stores is that while I have desirable brands, they are not from last season.
The app is very user friendly. Just take some pics and fill out some info on your item and you are ready! For poshmark you want to follow people and gain followers to grow interest in your closet. Also, sharing others listings and hoping they do the same (most do!) helps others see your closet items in their news feeds. Even if you don't put in the time to follow people and share items, there are so many filters that people can use when shopping so if your items meet that filter then they will show in the search.
You can offer bundle discounts as well. If you reduce your price by 10% or more, an email alert will go out to everyone who has liked your listing and it will offer them cheaper shipping as well. For this reason I might list something for $10 then after a few people like it drop it to $8. People can also make you offers on your items. I have done this and if you make a reasonable offer most people will accept it. They are trying to clean our their closets as well! I also accept reasonable offers. Every once in a while you get someone who low balls you but you can just decline and move on.
I have made almost $200 from selling on Poshmark for about 2 months! The trick is to list your items honestly and take great photos. No one wants to buy your wrinkled top that's thrown on a wrinkled comforter of an unmade bed with you laundry piles on the floor in the background! The other great thing is shipping is easy. Buyers pay this in addition to your list price but all you need to do is print out the label that Poshmark sends you and drop it in the mail.
If you use my referral code you can get $5 off your purchase! My code is NPMDV.

Onto kids clothing!
Kidizen
I have heard so many good things about Kidizen. It was very easy for me to upload clothes. Very user friendly. However, the issue I have with kids clothes is that it's just not worth it with shipping. For this app, the price you charge is the final price including shipping, so you need to take that into consideration when pricing your items.
Brands that sell best are higher end brands, special occasion dresses and outfits that are cheaper than buying new and still a good deal with shipping. Lower end brands do not do as well, especially if listed individually. I had a mix of brands and bundles but did not have success on this app.

Totspot
Totspot is similar to Kidzien however, shipping is charged in addition to your list price. For this reason, I listed my items for a lower price. In addition, users can bundle your items and you can offer discounts on bundles. Because of the shipping costs, this is a popular option for many users. I like not having to worry about figuring out shipping costs on my own (as compared to Kidizen).
While using Totspot, they started to allow women's clothing to be listed. It seems most people are there for children's clothing and the adult items were not as popular. I think that due to shipping costs, you would do well here if you had a buyer who liked multiple items in your closet and wanted to buy a few (therefore creating a bundle). I only had about 10-15 items in my closet so I really did not have success on this app. I think if you have a larger selection that allows bundling you could do better than I did. I did not list my clothing here as it didn't seem a popular option yet for women's clothing.

Facebook resale pages
You can find a resale page for almost any brand of children's clothing. I think this is the way to go for higher end and popular brands like Boden, Tea, and Janie & Jack. People on the boards are already fans of the brand, know the costs of new items, and are willing to pay for items they love or are looking for. Items a few years old are considered "vintage" and hard to find and can command a higher cost. Especially if someone is looking for a bigger/smaller size to match a sibling.

Consignment
Unfortunately I do not have children's consignment/resale stores in my area. This would be the easiest option in that you can take a bunch of clothes at once and have money in your hand an hour later. You may not get the highest amount for your higher end brands but it's quick and minimal effort on your part. This is normally my last option just due to my location factor. What doesn't sell on apps or Facebook brand pages I give to my sister and she takes to a store near her along with her kids clothes. She gives me lots of hand me downs so I don't ask for the money back. I figure I'll get it back with future hand me downs ;)

At this point, anything that didn't sell or that consignment didn't take you can try to list as a bundle
on your local yard sale Facebook page. Basically one step away from donating but at least another mom in your area gets some use out of them and you get a few dollars.

Good luck with reselling!
What have you tried and had success with (or not)? Comment below!