Stitch Fix Review - April 2016

It's that time of month again!  I just got my 9th Stitch Fix last week and Tina, once again, knocked it out of the park!  I love love LOVE how she totally listens to what I say and post and everything.  I don't know if I could ever break up with Stitch Fix.  That is unless Tina left and I never found anyone else as awesome! 

I'm not going to go through all the details, but if you don't know what Stitch Fix is check out my first review or just head straight over to the Stitch Fix website and check it out for yourself!  Also here is my referral link in case you want to go try it out for yourself!

Moving on with my Fix.  I can't believe I'm on my 9th Fix!  It's been so much fun receiving these every month or so.  Over the past year I haven't been getting them every month because I was pregnant in there and it just didn't make sense.  Now I'm doing it, and loving it!  This month, I asked Tina for some summer stuff specifically floral tops because I actually don't have any.  I also asked her for a specific bag to use to carry all my work stuff in to and from work.  I spent some time pinning a bunch of fun new things on my Pinterest board as well.  I really try to freshen it up every month just to give her some idea of what I'm into and where I'm going.   

Here is what Tina wrote to me this month:

"Hello Amie! I'm loving your new boho styled pins on your Pinterest.  The trend is so on point for the summer season and I thought these pieces would look amazing on you.  The Pixley blouse in particular is on Pinterest pick.  It would look great with any solid colored shorts or even tucked into a chambray skirt.  I also included a couple of floral blouses, perfect for transitioning into May as the flowers start to bloom.  We didn't have the Street Level Anchorage tote in a solid color at the moment, but I did find you a cute diamond print one.  It has the same design, but with a summery style that's great for work or a beach vacation.  Enjoy the Fix and I hope you're delighted with these picks! - XOXO, Tina"

Now lets check out what was inside :)

1. Le Lis Truxton Embellished Crew Neck Blouse - XS - $48.00

First, I have to talk about how I was totally excited and impressed that Tina took the time to try to pick the right size in my shirts.  The last Fix, I had mentioned to her that if the shirt is blousy, it would probably be wise to size down to an XS, and she did!  It totally made my Fix work this month I'm pretty sure.  

On to the actual shirt now...this shirt is actually a really dark navy blue.  I kept going back and forth in my head, but it truly could probably go either way.  I don't usually wear a lot of black just because I'm so fair skinned, but I think this one works because of the lighter peachy pink trim around the neckline.  It brightens it up a bit.  I loved the floral print right out of the box.  I like the fact that It's a little more unnatural or geometric if that makes sense.  It's also a high/low which I'm really starting to like a lot more than I ever thought that I would.

When I tired it on, I liked it just as much as I did just looking at it out of the box.  The XS really helped this shirt not feel like a tent.  I think this shirt will be great in any season too.  I didn't take a picture of it, but I tried this on with the jean jacket that I got in my previous Fix and it's adorable.  Something I will definitely wear together.  My husband also really liked this shirt too.

KEPT

2. Street Level Anchorage Diamond Printed Tote - $64.00

I was definitely excited that this was in my Fix.  It is what I asked for basically, so I was definitely interested to see how big it would be.  In the pictures that I've seen on other blogs it didn't look huge, but I'm also a rather small person.  That works against me with purses at times.  

At first sight, I wasn't too excited about the pattern or the fabric.  It's kind of like upholstery.   It's pretty and all, but it isn't something that I gravitate towards for a bag.  I was really hoping for something neutral, but not black.  

There are some great things about this bag though if you're in the market for a large bag.  It has about a bazillion pockets/compartments to put things in.  As you can see in the picture below there are two side pockets which are very large and have magnetic closures.  Then there is a large zippered compartment that has a few pockets within it to keep smaller things.  I wasn't overly excited about the fabric on the inside of the bag, it was kind of generic overall. Just not exactly what I was looking for.  Tina was definitely right though.  This bag would be great for traveling!

SENT BACK

3. Pixley Panorama Henley Blouse - XS - $48.00

I was SO excited to see this in my box.  Out of everything on my Pinterest board, I was probably most excited about this shirt.  I think it's so fun and could be a great piece all year around.  I love both the color and the pattern.  It's basically my go to summer shirt style.  I have a few shirts in this cut, but they are getting a bit old, so I definitely could use some new ones, and more modern prints/patterns.  The fabric is so light and airy as well.  It's going to be an awesome summer shirt!

When I first tried this on, I wasn't sure it fit me well in the shoulders, and I was super bummed.  Then when I had more time, I tried it on again and wore it around a bit, and I was mistaken.  I love love love it!  I think XS was definitely the way to go here, because if it were a small I think there would have been way to much fabric around my mid section making me feel like this is a maternity shirt.  I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite shirt at the moment.

KEPT

4. Collective Concepts Bimini Peplum Blouse - S - $54.00

This is a really pretty shirt, the pinkish peach color is very vibrant and in my opinion right on point for the spring.  It's just a beautiful feminine shirt with the color, floral pattern and lace details.  The color I think is definitely bright enough that it didn't wash me out, which I was worried about initially.  I was also worried about the peplum part of it.  I have always wanted a peplum top because I keep hearing about how flattering they are.  I just didn't feel this way about this shirt on me. 

I think overall it could be because it's to big.  The top part just seems like it was a bit too billowy for my chest.  Maybe if it were a size smaller I would feel differently, but who knows.  It could also be because I have a short torso too?  Maybe it's supposed to fit this way and I'm just not getting it?  It could be a lot of reasons.  Tell me if you think this is cute or if this is how it's supposed to fit because I'm uncertain.

SENT BACK

5. Daniel Rainn Cassady Tie Neck Top - XS - $64.00

Oh this shirt...I think it almost killed me.  This shirt was SO me it was ridiculous.  The moment I saw this shirt I was like I'm going to love this shirt.  It's going to be in my wardrobe (again Tina hit it out of the park).  I actually have had many shirts that kind of fit this same profile in my life.  I love the detailing around the neck line, and I'm a big fan of the pattern too.  There is actually a built in black stretchy tank top under this shirt too.  Although I don't think you would need it necessarily.  I would personally probably have cut it out.  The shirt isn't see through, so you don't really need it.

I tried it on and was pretty much in love.  This particular shirt was the one my husband though was 100% me, and he was right.  I kept going back and forth about this shirt.  I really loved it and it fit pretty well.  The only complaint I had about fit was that it was kind of hard to get off because there is no stretch to it at all.

I also kind of wish that it didn't have the tie.  I've had shirts with ties in the past and something that get really weird once you wash them, even if it's by hand sometimes.  And I like the front design so much that I didn't want the tie interfering with how pretty it is.  Then there was the cost of this shirt.  It was the most expensive shirt in my box, and at this very moment I had to think about how much I was going to spend this month.  As much as I would have loved to have kept this piece, it was just too expensive at this time.

SENT BACK

As I've said time and time again...Tina knocked it out of the park!  I wish I could have kept all three this month, but a 2/5 isn't a bad Fix.  I'm so ready for summer to get here already.  Next month I'm thinking about asking for some cropped jeans because I really don't wear shorts at all.  Then maybe just leaving it up to Tina to see what she thinks would be great for summer!  I'm ready to get out with the kiddos and enjoy the nice weather.  It's supposed to snow/rain the rest of the week here this week...so this Fix gave me a little taste of spring before the weather changes again.

Back to Work

Yesterday was my first day back at work after my maternity leave.  Sad day.  I got to take 11 weeks total which is basically what I have done with each of my kids.  It just never seems like long enough.

I woke up with Olivia for her middle of the night feed early Monday morning and just gave her all the snuggles because I knew I wasn't going to be able to see her before I left for work.  Which was exactly what happened.  

At about 4:50 am, I was woken up by Luke.  He came over to my side of the bed and said, "Hi Mommy." So I grabbed him and threw him in bed with me for some morning snuggles.  Our alarm was going to go off at 5:02 am anyway, so it wasn't a big deal.  Then everything seemed like a "normal" day.  I took a shower, and helped get the big kids ready for their day.

Then Sharren came over to hang out with the kiddos.  She's such an amazing lady, and the kids call her Grandma Sharren.  I'm so thankful to have her in our lives, and that the kiddos love her so much.  It makes me a happy mamma when I have to leave them to go to work.  

Things were ok for the most part once I got to work.  I think a lot of it was that I didn't actually have to part with Olivia since she was still asleep.  I did spend a lot of time looking at pictures of her throughout the day though.  And I did call daycare once to see how she was doing.  It was kind of sad though, because with both of the other kids on their first day of daycare I got to go and see them and hold them over my lunch break.  I didn't get to do that this time around.  I didn't cry at work this time though.  I thought that was a win.

When work was FINALLY over, I was so very excited to go and pick her up to see how her day was.  Once we got to daycare, I grabbed her and she gave me so many smiles, it just made my heart melt.  I love this little lady so much!  I didn't want to put her down all night.  I got so many great snuggles and smiles!  This is when all the tears came.  Mom guilt.  I know I shouldn't feel it, but I do every time.  I know it will lessen in time, but I also know that it's always going to be there.  I know my kids are just fine and they're going to be wonderful little people as they continue to grow up, but there's always the what ifs.  It's hard being a working Mom at times.

Here she is in my arms at the end of the night.  Overall, I'm just so thankful that I get to be her mommy.  Just look at how sweet she is <3

Our Deck

I think we've been working on our house now for two years.  Talk about crazy!  This spring we decided that it was definitely time to do some work on the outside of the house.  Since it's been such a nice spring, its been ideal to get some things done now before summer hits.  It's been a bit slow moving due to some weather up in the Dakotas, but since we're not there anyway it doesn't really matter.  When we were at the ranch over Easter, we got to see some of the work completed, but there was still a ways to go.  The outside work is not completed, but the deck is finally!  

Yesterday, we got our first pictures of the deck and I can't wait to share them.  It looks so much better then I could have ever imagined.  I am SO pleased with our contractor's work.  He never ceases to amaze me.  I totally trusted him with his design too.  We went in telling him that we wanted an over hang of some kind over our front door and our mudroom door.  He told us ok no problem.  He never told us exactly what he was going to do, but it's perfect.  

Here is the front door!  It give our once very rectangular house some more character that I LOVE!  Plus it gives it a rustic flare that I love.  It gives our house the entry way that I was hoping for.  

This next pictures shows how the deck wraps around the side of the house, which leads to the mudroom entrance.  As you can see there is a form in the foreground of the picture.  This is the pad for the driveway, or for the little bit of apron that we have to get into the garage anyway.  

Then for the mudroom entrance which is just around the corner where the deck is headed.  It looks so wonderful!  The overhang will give the entrance just enough protection for those cruddy days. I know Brett will enjoy using this entrance.   

Then, as you can see, the deck continues on around to the back of the house!  In total the deck wraps around more then half of the house.  It's awesome!  

I can't tell you how excited I am about this deck.  I can picture us sitting out on the deck enjoying a glass of wine and watching the sunset.  I also can picture my children running up and down it having races.  Our house is starting to look more like a home and I just can't wait to move in!  In another year that is...that means many more updates to go!

Trunk Club Review #1 Update and Trunk #2 - March 2016

For those of you that read about Trunk Club, I thought I should update you on the process after you return your first box.  So here we go!

I really liked and considered buying three pieces from my trunk, but I'm on maternity leave and I just can't justify buying a whole lot of things right now.  I still kind of regret sending them all back and I've though about having my stylist send them to me in a new trunk, but that's for another day.  So, once I tired everything on and decided what I was going to send back you go on the Trunk Club website and check out.  The check out is set up like this on your PC.  I actually checked out on my phone and it was a bit different.  My stylist also wanted to chat about my thoughts on this trunk, so when she called me I told her everything I thought in more detail.  I don't believe all stylists make a personal call though.  On the call she also set up a pick up for UPS to come and get my box at my house!  Talk about making things convenient for me!

Once we wrapped up the first box she wanted to send a new box to try to pinpoint my style a bit more.  I actually liked the first box fairly well, so I was hopeful that the second box was going to be bomb!

About a week after I sent my box back I got a new one.  I once again got a preview of the box and got to take things out of it.  I decided to let her send most of it because a lot of the things in the box wouldn't have been things that I would necessarily pick out for myself.  I thought I'd give it a try.  She sent me a lot of dresses.  I think she was still hopeful to find me something for Easter.

I actually was so underwhelmed with this box that I didn't take any pictures but I'll show you and tell you what was in my box and my personal thoughts on them.

1. Dolce Vita 'Gisele' Espadrille Wedge - $90

I love a nice espadrille wedge sandal, and I actually have a few pairs, so I was interested in this shoe because I don't have anything like it.  Overall, it just wasn't me.  Besides that in the heel area it rubbed really badly, and I'm not into buying shoes that hurt from the get go.

2. Vince Camuto Crepe A-Line Dress - $148

When I first took this out of the box I thought that this could be a winner.  It's very basic and classic which is very much my style for dresses, especially if I'm going to spend a significant amount of money on it.  What really made me excited about this dress and a few other things in this Trunk was that it is a petite.  Perfect!  For me though, I needed to go up a size, and I didn't really like the wide neck line.  

3. Caslon Crewneck Poncho Sweater - $64

I actually was surprised that I liked this shirt.  I still didn't like the colors, but this would be a great shirt for summer.  It is a light and airy type of sweater and it wasn't too boxy.  I think I would totally want this in the navy blue and I see it comes in a petite!  So i would try that one and I would probably really really love it.

4. NYDJ 'Leann' Stretch Boyfriend Jeans - $124

I'm going to say up front that I loved all of the jeans that my stylist sent me. They fit very well, and had just enough stretch.  I like that in a jean.  I just don't know if I'm ready for the price tag though.  I really want to lose some more weight before I drop 100 bucks on some jeans.  I am going to keep these in mind though because after trying on a nice jean they actually do fit differently.  Plus it's nice to actually have petite options that fit well.  These would be perfect for spring/summer though!  I don't really wear shorts, so I am in the market for a nice cropped jean.

5. A by Amanda 'Shelly' Woven Popover Dress - $88

Everything was wrong with this dress for me.  The cut was just plain awful.  This is made for someone that is tall and skinny which I am neither.  The top was way too big especially in the shoulders, and it did nothing for me.  The color was really the only thing that I was ok with.

6. Pleione High/Low V-Neck Blouse - $68

This shirt was ok.  It was too big on me for sure.  I see on the website that it comes in petite.  I'm kind of confused why my stylist wouldn't send me things in petite sizes if they have it?  I probably would have loved this shirt.  I guess I'm going to have to have a chat with my stylist and let her know that I really am interested in petite sizes if available.  Bummer.

Besides the fit, this shirt was cute and would be nice for spring because of the wonderful floral pattern.  

7. AG Ankle Super Skinny Jeans Coal Blue - $168

Again the jeans are awesome but the price is too high!  I don't know what I'm willing to spend on jeans/pants right now actually.  I either need to lose some weight or realize that I'll be here for awhile.  I'm not there yet.  These jeans were really great though.  Nice and skinny and a wonderful color. 

8. MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Wax Print' Tank Style Jersey Maxi Dress

This dress I worried about right when I saw it in my preview but I wanted to give it a chance.  It is WAY too long for me.  I would have to wear super high heals or hem it up to make it work.  I just don't love it that much.  Plus the fabric was very heavy I thought for a summer dress.  

9. Converse Chuck Taylor Low Sneaker - $50

I told my stylist that I wanted a pair of casual tennis shoes that I could just wear around.  I know a lot of people love Chucks, but I don't know if they're for me.  I know that white isn't for me though.  100% sure on that one.  Besides all that even though she sent my usual size they were really large.  So I would need probably a size smaller.  The price was good though.

10. Halogen Three Quarter Sleeve Cardigan - $28

I was actually really excited about those cardigan for a lot of reasons, but the main one was that I really kind of liked the pattern.  When I opened up my box though it was a plain white cardigan.  I was like what is this?  So I was kind of bummed.  They do sell a lot of fun patterns on the website though. That's one thing that I would like the preview to be accurate on what they are sending your way.  It doesn't say size or color or anything like that in the preview.  Things to work on. 

11. Paige Denim 'Verdugo' Crop Skinny Jeans Ultra White - $189

I don't currently own any white jeans, and I have been thinking about owning a pair for summer.  This was an exciting thing in my box as I've never even tried any on before.  I really liked these, but once again the price.  If it weren't for the price, I probably still wouldn't have gotten these because they were somewhat see through, and I'm not digging that.  I think I would want my white jeans to be a little bit thicker.  I do like the crop though.

12. Vince Camuto Floral Print Shift Dress - $83

This dress came to me in a petite size!  I was super excited about these petite sizes.  This dress was nice and fit well for the most part.  It was a bit snug in the hips, so I probably could go up a size if I were going to keep this one.  I don't wear a lot of black, but I liked the floral pattern.  The price point was great though.  I guess I'm kind of into the Vince Camuto dresses.

13. Halogen Double V-Neck Shell - $48

This fit ok.  It was kind of big in the shoulders once again.  It also comes in petite on the website, so once again why stylist!? I would have probably really liked this one too!  I am not sure about the pattern though, and there are plenty of others to chose from on the website.  There are a couple that are really cute!  

14. Halogen 'Dylan' Espadrille Flat - $90

I wanted to try these on, but they just weren't me.  I wanted to like them on me.  I didn't like the black.  I like the edge that they have to them though.  I do like to incorporate a bit of that every once and awhile.  

That was my 2nd trunk!  There were some great pieces and some not so great pieces.  Overall I have to say that I wish my stylist would send me everything in petite sizes.  If they make it that's probably what I want.  I'm only 5' 2", so petite is me.  

I ended up sending everything back again.  I do like the service overall and I think it could be really great!  

A couple weeks ago I got a note from my stylist telling me she has a new position and won't be doing Trunk Club anymore, and then she introduced me to my new stylist.  I'm thinking maybe this could have been some of the deal with my trunks not being 100% ideal.  I am hopeful that my new stylist, Heather, will be spot on!  I'll be in contact with her again once I start back at work and have a bit more money to spend on fun things like clothes and shoes.  Watch for more Trunk Club from me next month.

If you'd like to try out Trunk Club for yourself use my referral code and try out Heather.  The great thing about Trunk Club is that they style men and women of shapes and sizes.  It's a free service, unless you buy something of course.  Check it out and thanks for reading.

Olivia - 2 months

Olivia is getting so big!  I can't believe she's 2 months old and at the same time it seems like she's been in our family forever.  She's definitely becoming more curious and talkative.  That's probably the most enjoyable time I have with her.  When we are staring at each other having a little conversation.  She's very good at it too!  Lots of coos and other fun baby noises.  

We went to her 2 month doctor's appointment this week and she is now 10 lbs 1 oz, 22 inches long and her head is 15 inches around.  Besides all those fun facts, she got her first round of shots :(  It was so sad as usual, but she was a trooper.  She got three shots total plus the rotavirus oral vaccine.  She was really tired after her shots, but once she woke up she was MAD!  I gave her some Tylenol and she eventually calmed down but it was definitely sad to hear her cry.  Besides that, the whole thing messed up her night time sleep, so I ended up only getting about 4-5 hours of sleep that night.  Not so exciting.  I hope she gets back on her regular schedule soon.  Here she is right after her shots. She was knocked out.

Speaking of being knocked out, here are some updates:

Sleeping: Olivia still sleeps very well overall.  She has usually one stretch of 4-6 hours at night and then another that's a bit shorter.  So only waking up once a night is pretty good.  Otherwise she naps anywhere from 30 min to 4 hours.  I typically like it best when it's somewhere in between though.  When we were up at the ranch for Easter weekend Olivia did end up sleeping for an 8 hour stretch.  That was pretty awesome.  We haven't had another though.  I think she was a bit under the weather too.  We'll get there someday.

She's currently sleeping in a Rock and Play, but over the next month I'd like to get her into her actual crib.  We'll work on that....

Eating: Olivia is on Similac Sensitive now.  We just switched her because she just seemed to be really fussy after eating.  She just doesn't get burps out very well.  I think she's doing better now, and getting a few more burps out then she was getting before.  It's amazing what a change in formula can do.

On average, she's eating 3 oz every 3-4 hours.  She's actually on a pretty regular schedule.  It's kind of great.  We do give her gas drops too to help with the gas.  

Play: We are really starting to do more things with her.  She loves her swing these days.  There is a little mirror and mobile above her head and she loves to stare at herself.  It can keep her occupied for quite some time actually.  More then any other non human thing.  We also have been using her play mat and boppy pillow to get her to start doing some more things.  She actually enjoys being on her stomach for tummy time too!  It's amazing.  I've never had a baby that actually enjoyed it.  So refreshing.  

By far her favorite thing to do is to stare at you and talk. As I mentioned before, it's really sweet and adorable, but I don't have the time to just sit and do that all day long.  I'm trying to teach Alyssa to have some patience and let Olivia talk back, but Alyssa just wants her to have a real conversation with her right now. 

She's also mastered the smile and the pout

Family: There were a lot of great family moments this month.  We got to see a lot of family actually.  My parents came in early March to meet Olivia, but I actually don't have any pictures because Olivia was SO crabby that weekend.  

Then my brother came to visit, and I think he really fell in love with little O.  

Then of course Easter was in there too.  We went up to the ranch to see Brett's family.  The kids just love it up there.  I didn't get any great pictures of Olivia in her Easter dress before she pooped on it...isn't that how it always works.  I promise she did look really cute though.  I'm probably going to have to put her back in it at some point to take some cute pictures.

Siblings: Alyssa spends as much time with Olivia as she can.  She just loves her so much.  Any time Olivia is awake, Alyssa wants to hold her.  Here is some evidence...

Luke on the other hand doesn't really care. He will pet her on the head and say "Hi baby sissy", but that's about it.  He just likes to smash and turn over all the baby stuff.

There you have it.  Olivia's first two months of life have been pretty good.  She's survived having two crazy siblings that hang all over her, so from here on out it should be pretty good, right?  She's getting stronger, so I hope once she can really hold her head up on her own she'll be golden.  

April should be a much quieter month, although I have to go back to work which I'm getting more sad about every day.  More on that next month.