Stitch Fix #3 - March 2014

My third Stitch Fix has arrived!!   If you're not familiar with Stitch Fix, check out this post here to see what it's all about.  My stylist this time was Michelle, again!!! I requested that she do my March fix, since she did such a good job with my February box.

Check out the link for my first Stitch Fix here, and my second Stitch Fix here.

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. You tell them all about your style, size, and budget preferences, and your personal stylist sends you a box of clothing and accessories to try on at home. Each Fix is unique and hand-picked just for you.  You keep what you like, and return the other items for free!

My main reasons for using Stitch Fix:

1. I am a SAHM.  I cannot take a 3 year old and 1 year old shopping, while maintaining my sanity.
2. I live really far from shopping options.  I live 40 miles from Target and Kohl's.  I live 115 miles from Gap, Anthropologie, H&M, Dillards, etc. I can't just run out and find cute, good quality, unique clothing, unless I make a day trip of it.  And there's no way I could do it if both my girls are with me.  It would not be fun at all! 
3. When I factor in gas costs for a shopping trip, it's worth it to pay slightly higher prices through Stitch Fix.  Even if I could pay a few dollars less by shopping sale racks at the mall, the travel expenses and headaches to get to the mall aren't worth the savings.  Plus, Stitch Fix makes me go outside my comfort zone, and I need that!

I Did Not Cheat This Time!  (I actually forgot that I had a box on the way)

I actually meant to skip my box for this month, and wasn't even in town when it was delivered.  I was visiting my mom out of state, and my hubby called to let me know I had a box to look through when I returned.

Boy, was I totally IMPRESSED with what I received!!!  I had tons of color and lots of fun details.  I received a shirt that I pinned three separate times on my Pinterest fashion board.  I have to apologize for the photos this time.  I didn't have time to try everything for photos before my returns were due back to Stitch Fix.  Plus, we are in the middle of moving and renovating my husband's office space, which means my hair has been in a pony tail and I've been paint splattered for a solid week.

Before I move on to the review, I want to share my referral link.  I'm not compensated by Stitch Fix for this review.  BUT... if you use my link to sign up, I'll get a small credit to use towards my next 'fix.'  I would be really grateful for a referral credit!
https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3242453

The Review

So, here's a pic of the box I got in the mail.

And once again, my items were so nicely presented.

There was a note from my stylist, and cards that showed me how to style the items in my fix.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it all!!! Eeek!!!

 

 

First Item:  Yohan Distressed Cropped Skinny Jean by Kut From the Kloth- $98

I got white skinny jeans this time!  They're kind of cropped, hitting right above my ankles.  I guess I should have mentioned in my style profile that I don't wear distressed jeans.  And I definitely don't pay $98 for pants that have holes in the thighs.  They are cute and fit like a glove!  But I returned them.

The distressing started below the knee and ran all the way up to my thighs.  Not a fan of this style. 

Item:  Kut From the Kloth white distressed skinnies
Status:  Sent Back

 

 

Second Item: Mindy Ikat Print Key-Hole Sleeveless Blouse by Ezra - $48

This is the cheapest item in my box, and I really love the trendy coral and mint colors!  Plus I've really wanted to try something ikat print.  I was disappointed that this shirt was too roomy.  It was too big all over, and just hung off of me, kind of like that feather print blouse from my first fix, that I loved so much.  If it hadn't been quite so droopy all over, I would have kept it.

I loved the summery keyhole in the front! 

Item:  Ezra Ikat tank
Status:  Sent back

 

 

Third Item:  Miranda Embroidery Detailed Tank by 41Hawthorn.

I think I received an incorrect item again.  My invoice says this tank should be by 41Hawthorn, but the tank I received was by the brand Pomelo.  Regardless.... I love the color of this tank... cobalt blue.  And the embroidery detail and scalloped hem is so pretty.  The fabric is also very nice... a cotton gauze that will breathe well in the summertime.  Unfortunately, this shirt also must run a little on the large size.  There was way too much extra fabric at the hips, and the underarm area was too droopy, I guess because I have a small chest.

The entire hem is scalloped and embroidered.

There is a keyhole in the back, with a cute hemstitched detail.

Item:  41 Hawthorn (or maybe Pomelo) Miranda Tank
Status: Sent back

 

 

 

Fourth Item:  Priya Tribal Printed Knit-back Tank by Pomelo- $54

This is the tank that I pinned 3-4 times on my Pinterest board this past month.  It's tribal, it's mint green, and it's mixed fabrics.  I love it.  It fit everywhere except under the arms/in the bust.  It was too big.  So I had to send it back :(

 

Item:  Tribal tank by Pomelo
Status: Sent back

Fifth Item:  Adelyn Abstract Print Drawstring Waist Dress by Kensie- $68

I love the soft material of this dress.  And the mesh inset details.  And that the skirt is double layered and so very comfortable.  I wore it today, actually, with black leggings, ballet flats, and a denim jacket.  So very comfy!

See the mesh insets at the shoulders and V-neck?

Item:  Kensie abstract print dress.
Status:  KEPT!!

 

 

The Verdict

So, if I had kept all five items, I would have received a 25% off discount, plus the $20 credit from my styling fee, plus $5 leftover from a referral credit.  Which means I could have gotten five items for $221.50.  Now, this is significantly more than my first fix, which would have been $132 for all five items.  BUT - the items I received this month were perfect for me, and within the limits I set in my style profile.  I ended up keeping  just the one dress, and only paying $23 out of pocket.  Not too bad!!!

 Was my Stitch Fix experience fun, convenient, and delightful?  Sure!   Was it the right size and the right style?  Totally!  My stylist did a great job!  I probably would have kept every shirt, plus the dress, had they all fit.

I sent a quick email to hello@stitchfix.... I asked for them to let Melissa know how very pleased I was with her picks.  I have a sneaking suspicion that the next box might be the one where I keep it all!

10 Facts About Disney Magic Bands

We've stayed at Disney three times now, using Magic Bands and Fast Pass +.   And we have two more upcoming vacations using them.  If you're planning a Disney Vacation, take a minute to read about the Magic Band changes!

1 - No more Keys to the World.

Previously, you were issued a card at resort check-in that opened your hotel door, granted access to the parks, acted as a form of payment, and allowed you to obtain Fast Passes.  Those are now a thing of the past, if you are staying in select Disney resorts that participate in the new Magic Bands programs.

You will now be issued a nifty Magic Band, that will do everything the old Keys to the World did, plus more!

2 - Be sure to order your Magic Bands in advance

After booking your vacation, go to My Disney Experience (link).  You'll be able to choose your colors for your Magic Bands, as well as book dining reservations and make Fast Pass+ selections.  They also have a great app too!   If you fail to order your magic bands in advance, your entire travel group will receive standard gray upon check-in.  If two family members want the same color band, don't worry!  Each person will also have their name printed on the inside of the band.  You can also buy charms in the gift shops, making each Magic Band customizable

3 - Don't forget to check your mail!

Your Magic Bands will arrive at your house in a plain brown box prior to the trip.  Disney does send you an email and a pop-up notification on the My Disney Experience app, providing you with tracking info.   It's important that you not forget to pack them... if you have to get replacements while at the park, they will be grey.

4 - Make your Fast Pass+ selections as soon as possible

You are able to begin making Fast Pass+ selections via the My Disney Experience app or website up to 8 weeks prior to your departure.   Be sure to do it soon, as the best times fill up quickly.  You'll be able to choose up to three rides per day, and all three Fast Passes must be made in the same park.  So, you can't Fast Pass the Toy Story ride in Hollywood Studios, Enchanted Tales With Bell in the Magic Kingdom, and Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom all on the same day.  There are also rumors going around the parks that the moderate and deluxe level resorts may end up being able to Fast Pass more than three rides per day.  This has not been confirmed by Disney, that I can tell.

I'd like to pause here to say that a lot of people have complaints about the Fast Pass+ system.  BUT, I think it's nice that I can make my Fast Pass+ selections from my smart phone, while it's hooked up to the FREE park wi-fi.  I don't have to walk across a park to get to a Fast Pass machine, just to find that it's issued the max number of vouches for the day and covered up.

5 - The sizes adjust for little kids

These bands are one size fits all.  BUT.... they adjust to fit even the tiniest of arms.  My 18 month old's band fits just as well as my husband's.  If you child's band is too large, simply peel the colored portion of the band away from the grey backing, and voila!  It's small enough for any child.

6 - Don't forget to make your kids wear their Magic Bands for Extra Magic Hours

We stayed late for Extra Magic hours at Epcot, and ran into trouble.  In order to board any rides during Extra Magic Hours, you must scan your Magic Band as proof that you belong there.  We forgot one of our Magic Bands, which led to issues.  Thank goodness the Cast Members were very nice and allowed us all to ride using my husband's Magic Band.  But, I have a feeling as these become more common, this exception won't be made nearly as much.

7 - It's QUICK and convenient!

These magic bands are awesome for me, as a mom.  I don't have to fumble for a room key while holding a sleeping infant.  I don't have to dig out my credit card to pay for purchases.  I don't have to find my annual pass card to gain access to the parks.  I simply touch my bracelet to the little pad, Mickey's ears turn green, and I'm good to go.

8 - No need to remove the bands before swimming

Since these handy little bracelets are waterproof, there's really no need to take them off.  I am one of those people who has the WORST time keeping up with hotel room keys, especially when going to the pool.  I love that I can go swimming, and not have to worry about leaving my Key to the World on the lounge chair at the poolside, where it could be lost or stolen.

9 - Be sure to recycle them!

Back in early January, when I received my first Magic Band, I asked the front desk staff at Pop Century what I should do with it when my trip concluded.  She said I could throw it away, recycle it, or keep it until my next visit.  They are sometimes able to skip re-issuing a new Magic Band when you make a return trip.  Instead you have the option of reactivating an old Magic Band!

I'll admit though - our old Magic Bands go straight in the girls' dress-up trunk.  They love wearing their 'Mickey Mouse jewelry' when they play dress-up.

10 - Stay open minded.

We are only human - and oftentimes human nature is to resist change.  I hear a lot of complaints about the new Magic Bands... from Cast Members, resort guests, and especially on lots of the Disney forums and internet chat boards.  But, they are really a great iteration of the Disney Resort experience.  They are MUCH easier to keep up with, and the ability to sync it with my iPhone is awesome.  Give it a try, and I'm sure you will be surprised at how nice it is!

Have you used a Magic Band lately?  What did you think?

Top Stroller Picks under $60 for your Disney Vacation

We have Disney World annual passes.  And we have a massive double jogging stroller that does NOT work for us.  We were at Disney world a few weeks ago, folding up our huge heavy stroller so we could board the tram.  A dad rolled up to the tram, pushed a button, and his stroller folded up into this tiny little bundle.  He picked it up with one hand and threw it into the floor of the tram, and was aboard before we could even get on.

And we had stroller envy.

So I began shopping around for the perfect Disney stroller, and thought I would share my top stroller picks.  I spent A LOT of time online, reading reviews and searching websites for the best options.

The Requirements for our New Strollers:

We chose to purchase two single strollers for the girls, versus one double stroller.   The double is difficult to take into crowded stores, is difficult to get on and off busses and trams, and the girls tend to bicker when they are side by side and tired from a long day in the parks.  Plus, we anticipate splitting up at nap time, with my husband taking our older daughter to go on rides while I walk around and let the baby sleep in the other stroller.

• Under $75, since we would be buying two of them.
• 40+ pound weight limit, since the girls are no longer infants.
• Stroller weight less than 12 pounds, since we would be folding and unfolding them alot
• Folds up compact
• Child snack tray
• Adult tray
• LARGE basket
• Sun shade

Babies R Us Trendsport Stroller - Slate  (link)

This is the stroller that started us thinking that we might want to start shopping around for two singles.  It weighs 14lbs and has a 40lb weight limit.  MSRP $59.99

Pros:

• One hand fold
• Padded handles
• Fold away child tray, making it easy for your kid to climb in.
• HUGE basket.
• Rear wheel brakes
• Multi-position reclining seat

Cons:

• This stroller only comes in black.  Florida sun + black stroller = HOT baby!
• No padding in the seat.  It's very rigid and stiff.
• The foot rest is very narrow, and Caroline had a hard time keeping her feet propped on it.
• No shoulder straps with the safety harness.  Harper would climb right out of that 3-point harness.

 What I love about this stroller is the fold feature.  It only takes one hand to do it, and the child tray folds UP.  I don't have to worry about the child tray banging into the ground and getting scratched up.  BUT - the harness is a deal breaker.  My squirming 18 month old MUST have shoulder straps.

Graco Classic Connect Literider Stroller, Yield (link)

This stroller weighs less than 20lbs and has a 40lb weight limit.  MSRP $59.99

Pros:

• One hand fold
• Padded handles
• HUGE basket.
• Rear wheel brakes
• Cushioned seat, and lots of color choices
• 5 point harness on SOME models at Walmart.com
• Accepts all Graco infant seats!

Cons:

• The child snack tray does not fold or swing aside, it just pops off.
• The seat only has two recline levels.
• Horrible design for folding it up.

 What I love about this stroller is the color options, the cushy seat, and the 5 point harness.  What made me decide against this stroller was the folding design.  When you push the button to make it fold up, the stroller collapses forward, and the child tray bangs agains the ground, hard.  I knew we would be folding this stroller quickly while standing on pavement.  I hated to buy something that I knew would be damaged pretty quickly.

 See how the child tray, on the far left, is touching the ground?  When you fold this thing, the edge of that tray crashes down.

 

Jeep - Cherokee Sport Stroller, Siren (link)

This stroller weighs 11.8lbs and has a 40lb weight limit.  MSRP $59.99, but Walmart.com has it for $44.22.

Pros:

• One hand fold
• Padded handle
• It's PINK!  I justified the color to my husband by saying it would be easier to find a pink stroller when it's parked with 50 others. :)
•  There is a pouch hanging beside the seat, where your child can store her treasures
• Huge storage basket
• Extended length sun canopy

Cons:

• 3 point safety harness
• Reviewers complained about the durability of this stroller.  Instead of the fabric being riveted directly to the frame, it's attached differently.  A plastic pin is sewn to the fabric body.  The pin inserts into slots in the metal frame.  So, those plastic pins break and then your stroller seat won't be attached to the frame! 
• 3 position seat recline, not multi position seat recline.

 What I love about this stroller is the color, and the little side pocket that my girls can fill up with their toys and access all by themself.   I also am pleased that it folds the exact opposite from the Graco stroller... and reviewers said that it stood alone when folded.  BUT - it only has a 3 point harness, and the reveiws about the lack of durability meant it wasn't for me.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller (link)

This stroller weighs 11.8lbs and has a 50lb weight limit.  MSRP $59.99, but Target.com had a 15% coupon and free shipping.

Pros:

• One hand fold
• Padded handles
• Huge storage basket
• Extended length sun canopy
• Nice larger foot rest
• 5 point safety harness
• Multi Position recline
• Higher weight limit than any others I looked at in this price range

Cons:

• It's red.  Given, my husband likes red, and it's gender neutral while still being easy to spot.
• The seat isn't as nicely padded as some of the others.

This is the stroller we chose!  It's cheap, durable, nicely designed, and has a good safety harness.  We're taking it to Disney World on St. Patrick's day, so I'll post in-action photos after we get back.

It folds correctly, and looks like it will stand unassisted when folded.





Hopefully, this will help you decide on a nice stroller for vacation!  Thanks for reading!