Building My Maternity, Office Wardrobe

When I accepted my promotion at work, I knew I'd need more than two outfits for this new job in the office. Gone are the days when I could wear three pairs of khaki pants with three different polos while treating patients as a Physical Therapist. And thank goodness for that! Realistically, I haven't donned the classic PT outfit of khakis and a polo for many years, but they still a wardrobe staple for many of my kind. It's a culture, I think. :)

To make matters more exciting, not only do I need an office wardrobe but it needs to be a maternity version right now. Maternity clothes are both awesome and awful, if you ask me. It's painful to spend money on items that you know are just temporary, since I much prefer to invest in nicer pieces that will last me 'forever'. Pretty sure that the full panel work pants I just bought will last me a few months, if I'm lucky, and the 'temporary' part of this new wardrobe is just ironic.

I did save most of my maternity clothes from the first three rounds My Bump Life, and even splurged on several newer pieces at the end of Porter's pregnancy. Having those three-year-old items to pull from are key, but some of the seven-year-old stuff from Truman's pregnancy should probably be retired for good. Many of the older clothes from 2009/2010 are for winter months, much of the 212-2014 stuff is for spring and summer....thus the need to plump up my maternity wear yet again, this time with intentions of looking professional in the office.

Let the games begin!

I've been rocking my desk job for three weeks now and I really enjoy my (brief) hours spent as Rehab Supervisor. It's all still new and challenging and exciting, and I'm finding myself prepping lunches and outfits the night before to save time in the morning. For the past three weeks, I've sort of struggled to find the 'right' outfit to wear to work. But it's not because I don't have anything to wear, since I did spend a lot of my Christmas cash on maternity clothes. I struggle because I'm not always sure how to pair the items together, how to accessorize, how to select the right shoe, and how to stay warm in a somewhat chilly building for five hours during our brutal Wisconsin winter. Basically, I just want to wear flats without socks but it's totally unrealistic in February!

I've been wanting to take pictures of my various office outfits to create a catalog of options, a visual for me when I'm selecting what to wear each night. Perhaps it could be helpful for some of you out there who are feeling less than inspired with your office attire. But mostly, I just want feedback on brown versus black boots, and which scarves look better than others. Also, any major NO WAY outfits? Any ultimate favorites?

Outfit 1 | A and B [Bling neckline top]


Top: A Pea in the Pod | Pants: Motherhood | Booties: from my last Stitch Fix, by Steve Madden.

Thoughts: I love the top for the comfortable, flowy fit and for it's bling neckline (Cecelia is obsessed). Excellent material, super stretchy and good length. I like these pants enough, although I do feel a little strange in ankle length pants because 'high waters' are exactly the look I've tried to avoid my whole life, being 5'10". And the black ankle boots are a go-to for the office lately. I think I like the red with the black best, but I've worn both of these outfits in the past three weeks. Not sure what else to pair the gray pants with other than a black top.

Outfit 2 | A and B [favorite polka dots and red pants]


Top: Motherhood, buy two sweaters get third free (!) | Cardigan: Motherhood, same deal | Bottoms: Motherhood | Shoes: Yosi Samra flats that you can't even see here, boo.

Thoughts: Obsessed with this sweater. Wanted to get it in a medium but the last one they had was snagged, so I got the small and am not hyper sensitive to it's length. I think this could work postpartum as well. Because it's short sleeved, I usually wear the cardigan for warmth. I love all Mr. Roger's cardigans, they are a weakness of mine. Bought the red pants to specifically go with this polka dot sweater, not going to lie. And I like I like the ankle length with flats best, but that will have to wait until April-ish so my skin doesn't get frost bite.

Outfit 3 | A and B [bright purple top that I love]

Top: Motherhood, circa 2014 | Long necklace: Loft, circa 2013 | Cardigan: Motherhood, circa 2014 | Pants: A Pea in the Pod, current! | Shoes: Steve Madden/Stitch Fix

Thoughts: I forgot about this purple top but I really love it, it's long and simple and a nice color. The cardigan feels a little dressier and I'm always a fan of a long necklace. Now, the pants? These are my new favorite maternity pants ever. They are expensive and I really hesitated to buy them because of the $88 price tag. They are form fitting and I just know I will grow out of them before the end of this pregnancy. The sales lady assured me 'that will only happen if you gain more than 30 pounds.' Um, duh!!! That's not a problem! But the material is soft as butter, almost like yoga pants but better. There are pockets and rivets, they are long, full panel, and seriously so comfy I had to get them. And I wear them twice a week or so, because you better believe I will get my money's worth now before my butt gets too big! Then I'll cry because I will miss them, seriously.

Outfit 4 | A and B [Stitch Fix tops that still work]

Cardigan: last Stitch Fix, Skies are Blue | Gray leggings: Old Navy (not maternity, still love) | Tank: Target, probably Liz Lange Maternity, circa 2012 | Brown riding boots: Corso Como from Zappos, 2011 | Scarf: Stitch Fix, Octavia

Thoughts: I love cardigans, long tanks, long necklaces, and/or scarves. I also try to wear my brown tall boots more often because I feel like it's so easy to wear all black pants and shoes in the office. It's like bucking the trend wearing something other than black! I think I like the scarf better than the long necklace option here, just to add more color. I know leggings aren't always the most professional option for an office job, but these are SO comfy, are really thick, and as long as my butt is covered I think it's okay. Also with a tall boot, I don't think you can even see much of the leggings to feel offended, but since they aren't maternity I probably won't be wearing them much longer anyway.


Outfit 5: A and B [Gray, so much gray in my closet]

Top: Stitch Fix, Market and Spruce | Scarf: Christmas gift from Lois, not sure store | Pants: favorite ones from Pea in the Pod | Black riding boots: Corso Como again, circa 2011, can't find online anymore

Thoughts: I really love this top, even non-maternity, and think it's nice for the office. I will probably wear a cardigan over it (I did this later in the shoot) for warmth, and the scarf helps with that, too. Kind of nice that I can wear so many of my Stitch Fix tops while pregnant, at least for now! It's a little plain without the scarf and without a cardigan but it's nice enough. Could also do a necklace and I am also a fan of brown shoes with a gray top...just not always with black pants (my brown boots and booties aren't the right shade to wear with black pants, IMO).


Outfit 6 | A and B [Favorite tunic-slash-dress]

Tunic: Motherhood, circa 2011 | Leggings: Old Navy | Scarf: Stitch Fix | Boots (both a brown and black in first photo): Corso Como, circa 2011

Thoughts: Do you like the black or brown boots better with the gray leggings? Once I add the navy scarf, it needs to be brown boots, right? Love this tunic, but why is everything I own 3/4 sleeves and therefore a little chilly in the office?? This is one of my favorite colors of all times, the purple-pink shade frequents my closet.

Outfit 7 | A and B [ Bright colors, so many scarves ]

Top: Aspire at REI, circa 2015 | Scarves: no idea, super old | Pants: Pea in the pod | Booties: Stitch Fix, Steve Madden

Thoughts: This is one of my favorite tops, I've had it for awhile and it's definitely not maternity. I just like the color and the drape, and it was one of my go-to choices for working with patients, too. I think wearing a scarf and booties make the outfit a little dressier, perhaps. Which scarf is better? I have so many freaking scarves...


Outfit 8 | A and B [Old dress, some color in the scarf, pushing for brown shoes]

Gray dress: Motherhood, circa 2010 | Scarf: Target, circa 2013 | Gray leggings: Mossimo at Target, circa 2012 | Brown booties: Chinese Laundry, no longer online, circa 2015 | Brown tall boots: Corso Como, 2011

Thoughts: So booties or riding boots? This was the only time I pulled my brown cuffed ankle boots for these photos but I do like to wear them to work, since they are comfortable and a little different. It's a shame I didn't try them on more often for you because I do want to know which outfits will look nice with the brown shorties. Is there too much gray with the leggings and dress? I just tried to make brown work here but maybe black leggings and boots make more sense. I do like my scarf for color and because without it, the dress feels depressing to me. I do want to wear more dresses to work, my boss only wears dresses or skirts. I think dresses are pretty maternity friendly, not so much skirts.

Outfit 9 | A and B [previous favorite maternity dress]

Dress: Motherhood, circa 2014 | Cardigan: Motherhood, circa 2014 | Leggings: Motherhood, circa 2014 | Booties: Stitch Fix, Steve Madden

Thoughts: This has been one of my favorite striped dresses, although I'm not feeling super cute in it this time around. Something about the neckline makes me feel a little wider than I like (or maybe it's the horizontal stripes), but it's still a cute dress and I'll for sure wear it. I'll pair it with the cardigan for now, maybe even with tall boots instead of booties? Would a colored cardigan look strange? I NEED COLOR!

Outfit 10 [Oldest dress tries to make a comeback]

Dress: Motherhood, circa 2009 (!) | Necklace: Stitch Fix, Romolo brand | Leggings: Motherhood, 2014 | Black riding boots: Corso Como, 2011

Thoughts: I want to like this dress, but the tight turtle neck kills me. I mean, it seems very old school to me, because I know that it's eight years old. But it is pretty modest and office appropriate, I guess. Thoughts? Long necklace makes it more modern? Can you tell I'm suffocating in the turtle neck? Why can't it be a cowl neck instead? I turned to the side to prove I really am pregnant;)

Outfit 11 | A, B, and C [A favorite top three ways]

Striped top: Motherhood, 2014 | Pink cardigan: Loft, 2013 | Blue cardigan: Stitch Fix, 41Hawthorn | Leggings: Motherhood, circa 2014 | Black riding boots: Corso Como, 2011 | Necklace: Stitch Fix, Romolo brand

Thoughts: I forgot how much I like this striped top, even though I can't find the black belt thing that ties around the waist. It's a nice length and flattering, but feels like I need to add a cardigan or something. Preferred color? Long necklace, or no?

Outfits 12 and 13 | [Different Stitch Fix tops, all similar]

Blue Shirt: Stitch Fix, Market and Spruce | Maroon shirt: Stitch Fix, 41 Hawthorn | Pants: favorite ones from Pea in the Pod | Black riding boots: Corso Como, 2011

Thoughts: I haven't worn either of these tops lately but I think they will work nicely in the office! Stitch Fix really nailed my style with several 'button tab' sleeved shirts, huh?

Outfits 14 and 15 | [More Stitch Fix tops/sweaters]

Poncho sweater: Stitch Fix, RD Style | Striped cardigan sweater: Stitch Fix, Mystree | Pants: favorite ones from Pea in the Pod | Black riding boots: Corso Como, 2011 | Necklace: Stitch Fix, Romolo brand

Thoughts: I've worn the poncho to work once, and am wearing the striped sweater tomorrow, I've decided. I always get a lot of compliments on the striped one and it's pretty cozy but still put together enough with tall boots, I think.

Outfits 16 and 17 | [Older Motherhood tops, sleeveless editions]

Sleeveless tops: Both Motherhood or Pea in the Pod from 2014 | Pants: favorite ones from Pea in the Pod | Black riding boots: Corso Como, 2011

Thoughts: I don't think I can do these sleeveless tops much. I've always loved the green one but it's really short once my belly gets bigger. The purple one used to be my favorite but for some reason it's really tight in my arm pits and therefore impossible. Options in a pinch, I guess.

Outfits 18 and 19 | [Seriously, so much gray in my closet]

Gray cowl neck: Pink Blush | Scarf: Itsy Ritzy | Blue cardigan: Stitch Fix, 41 Hawthorn | Pants: favorite ones from Pea in the Pod | Black riding boots: Corso Como, 2011 | Necklace: Stitch Fix, Romolo brand

Thoughts: My sister--in-law got me the gray top from Pink Blush and it's seriously the most comfortable material! I wear it a lot, just haven't donned it in the office yet. Then I was playing around with that other gray top by Stitch Fix, trying to dress it up with a cardigan and scarf. This type of outfit could be my wardrobe staple, really.

Outfits 20 and 21 | [I love royal blue]

Striped top: Liz Lange Maternity, 2014 | Solid top: I.N.C. at Macy's, 2013 | Pants: favorite ones from Pea in the Pod | Black booties: from my last Stitch Fix, by Steve Madden | Necklace: Stitch Fix, Romolo brand

Thoughts: I forgot how much I love the striped top because of it's length. And then there's the solid top, one that isn't maternity but I've worn it a TON over the years. I almost went back and bought it in other colors and I always wish I would have done just that---the cut is really nice and of course, the length! It has pockets and for now I'm sure I could wear it (or both tops, really) with a cardigan. Wouldn't a black blazer look nice? I want one, it's on my 'must find' list but I think I need to try them on, lest I look too formal and not trendy enough. Where might one find the perfect blazer for the office? Not too stiff or suit-like, maybe cotton?

Outfit 22 | [Too casual?]


Gray tee shirt top: Amazon | Sweater vest: Lands End | Necklace: Stitch Fix, Romolo brand | Leggings: Old Navy | Boots: Corso Como

Thoughts: I want to love this sweater vest and want to make it work. My mom got it for me for Christmas and it's very much my style. I'm struggling to pair it with the correct top and bottom though. I think that maybe I need a navy blue shirt to wear under it, then I can go with these gray leggings? Black doesn't work. I don't have a white shirt. Is it too casual for the office? It's warm and cute! Maybe best for my days at home, though.

Summary: I think I need a blazer or two. Any top favorites? Any suggestions for accessorizing/shoes? Do I need more than a pair of black and brown tall boots and booties? Office maternity wear, here I come.

Stitch Fix #2 | August Review

I'm signed up to receive my Stitch Fixes every month, and for my August box I had it scheduled to arrive immediately after our trip to Colorado (blog posts to come soon, do not fret). Last month for my very first fix I ended up keep two of the five items they sent to me and got a little taste of the fun that's had when getting surprise clothing in the mail. In case you haven't heard of Stitch Fix before, my description is this: you fill out your style profile online, pay a $20 styling fee, and receive five items in the mail. If you like all five items, you receive 25% off the total which is a lot! If you buy any item out of the five, you will get your $20 styling fee applied to the purchase. If you buy nothing you lose the $20 styling fee. Whatever you don't want, you put in their pre-paid bag and send back to Stitch Fix. You'll rate everything online to help the stylist next time, so that (in theory) each time you get a Fix it should get better and better. It's really simple and fun and I mistakenly assumed everything would be way too expensive for my tastes and nothing would fit me correctly, but so far I've been pleasantly surprised.

Sneak peek of my second box:


My referral code is here, if you want to fuel my fire to this new addiction. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to see that four of you signed up and received fixes after my initial post. Thank you for contributing to my obsession with Stitch Fix! I wish I knew who you were so I could beg for pictures of your own fix, since I'm constantly stalking the Stitch Fix buy/sell/trade Facebook group. I like seeing what everyone else is getting just as much as I like opening my own box.

Would you like a fashion show for box numero dos??




I had a different stylist this time named Morgan, and I think this is a 2/5 box much like last month. I specified in my 'note to stylist' that I will never, ever pick something that is dry clean only. I said I love color, specifically the coral from my last fix. I said she should focus on longer length tops with fun patterns but no chevron, no severe hi-low tops, and I asked her to please look at my Pinterest board, since I felt like my last stylist never bothered. I pinned pictures of me from my first fix on there along with a bunch of new tops I wanted to try. And then I received these five pieces...

Zad Adrianna Circle Bib Necklace: #34

When I cheated and looked at this after it had shipped to me, but before it arrived (yes, you can do this!)* I immediately hated this necklace. Then when I pulled it out of the box I was pleasantly surprised with how it looked in person. I love that it mixes gold, silver, and pewter (if that is the right term?) and that it feels fancy. But it's pretty flimsy and I know I'd never wear this necklace--it's not for my everyday style and I don't see myself reaching for it when I dress up.

So the necklace goes back and I will be sure to specify on my style profile that *if* they want to send necklaces, make them long. I'm a big fan of the pendant style necklaces that hang down lower on my top. Because, of course, I am obsessed with all things looooooong for my 5'10" self.

VERDICT: Returned.

41Hawthorn Flynn Colorblock Sleeveless Blouse: $54

My stylist mentioned that this was on my Pinterest board, and sure enough--it's one of the dozens of tops I have pinned! Initially I thought it would be really see through but it's actually completely fine with a nude colored bra.

And oh, it's nice and long and not too boxy. GREAT JOB, MORGAN!! Usually $54 would seem fairly steep for this but it's a really nice top--flattering, long enough, bold colors. Totally my style and with referral credits I feel totally fine with the price;)

It's 100% polyester and is 'hand wash cold/tumble dry low' so I suppose I can handle that. I think it's fairly dressy compared to my usual cotton tank tops but it would be really cute with some white shorts...if I had any. Otherwise wearing it with jeans and sandals will work just fine, but I will probably reserve it for dinners out or when I want to feel a little more fancy than my norm at home. I suppose I could wear it with a cardigan for work, too?

Just goes to show me that I do sort of know what I like, since I pinned it an my stylist listened. I know this top also comes in a navy/green combo which would have been nice but I don't own much red anyway.

VERDICT: It's a keeper!

DL1961 Ember Straight Leg Jean: $98

I really don't need any new jeans because I have one pair of darker denim 'Always Skinny' jeans from Gap that I adore, and then one pair of the same style Gap jeans in a gray color. Two pair of jeans are enough for me at the moment since it's summer and way too hot for jeans, plus I am not a big jeans person anyway (shorts or leggings will always be my first picks). PLUS, I was a total skeptic that they would find jeans that are long enough for me. I have been proven long on the length, my friends. I have never tried on a pair of jeans longer than this!!

My stylist seemed certain I would love these jeans because of the fabric and the fit. I can vouch for her and say that these are made of the softest, stretchiest material ever and they do fit me nicely. I just cannot get over the price and the fact that I might actually have to have them hemmed! The horror, I can't believe it! The tag doesn't specify how long they are but I am guessing 34-35" inseam. Don't suggest heels, I really don't own any;) But the wash is great, the fit and fabric are really nice, and yet my Gap pair look almost identical for much less money (although they are not this soft and stretchy, for sure).

VERDICT: Likely returned.

I think I am going to ask for some black work pants next time, and no more denim unless it's a lighter wash/more distressed. We will see what happens with that request!

Market & Spruce Corinna Striped Dolman Top: $48

Ahhh, 'The Corinna' is like some sort of magical unicorn on the Facebook group. It's a superstar, something everyone loves and wants, so I should feel extra special that I received it without even mentioning it or pinning it to my board. When I knew I was getting this I was hoping for a color other than gray, because my closet is dangerously close to maxing out the gray hues, but yet? I really do love this color so much.

It's a dolman cut meaning 'bat wings' and I don't think I own any tops in this cut. It's super long for my torso with 3/4 length sleeves, it's soft and stretchy and SUPER comfortable. I think the price tag is a bit of a stretch, but if I had success finding long enough/comfy tops at Target or Old Navy for a fraction of the price, then I wouldn't need Stitch Fix. Honestly, it's difficult to find tops that are long enough for me and I have searched high and low for years. So therefore, $48 for a top that fits well and is flattering? Okay by me!

I think I can probably dress this up or down through the seasons, but it really does look lovely with dark jeans, no? Can you imagine it with a long necklace? My dream! I don't love how you can see my bra straps with this wider neckline but I can always wear my other bra that is black and less visible at necklines.

VERDICT: Definitely keeping

Fun2Fun Haro Henley Blouse: $48

Saw this on my style card before I pulled out the shirt and said to Nate, 'That is really freaking ugly.' It reminds me of one of those striped, southwestern ponchos people used to wear---the burlap sack ones. Do you know what I'm saying? Anyway, Nate said he didn't think it was awful when he saw it, but then I tried it on...

Oh, Morgan. No. This is truly one of the most hideous shirts ever, it's super see through and simply ill-fitting. I mean, I am an A-cup on a good day so how in the world these buttons separate when I move my arms is beyond me.

Plus it's really short in the front, fair in the back. I feel like the stripes with the pocket and the Henley neck line make me look super masculine and just nope, I don't like it one bit. I like the concept of this top but not the reality of it. Big huge miss on this one, I'm afraid.


VERDICT: NOPE, sending back.

So your opinions are always welcomed here. Do you think the Corinna and the color block top are my keepers? The others are returnable? Do you think I can make my two favorites work for 'everyday' or are they too dressy? Well, I think the Corinna dolman is casual enough for days at home with the kids but the color block blouse, not so much. Anyway, love to hear your thoughts on this fix. And seriously, let me know if you have links to your Stitch Fix fashion shows. I can't get enough!

*The way that you cheat to see what you are getting? Once your fix has shipped, you can go online to your account and select 'checkout.' You won't actually have to check out, don't worry, but if you are too impatient to wait (like me) this will be fun. You'll click on 'checkout' and then you will see the list of items, but no pictures and it won't tell you what colors you'll receive. So just google the names of the items, or search on Pinterest, and try not to hold your breath as you wait for the images to appear. Ah, instant gratification, I love you.

Stitch Fix #1 | July Review

I really enjoy being the last to jump on bandwagons, and it takes me an annoying amount of contemplating and overanalyzing before I agree to do anything in life. Ask Nate, he will tell you all about my ability to shop online for hours and hours and come away with zero items in my cart. I think too much about many things, fashion included.

Stitch Fix has been around for years and it seems like I'm the last blogger in the entire blogging world to try it out (not really, but kind of). I only became remotely interested lately now that I'm really paying attention to fit and quality of my clothes, hoping to toss all of my junky/old/ill-fitting items and replace them with pieces that actually fit. I mean, I'm a mom of three kids and although I don't make time to shop for myself often, I am tired of wearing the same 3 shirts and 2 shorts that 'sort of' look nice. Yoga pants and work out gear will always get a thumbs up from me, but sometimes I find myself yearning to feel and look put together. Fake it until you make it, right?

Anyway, I finally decided that although I'm still a huge skeptic about Stitch Fix stylists being able to nail my requests, I'm going to give it a try anyway. (Not a sponsored post, got nothing for free, just a regular old customer who was hoping to be pleasantly surprised).

I made it very clear on my style profile that I am tall, without curves, and need everything to be machine washable. I made a Pinterest board for guidance, as they suggest to do, and found that I am drawn to a very specific style: flowy tank tops, open cardigans, skinny jeans/shorts, and long necklaces. I tried to reiterate many times that I have major issues with the length of shirts in the torso and also the arms. I said I love bold colors and could use a few new things to wear to work, but also like the casual style for an outfit that works on my days at home with the kids. Also, a few casual but nice things for date nights/parties/etc. So basically, all parts of my daily style wardrobe need an upgrade. But bottom line: I am totally psychotic about the fit and cut of clothes and I don't like to spend a boat load of money on anything. UNLESS it fits perfectly and makes my heart sing somehow, then I could agree to pay more than $50 for something assuming I'd wear it non-stop.

I totally peeked on the website once I saw my Fix had shipped, so I could get the list of items headed my way. Googling and finding the pictures of the pieces on Pinterest had me intrigued and excited, and then my box came two days after they predicted which was a bit of a bummer but somehow I lived.

Marissa was my stylist and her personal note to me was sweet. She seemed to focus on the idea of flowy tanks and a cardigan, plus the bold colors I like. I am pretty sure this is a 1/5 box though, only keeping one item *possibly* two. I didn't go into this expecting to buy more than 1-2 pieces at a time though, and really am such a skeptic that I will be happy if I just get one piece each time. Again: I'm picky!!







Want to see my five items??

1. Kut From The Kloth Haiden Distressed Straight Leg Jean: $88


(Attempted a photo shoot last night as the sun was setting, on our airing porch with the horrible floors. Ended up doing a new shoot today inside with sunlight;) )

So, I didn't ask for jeans, I asked for jean shorts, but apparently my stylist wanted me to try these instead. I was kind of excited to try on a new pair of jeans especially in the more 'trendy' distressed look. BUT I really hate how these are sewn to be permanently cuffed. This might have been a sneaky way to get out of finding jeans long enough for my 5'10" frame and I just really hate the cuff. I will roll my own (very old, very flared) jeans if I want that look but I also like plain old straight leg jeans without a cuff. They fit great otherwise but just nope. Especially not for $88! (Shirt reviewed next, don't worry)

Good color, okay distressed look, but nope. Sorry, verdict: going back!


2. 41Hawthorn Navarro Henley Top: $48

Seeing this on the card I immediately did not like the print, but in person it's actually quite pretty. A little more 'grown up' and maybe slightly nautical or something, and I really like the collar and buttons. Upon trying it on, I was definitely torn---I wanted to dislike it but it started growing on me. But look at the arm holes on the picture up there on the left. Sigh. Then look at how short the bottom of the top is on the side, in the right picture.


Nate even likes this one which is saying a lot. I like the length in the back but the front and the sides are definitely iffy for being too short. Such pretty print though!


I was set on keeping it and wearing it for work with a cardigan on top but then I realized what seems 'off' about this one. The arm holes are giantic on me. Would probably help if I had big boobs but that is not one of my qualities in life. If I sized the entire shirt down I know it'd be entirely too short on the sides. So for now, it's going back unless I have a last minute change of heart. Flowy is one thing but ill-fitting is another.

Verdict: Going back unless there is an uprising in blog comments begging me to keep it;)


3. Collective Concepts Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse: $54


Obsessed with this color and the idea of a sleeveless, flowy blouse. I tried it on with my own gray jeans like the style card suggested and also my favorite cut offs (which are Citizen for Humanity jeans that I have had for at least ten years, but they were super flared and so I just cut them off a week ago on a whim. LOVE how they turned out!). But my problem with this top? Short and boxy:



Plus it's fairly see through, which I guess is in style but I am not a fan. Love this color and the neckline so much but it's just too short--I wish it was about three inches longer everywhere. PLUS it's 'dry clean only' which is comical for this household, need to reiterate to my stylist that machine wash is the way to go! Verdict: going back, sadly.

4. Pixley Bramley Back Lace Detail Knit Tank: $54


Okay, a gray knit tank top is SO very me! And it's flowy and nice thin but not see-through fabric. The back is...interesting and kind of fun, and I do love lace.


But Nate really hates this and thinks the black lace is 'trashy'. (I made him specify that it's the black color and the design of this lace, NOT all lace in general because my entire wedding gown was lace). It's a nice length and a good amount of 'flow' but nah, not for me. If it was a racer back with the lace in the middle or something, I probably would have kept it. But again, for $54 a tank top better be amaze-balls for me to keep it.

Verdict: going back. But close to my style!

5. 41Hawthorn Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan: $48

Bright color, open front cardigan, that is LONG? YES. Finally, a keeper. I don't own anything in this bold blue color and I love it. Will be great to wear to work over tank tops or even on my days at home/date nights if I pair it with the correct items.


The only thing that makes me nervous is that it's 'hand wash cold' and knit, so if I *do* happen to accidentally throw it in with the wash, I can just picture how much this baby will shrink.

But I am not going to lose my $20 styling fee and at $48 the price is right for a versatile piece like this. I actually tried it on with the coral Collective Concepts blouse and loved that color combo, so I am sure I can make this work in a variety of settings. The style card showed it with a striped tank and also a striped dress---I can handle that. Verdict: The Keeper!

Opinions please!!! I am going to fill out my response card online tonight and then return all of the rejects tomorrow. I'm still looking forward to next month when I do this again and will probably ask for tunic tops (which might be a 'regular' length for me) and machine washable. Would also take any more cardigans, especially a short sleeved one, and might attempt a maxi dress from Stitch Fix, too.

Final note: Nate was not at all excited about my decision to try Stitch Fix, since he just didn't really get the concept and figured I'd be way too picky and everything would be horribly expensive. When he saw me try everything on he was surprisingly into it and supportive of almost everything (except for the gray lace tank, he really hated that one). I mean, I think he expected the entire box to total $500 but it was $292, and if I kept everything in the box it would have totaled $200 with the 25% discount. I think if I kept the cardigan, the coral tank, the green tank, and the jeans he would have been totally down for that. Which shocks me because I was prepared to defend my picks to him and instead he encouraged me to get more than I wanted. Guys and their opinions on fashion are interesting to me.

If you are like me and haven't tried Stitch Fix before, use my Referral link, if you would. And give me honest opinions, please!