I realize I’m quite late to the game on this post, but better late than never? We did have quite the pandemic in 2020, so I think we’re all a little more lenient on people’s speed of actions lately. So while we’re already several months in 2021 (and the pandemic continues!) I wanted to look back at my reading challenge I set for last year because quite honestly, I’m just proud of myself, and I read a lot of great books!
I had a goal of 20 books, figuring 20 books for 2020, why not. What I, and the rest of the world didn’t anticipate, was that 2020 would be a year like none we’ve ever experienced.
March came around and I started to work from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, giving me more “free” or “me” time since I wasn’t commuting in and out of New York City. This allowed me to have a little more time in the evenings to snuggle up with a good book. I started a few series, read some fun novels, and read a few short stories. For the most part, most books I picked up were winners, which makes getting through so many a breeze!
One of my favorite books that I picked up last year was The Art of Inheriting Secrets. It was a novel about romance, self discovery, growth and full of charm and characters you fell in love with. I honestly thought about this book for weeks afterward, it just really stuck with me.
As you can see from my selection above, I’m obsessed with anything about magic, witches, royalty, or the occasional time period story with romance thrown in.
I’m so proud of the number I was able to accomplish. Just like 2020 was unique, 2021 is pretty similar in a lot of ways. I’m still working from home until at least end of Summer, the world is still a little crazy, and my state has one of the highest number of Covid 19 deaths in the US, and in the world, so I’m staying home and staying safe.
This year I’m well on my way towards my goal of 30 books. Will I surpass it like last year? We’ll have to see what curveballs come my way this year.
Not too long ago, Stitch Fix introduced a new feature in their app and site called “Shop Your Looks.” It seemed really intriguing, you can finally order pieces without getting a whole fix, which could be a huge toss up.
Their first launch was around completing your looks you already had. I wasn’t really interested in that feature, since I was looking for brand new looks and pieces, rather than something to dress up or down my current dresses or tops. So when I saw the new tab that allowed you to shop unique looks pulled for you based on your style quizzes, and past purchases, I figured it was worth giving a shot.
I’m still disappointed to see it’s not advertising any rompers to me, but I did notice a couple of items that stood out. One of the items that caught my eye was a cute flowy faux wrap dress. As you’ve heard me say before, there’s nothing more universally flattering than a wrap dress. It’s perfect for all shapes and sizes, and really flatters your body shape. I made the selection via the app, and within a couple of days it arrived at my door step.
KAILEIGH Kaela Faux Wrap Knit Dress
When I pulled it out of the bag, I immediately loved everything about it, from the fabric, to the print, to the color. The blue is gorgeous and the pattern is fun and bright. I also really love how soft, flowy, and comfortable this dress feels. It’s simply an effortless choice. I noticed when I checked the app again they had some other colors in the same dress, but they weren’t my style, but if they create other colors, I might just have to splurge one day!
The last item I was looking for, just for the heck of it, was to see what kind of shorts were available to me. My last fix did have some nice dark jean shorts, but they did have distressing, which I didn’t want. So when I found a great dark pair, I wondered why my stylist hadn’t picked them out for me? I’m thinking they were in limited quality because I can’t find them in the “Buy it again” section like I can for the dress I purchased.
The shorts are very dark, cute, and fit well. A perfect staple for my quarantine summer I suppose 🙂
Feedback about the experience: I don’t like how you can’t check out and purchase more than one item at a time. You literally have to make individual purchases, which means different shipments being sent your way. It doesn’t seem like the most efficient, and Stitch Fix probably missed out on a few extra bucks from me since I wasn’t feeling like going back in the app and purchasing that second dress I had my eye on since I couldn’t add it to a cart and checkout with the other item I wanted. Maybe they’ll fix this in a future update?
In the end, it was a neat experience. I appreciate being able to buy individual pieces now that suit my needs or peek my interests.
It has been a long time since I’ve done a Stitch Fix review. I took a break from the company for a while for a few reasons. First, I kept getting bounced between stylists and it just didn’t seem like I was finding my match like I had a couple of years ago. Second, I didn’t really need a ton of new clothes, and three I just kind of fell out of it after the Affiliation program seemed to disappear without mention.
I substituted Stitch Fix with a rental service, Infinitely Loft, which I’m still using today. However a few weeks back I decided hey, I’m stuck at home, Summer is just about here, why not see if I can get some items from Stitch Fix to update my warm weather wardrobe.
My request this time around was for rompers, a dark washed non-distressed pair of jean shorts, and a dress or two. When I received my box however, what I had originally hoped to receive was not provided. Reading the stylist note I was a little disappointed to hear they didn’t have any summer rompers available, and hearing about the items pulled for me left me wondering if this box was worth it or not. Thankfully, I was fairly surprised by the items I received once I tried them on and gave them a chance.
Item #1 – Skies are Blue Pavlina Embroidered Cactus Knit Tee Price: $44.00
Pavlina Embroidered Cactus Knit Tee
I don’t own a ton of tshirts or short sleeved tops, unless they are free ones I’ve gotten from work as swag or are branded for my company. So, it’s always good to find an option here and there that is a bit more coverage than my beloved tank tops and I can wear on those warm but not dreadfully hot summer days.
What I liked about this top was the fun stitched cactus pattern. The pattern is only the front, which is ok, but the top might be cuter if the pattern went all the way around. I also enjoy that the color combo with this shirt is one of my favorites, navy blue with white. To me, that color combo says summer since I’m really into nautical or preppy styles like that. The fit is ok, not tight, slightly loose, and the neckline cut is flattering.
Item #2 – Just Black Romeo Distressed Cuffed Frayed Hem Denim Short Price: $58.00
Romeo Distressed Cuffed Frayed Hem Denim Short
This item is pictured above on me in the first item review.
Just reading that title and I’m already thinking there are two words in there that do not go with what I requested in this fix – Distressed and Frayed. Taking a closer look, the distressing and fraying isn’t too terrible. There’s no actual holes cut out of the shorts, and they don’t look that bad. The wash is dark, which does fit with what I was looking for.
In terms of how they fit, they are a larger size than I would have purchased in store, and they are a bit looser than most of my shorts I own. I figure they might tighten up in the wash. But at least the looseness is comfortable and not drooping off of me, but still I probably would have prefered a size down to be my regular pants size.
Item #3 – Threads 4 Thought Arias Twist Back Knit Top Price: $54.00
Arias Twist Back Knit Top
At first look, I’m not the biggest fan of this print or top. It’s nothing special, doesn’t do anything great for me or my body, and I feel the floral is a bit frumpy, maybe better for someone who’s a little older. The colors aren’t bad, but overall it isn’t a top I’m super thrilled or excited about. However, like I said earlier, it’s good to have a few short sleeved tops in one’s wardrobe. I decided to keep this top because it was cheaper to keep it than return it. The fabric is a little unique, it doesn’t feel like a usual knit fabric, it’s kind of silky and almost like a wicking material. Overall, it’s ok, but not really my cup of tea.
T-shirt dresses can make me a little nervous. The cuts aren’t the most exciting or flattering, and I’m always worried it’ll cling to my stomach or make me look a little strange.
What I like about this dress though is the coloring, it’s a white with blackish blue stripes that once again make me think of a preppy or nautical style. The dress itself is also really comfortable. I could definitely see bringing this on a beach vacation, or just going around in the summer. It’s cute and fun. The best part is that it doesn’t cling to anything, and while t-shirt dresses look boxy, and it does look a bit like that in some photos, I don’t actually mind. It’s a really easy dress to just throw on and head out the door in, and who doesn’t need that during quarantine or the summer months?
I’ve never owned a jumpsuit, at least in the past 20 year I haven’t, but a jumpsuit is basically a romper just less summer heat and humidity friendly with pants instead of shorts. When I pulled it out of the box I was worried about what the length of it would be, and how it would sit on my body. Would the proportions work? Would I look silly?
Well, let me tell you, this jumpsuit might give me the disco fever and feels, but I actually kind of love it. I definitely didn’t expect to like it, but I fell in love. Perhaps because it’s so different from things I wear, and that it’s kind of a little out there. What’s wrong with spicing it up a little with something a little unique and flashy, haha.
My boyfriend may think I look a little silly, and I came out of the bedroom from trying it on doing a disco dance, but it made me smile and that’s what you look for in clothes, isn’t it?
I should note, this jumpsuit is appropriately long, but not drag under your feet long. My style card showed wedges as the perfect shoe for this outfit, and I recommend them too. You’ll get just enough lift to make this length work great. I should note I am 5 foot 5, so if you’re shorter than that, this might be a hard sell for you since the pants are full length.
Review Summary: While I didn’t get all the items I wanted, and it wasn’t my most favorite fix of all time, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the items in this box, and decided to keep everything since it was cheaper that way with the discount for buying everything. I still wish I got an actual sleeveless romper or flowy dress for the Summer, but maybe next time it’ll be meant to be.
Next up: I’ll be reviewing some of the “shop your looks” options that you can now get from the Stitch Fix app. I’m looking forward to trying this option out instead of requesting a full on fix. Let’s see how it goes!
Until next time, stay healthy, happy, and safe out there! Happy Summer!
As some of you may know, I celebrated the big 3-0 birthday this January. Ringing in a new year with a new decade of my own. So far, so good. No complaints.
While so many people imply 30 is a scary year for women, it shouldn’t be. I’m starting to feel a bit more like an adult. Not sure when I’ll ever fully feel grown up and be all “yes I am an adult, let’s do this thing,” but hey that’s ok.
I originally wanted to create a list of “30 before 30” things I wanted to do, accomplish, experience, etc before my birthday came around, but I failed at that. 2019 was kind of a crap year for me. There was lots of stress, the loss of one of my closest and precious relatives, work madness, event planning, etc. But just because I didn’t accomplish those 30 things, or even come up with 30 (lols), doesn’t mean I can’t still tackle some of those items and “check them off” the list of Katie. One thing I’m still of the mindset I want to do is get a piercing. Now, I got my ears pierced (one hole each ear) at the mall when I was like 7. It was terrifying. I don’t do needles. Lucky me one of my holes closed up, and my father decided he’d re-pierce my ear for me with a piercing gun he purchased to do his own ears (we’re a special family). That was horrifying as well. Yet, here I am saying I want to get my cartilage pierced. Will I do it? I don’t know, but there’s been a thread at work amongst a bunch of women recommending piercing places in the city. One looks good, and even has this awesome lightning earring that makes me feel like I’ll be a Katie version of Harry Potter. The earring costs around $400. I may be crazy. I’ll keep you posted. Ok, I’ve rambled, on to the topic of this post.
I’ve been really into crafting, creating, and painting lately. So, from this point on I’m challenging myself to create 30 “things” this year. Luckily, I’ve already got a good start since I’ve subscribed to a watercolor painting box, but I won’t stop there. I’m hoping to knit some stuff, add to my cande inventory, watercolor more, make some homemade catnip toys, sew some pillows, and make some shell art.
I hope you’ll join me on my journey. I plan to capture the crafting experience here. If you like cats, candles, watercolors, and shells, you’re in the right place my friend.
I’ll leave you off with some items I’ve recently started playing around with.
Watercolor Rainbow elephantWatercolor Bicycle
Getting artsy and crafty makes me happy, fills up my weekend, and gives me something to do that’s uniquely me. I can’t wait!
I’m also going to make an etsy store for fun. If anyone ever wants an infamous “Candles by Katie” candle or a cute watercolor (not a print), feel free to take a peek.
It’s time for another Infinitely Loft box review. It’s been a while, which means I’ve had several boxes come and go, but I wanted to share one of my more recent rentals.
Item #1 was a multi color knit sweater. It was soft, comfortable, and a great length for wearing over leggings. I returned it because I’m not a huge fan of wearing tops with bright reds it it (hard to tell with the lighting here). As a redhead, I try to be cautious with my clothing color choices.
Item #2 for this review is a front waist tie up sweater. It was cute, I wanted to love it and keep it, but when I wore it all day I found it to be a bit itchy. Not overly itchy where I wanted to pull it off, but I could tell there was wool in the fabric blend. When I’m looking for sweaters, I want them to be itch free, soft and cozy. While this option was different with the tie in the front, it wasn’t a purchase item for me.
Some of my other most recent observations have been around sizing and fit. I’ve found a lot of the more flowy tops and some of the sweaters are tending to run a bit big. Both sweaters above could have been a bit more tailored.
When I pick out items for my closet, the model in the photos seem to be in tops that are fitted closer to the body. I’ve been getting size small in all tops, but I’m starting to wonder if I should try XS in some items that seem like they might be a bit baggier. Other tops that aren’t knit seem to fit as expected in size small.
Finally, for item #3, I’m super pumped to share that I received an item I’ve had on my priorities list for a couple of months now, a faux leather biker-esque jacket. I felt so cool when I put it on the first time.
And just because, I had to do a fun photo shoot with my boyfriend’s lightsaber. I mean, who could pass up on a lightsaber!? Don’t mind my messy art station.
Take note of the animal print top, a rental item I have in my possession right now! It’s short sleeve, slinky, and so much fun. I might just have to purchase it to go with the jacket that I of course had to keep!!!
I’m still thoroughly enjoying my rental experience with Infinitely Loft, and I’m anxiously awaiting spring weather so I can get some of the cute rompers and sleeveless tops I’ve put on hold!
In total, I’ve probably purchased and kept around 6 items. I’m sure with the upcoming seasons I’ll be using this service to update my spring and summer time wardrobe.
If you want to give Infinitely Loft a spin too, get $20 off your first box here!
