Stitch Fix - December 2015 Review

So, after a little break in ordering, I finally decided to sign up and receive a new Fix.  I was excited to see that my little package arrived on Christmas Eve.  Stitch Fix did not ask me to review their product, I just wanted to pass the experience along to you!  

Have you heard of Stitch Fix?  If not, you can read more about my first Fix here!  Stitch Fix is a fabulous fashion retail company that assigns you a personal stylist who handpicks you a "Fix" of 5 clothing items and accessories (based on your style profile) and delivers them right to your front door.  Each Fix is customized to your unique taste, budget, and lifestyle.

You are not obligated to purchase anything, shipping is FREE, and the initial $20 you pay when you schedule your first fix is deducted from the price of any items you purchase.

No time to shop?  No problem!  Schedule your Fix and 5 amazing pieces, picked just for you, will arrive at your door for you to try on in the convenience of your own home.  If you choose to keep all 5 pieces you get an additional 25% discount off the total price of your package.  If you would like to send a piece back you just pop it in the enclosed envelope, stick it in your mailbox, and it ships back for free!

My box arrived beautifully wrapped and I had a personalized letter addressed to me from my personal stylist.  I love how she mentioned specifics from my Pinterest page and my blog!

Styling cards are included with examples and ideas for each piece.  I love these because they give great ideas for what to wear.

When I scheduled my Fix I was hoping for some conservative, yet fun and comfortable school outfits that I could wear while teaching.  Check out the variety of fabrics, patterns, and colors this time!

Alright, enough jibber jabber, here is what I got in my Fix:

Collective Concepts Red Idell Dress - $98

I love the deep red color of this dress.  Not only is it perfect for the holidays, but it would also be cute as a Spring / Summer dress.  I love pieces like this that are so versatile.

Bottom line, it was cute, comfy, and came down to my knees.  A little expensive, but I love it!


31 Bits Lunar Light Beaded Necklace - $54

I love the variety of bead colors that appear in this necklace, making it easy to wear alongside a variety of outfits.  It looks adorable with the red dress.

Not only is this beaded necklace absolutely stunning, but it has a wonderful story.

41Hawthorn Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer - $78

This blazer is a cute navy blue.  It pairs well with many of my blouses, as well as the red dress that came with my fix.

The 3/4 sleeves make it a little more comfortable to wear in the warmer weather months that are hopefully shortly ahead.

It is professional, but comfy.  The fabric is super soft.

Skies are Blue Haldis Roll-Tab Henley Blouse - $58

I feel in love with this blouse the second that I pulled it out of the box.  The deep navy blue is one of my favorite colors.  The fabric is super comfy and light weight.

The 3/4 sleeves help to hide my Omnipod Insulin Pump when I choose to wear it on my arms.

The buttons accent this shirt and bump it up a notch in  my style file.

Love love love it!!!

Pixley Ellie Printed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse - $48

From a distance, this blouse look like your ordinary black and white pattern.

But upon closer inspection, you can see the black and white pattern actually forms elegant elephants.  How cute is that?

This 3/4 sleeve blouse is definitely unique.  Wear it as a statement piece, or pair it with your favorite blouse or blazer.

So, what should I keep?  If I keep all 5 pieces I will get a 25% discount.  It's very tempting.  I can honestly say I love it all!

I'd love to hear your opinions!  Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Want to snag your own Stitch Fix?  Use my referral link here.  By going through this link you will help me feed my next Fix!

New Year New Fix - January 2015 Stitch Fix Review

With the new year brings a new Fix...Stitch Fix that is.

Check out what was in my January box!

41Hawthorn Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse - $58

Have I mentioned lately how much I love 41Hawthorn?  Whenever I get a piece from their collection I am always impressed. The only place you can find their clothing is through Stitch Fix.

I've had a few questions about Stitch Fix's styling cards so I decided to include them in today's post.  Here is the card I got that shows how to style this lovely blouse.

This blouse caught my eye immediately.

I love black so this piece was a hit right out of the box.  The 3/4 sleeves are perfect for when I want to hide my insulin pump that I often wear on my arm.

The studs are cute and sassy!

Final verdict - KEPT!

Next on the list . . .

Loveappella Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt - $64.00

I feel in love with this sweatshirt right out of the box.

The neck has a cute little drawstring, to pull tight, but no hood.

I also love the pockets.  I would have gotten it, but my husband has put me on a budget for this fix.  I'm strictly on the lookout for clothes that I can wear while teaching and this is a little too casual for school.

Final Verdict - RETURNED!

The 3rd piece I pulled out of the box was . . .

Gilli Kamile Jersey Ruched Detail Dress - $64.00

I loved this dress immediately.  The dark blue is very flattering.

The fabric was soft.

However, either I grew since my last fix, or this dress was sized a little differently than my last Gilli dress because it was a little too tight around my arms and above my stomach.

Final Verdict - RETURNED!  (...but with a request for a similar dress in a slightly bigger size.)

My 4th piece was . . .

Bajee Collection Barton Graphic Knit Drape Front Cardigan - $58.00

I love the black and gray pattern.  It almost has a little tribal feel to it.  

The cardigan is nice and long and drapes at my sides.

It is casual, but stylish and cute.  Perfect to wear to school on the cold winter days when layers are definitely my number one option!

Final Verdict - KEPT!!!

Last but not least, my fifth piece was . . . 

Bay to Baubles Tracy Layered Bead & Chain Necklace

This was the first fix in which I requested a necklace and I had high hopes.  However, the necklace got tangled right out of the box.  I'm not big on wearing jewelry so when I do wear it, I need it to be easy, simple, and flawless.  Honestly, I'm afraid I am going to break this thing or it will get all twisted up and look silly.

It looks cute in the picture.

Final Verdict?  - Returned

So, what did you think of the styling cards?  They are great for showing how to pair each piece with other items in your wardrobe that you might already own.

Want to learn more about Stitch Fix?  Check out what I got my 1st,  2nd, and 3rd Stitch Fix reviews.

My next Fix is scheduled to arrive just before Valentine's Day!  Interested in trying Stitch Fix out for yourself?  The best Valentine's Day present you could give me would be to use my referral link here!

3-D Snowflakes - Monday Made It

After 4 1/2 months of maternity leave I am finally returning to the classroom this Friday, Valentine's Day.

I have been busy working on some new decorations for my classroom.  I'm hoping to jazz it up a little for my return.

I'm going with a winter penguin theme when I return so I figured these 3D snowflakes would be perfect.

You can see directions on how to make them here.

Check out all the other Monday Made It's on Tara's Blog, 4th Grade Frolics

Happy Monday!

January Monday Made It

I'm linking up this month with Tara, from 4th Grade Frolics, for her January Monday Made it.  It's been so nice having time off from school to rekindle relationships with friends and family, relax, and enjoy something other than school.

With NY's crazy winter weather I've managed to squeeze in a little time to get cozy and create this week.  Here's what I've made:

1.  Picture Perfect Photo Table

My hubby gave me a new digital camera for Christmas.  In hopes to update my blog with fabulous photos I decided to put together a little photo table in my home office.  Now when I take photos to share with you they can have a clean white background. 

My photos are already looking a little more professional!


2.  Survival Kit for Teachers

Although teaching has stolen my heart and soul, the winter is a crazy time of year.  Lesson plans, data, observations, meetings, new common core standards, new teacher evaluation systems, state tests looming over our heads.....ugh.  The list goes on and on.

So, in order to relieve some stress, I created little survival kits for my fourth grade teacher buddies..

I found these cute containers at the Dollar Tree.  Inside I put little notepads, gel pens, hand sanitizer, heart shaped chocolates, hot chocolate and a candle.

You can snag the template for my survival kit here!

  

3.  Winter Poetry Writing Unit

Last but not least, my pride and joy...my new Winter Poetry pack.  I plan to start our poetry unit at the end of this week!

Included are 6 different poems: 

Each poem includes a teacher direction sheet, sample poem, rough draft worksheet, and a final copy sheet for students.

There are also 2 versions of a Winter Poetry Book cover.  Simply combine the final copy pages together in a book or display them on bulletin boards or in a hallway display.

I'll be sure to post some pictures of students' final products in the upcoming weeks!



Before you go, don't forget to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $10 giftcard to Dunkin Donuts and 3 products from my TPT store!

Check out all the other Monday Made Its on Tara's blog:  4th Grade Frolics.

Gingerbread House Party Tips

Last Thursday we had a fabulous Gingerbread House Party!  Making gingerbread houses has quickly become one of my favorite activities!  Young or old, this can be a fun activity for all. 

Hosting a gingerbread house party?  Here are some tips to make your party a success!

Tip #1: Quick and Easy Frosting!
Our school is currently not accepting any baked goods from students or families.  Everything must be store bought.  Rather than spend hours upon hours making homemade frosting, combine store bought frosting with confectioners sugar.  I filled a Styrofoam cup about half way with frosting and added one tablespoon of the sugar for thickness.  The frosting was a lot stronger and held the graham crackers together well.

Tip #2: Milk Cartons for the Base
Use recycled (and cleaned) milk cartons for the base of the house.  Students saved cartons from lunch.  We opened them, washed them carefully, and glued them shut.  Students simply stuck the graham crackers to the carton with frosting to make their house.  Cartons were glued to plates for added protection while being transported home at the end of the day.  These were extremely sturdy!

Tip #3: Cheap Plastic Tablecloths
I snagged some red tablecloths from the Dollar Tree this year. Not only did they add to our festive decor, but they were easier to spread out and clean up than newspaper. When you're done, simply roll up the tablecloth, along with all the garbage on top, and throw it away. Clean up was a cinch!