Spring Stitch Fix!

I had taken a break from my Stitch Fix shipments because I felt like I had rounded out my winter wardrobe, but as soon as the snow melted I was back at it with high hopes for spring!

I had requested Spring & Summer dresses (I have lots of weddings/showers and events coming up) and bright colors! I got a few pieces I absolutely LOVED so naturally I wanted to share them with you all.

I will start with my not so favorite pieces- I received two dresses that did not flatter my figure at all. The blue one below had a cute style but not for my body shape so I sent that one back. I did really like the pattern of the tie dye-ish one on but it was too tight and wasn't flattering.

No surprise I decided to keep these two blouses- I always keep the shirts for some reason! I absolutely loved the lace sleeves on this one, and navy is definitely one of my favorites. I already have a pink floral skirt in mind that I will be pairing this one with once I dig out my summer clothes!

What I loved most about this teal one was the color, but also it was slightly different than something  I would normally choose. I loved the polka dots and lace neckline. I have already worn this one to work and I received lots of compliments!

Lastly this dress was something I was not 100% sure I wanted to keep. Ultimately I did keep it because I felt it would be good for daytime events this summer, it is flowy and comfortable two things I appreciate when it comes to Summer BBQ's!

Overall I was really happy with my fix, I felt I got a few pieces which I will wear over and over again! If you're interested in checking out Stitch Fix use this link to get yourself started! :)

Work Bag Review: Dagne Dover VS Michael Kors

I have been on the hunt for a work bag since before I even had this job, here is my "wish list"

1. Large enough that I didn't have to carry multiple bags
2. Color neutral (no black/navy)
3. Lots of pockets
4. Structured ( no slouchy look)
5. Over the shoulder feature
6. Reasonably priced

After lots of web searching as well as trolling malls & department stores I got it down to the final two.

Dagne Dover makes several amazing bags for the lady on the go. They make it easy to stay organized with multiple pockets, including a clip for your keys ( I love this because I can never find my keys!) and a water bottle holder. After much back and forth I decided on the Tote, I felt it would be large enough to hold my lunchbox, shoes, and all other necessities. I was concerned it would be too big, but I felt the other size wouldn't allow me to carry just one bag. The color options are somewhat limited, linen (what I chose) black or dagne blue. I do love the blue, but wanted to make sure I had something versatile, so I went with the white.












 

When it arrived I quickly realized it was just too large. It would be perfect for an overnight trip, or a carry on, but for work I felt personally it was too big (I don't carry a laptop to work, but there is a sleeve for this in the bag) I did like the color, but wasn't totally sold, I had a little remorse for not going for the blue. I loved the compartments, key clip & water bottle holder (which I didn't realize snaps in and out), but while I love the bag I ultimately decided to return it. I was super disappointed as I had been lusting after this bag for a long time, but in the end it just did not fit my purpose.









 Then there was the Michael Kors bag, I was so reluctant to purchase this because I had my heart set on the Dagne, but once I got it home I was so excited about it. The color is pretty amazing, it is very versatile, can easily be worn with both black and brown outfits. I loved the gold accents, and the option for the shoulder strap. My biggest concerns were the lack of zipper closure, and the gold lock on the front. I love MK but I do feel that sometimes things are over "branded" with MK everywhere. While I realize many designers do this, particularly the ultimate LV branding, but it just isn't my style. I very seriously considered returning the bag because of the lock, but then my lovely husband found that there is a key hiding in the strap, and just like that the lock came off. Call me crazy, but I felt this instantly changed the look of the bag! It suddenly felt so chic and I was head over heels!

 

I was even willing to look past the zipper closure, mainly because the bag is so tall that I can easily put my wallet on the bottom for safety when riding the T. To top it all off, there is a key strap so I wont loose my keys (the little things!). I was a little sad about the lack of water bottle holder but I will totally get over that, you can't have it all! 

Engravable Ideas

Planning our wedding was so fun- blending our different styles into a cohesive day which represented both of us was something of magic. When the topic of first looks, first dances and the ceremony came up Oliver fell clearly on the non- traditional side of things, except for one topic- me changing my name. He felt wholeheartedly that we should have the same last name, whatever that was he wanted to make sure that was the case.

I loved my last name, I was a Collins girl through and through, but for that man I made the switch. So I became k.m.r- it was a change for me for sure. Oliver helped to soften the blow by buying me a few pieces with my new initials- he knows me too well!

I have since embraced the change, monogramming everything I can get my hands on, tastefully of course :)

Here are a few of my favorite pieces, and something I feel every girl should have, especially a new bride! If you know any ladies in your life who are newly minted Mrs, Mama or just someone who would enjoy a personalized piece think about adding these to their collection!


I love the Stella & Dot engravables because there are multiple options, you can do a single letter, a traditional monogram (remember your last name is the center letter- mine would be KRM) several font styles, and they have multiple metals. I also love them because they are SO quick, usual monogramming takes about 4-8 weeks and this is much faster, from when I placed my order to when I received it was 8 days, for an inpatient girl like me that was heaven!

In this photo I am wearing the Signature Engravable Disc Necklace in gold, and with the "script" font. There are three options for chain length I am wearing it on the longest length in this photo. I also love the Signature Bar Necklace.

This is a great twist on a "traditional" monogram, typically you will see the scripted lettering, however I love that this is a modern twist with block lettering! 3-4 week processing time for Nordstrom so make sure to plan ahead! :)

Lastly, another necklace I own personally and absolutely love from Celebrity Inspired! Mine has our anniversary date on one side, and our initials on the other side. I think this is a perfect gift for anyone. You could do an important date, symbols, initials. It can be totally customized to whatever you would like and the Etsty shop owner Lena is amazing! She was super patient, and got the order to me in a very timely manner!


There are countless other monogrammed options for gifts, but these are just a few of my favorites!

Do you have any personalized pieces you love?

Weekend Recap & the cutest J. Crew sweater!

Happy Monday! This Monday feels a bit worse than usual, maybe because it's the first full week after all of the Holiday celebrations? I need an extra shot in my latte today!

My weekend was the perfect mix of relaxation & celebration! I have been battling an awful cold, I got it just after Christmas and I thought I was turning the bend but it hit me again last Tuesday pretty hard, which also happened to be the day Oliver left for Australia for two whole weeks! I am warning you now please excuse the "bathroom selfies" I am seriously missing my photographer/husband..subtle hint for him to come home early ;)

After generous doses of NyQuil/DayQuil I finally felt better so Saturday I had a lunch date planned with an old friend. I hadn't seen her in so long so it was amazing to catch up on life, love & real life jobs! We went to The Local which I know I have mentioned before it is one of my absolute favorites in the area!

Saturday night I headed over to my cousins house for drinks (my cousin is one hell of a bartender as well) &

appetizers. We had an absolute blast hanging out and catching up! My cousin and her partner just bought an amazing apartment in Boston- I have serious real estate envy every time I walk in the door!

Case in point, that fireplace and woodwork is original to the house and we are talking over 100 years old...amazing!!

For a hostess gift I spiced up the usual bottle of wine gift with this awesome bottle coozie and corkscrew. I found these at J.Crew Factory just after the holidays and bought several. I loved the Polka Dot & Chevron mix and so they did they!














On the topic of J. Crew we can talk about my outfit, it is pretty much head to toe J. Crew! I got this sweater for Christmas and I absolutely love it. I like the fit, it isn't super fitted but it is short enough that I think the boxy look is really flattering! I also love the little sparkle along the neckline. The pants I have raved about before, they are the Winnie Pant and I am absolutely obsessed with them! You can get both of these items on sale for an extra 40% off with the code EXTRA40!

The flats are old from Gap, I love them at really like the pointy toe. Here are a few other similiar styles: Gilt: Elyse Pointed Toe flat, Steve Madden: Elusionl  use code SMFREE50 for free shipping!

Second Stitch Fix Shipment

I was SO excited to get my second Stitch Fix shipment, I timed it so that I would get it just before the Holiday's so I would (hopefully) have lots of sparkly fun things to wear to all of the parties and big events.

For those of you who don't know about Stitch Fix read my blog post about it here and all about my first shipment here. 

Okay so on to my second delivery- like I was saying I was jazzed about it coming and quickly very deflated once I opened the box. Here is why...

I received a jersey wrap dress which was incredibly low cut, I tried it on with a tank top but it was still much too low, the stylist even made note of how low it would be and advised me to put a tank under.  It also was jersey material so it clung in odd places- not flattering at all. I would totally understand the mix up however I spent loads of time making my profile very specific, linking up the blog, Pinterest & they have my measurements- I am not a good body type for a jersey wrap dress, so I sent it back!

I did however get a pair of black leggings- plain but definitely versatile. I would have kept them but they were just WAY too small- like not even on a skinny day were they going to get over my hips- small! I also got a pretty cardigan it was open, crocheted in a gold tone. I really liked it but I had several other similar sweaters so I sent it back.

Lastly, the only thing I did keep from my Fix was this silk top. I loved the fabric and the fit, I thought it was super cute- just an easy piece to throw on with jeans and boots!

I have to apologize for the quality of these photos, they were taken with my iPhone as my camera man is in Australia for two weeks! He totally needs to come home and take pictures for me, clearly I am not good at the "mirror selfie" 

Overall I guess the wrap dress was my biggest complaint. I was disappointed, mainly because I had asked for holiday attire, something with a sparkle and the only thing that came close was the cardigan and even that was a stretch. I do however think this program is worth it so I signed up for another Fix and it should be here soon.

I read a few of the tips on their site about how to optimize your shipments so I fingers crossed!

If you are interested in setting up a fix you can use this referral code to get yourself started!

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4261374

All that glitters: Holiday Attire

There are parties of all kinds during the Holiday season; Ugly sweater parties, Casual cookie exchange, Christmas PJ parties & of course my favorite, the Chic wear-anything-that-glitters-party! We are of course hosting the last example!

I have been so excited about the party preparations- decor, floral, food, drinks, I nearly forgot about a key detail, attire! I have been checking out some options online, I had also received my second Stitch Fix hoping it would have something with a little sparkle for the party however no such luck!

So here are a few things I am looking into for the perfect party outfit! As the Hostess I feel it is my job to set the tone for the night, and I always feel my best when I love what I am wearing, so here goes the search!

I'm not totally confident I could pull off this jumpsuit but I am most definitely going to give it a shot when I head to Nordstrom before the party! :)

Fantastic Finds: JCrew & Barbour

I wrote about Oliver's birthday briefly, mainly due to the fact that the post was published before his actual birthday & I had a few surprises up my sleeve!

We went to the outlets in Kittery, ME on Monday (his actual birthday) which he knew about. It is only about an hour from us and we wanted to check out the Barbour Outlet. We spent a good amount of time in there checking around & found him an awesome wax jacket so he was super happy! After that we checked out a few other stores. Le Creuset has an outlet store and we found these awesome salt & pepper shakers, I know so wild! ;)

We also went into Orvis where I found a Barbour jacket as well. Talk about a splurge day! I really love the jacket, especially the country pattern on the inside, it reminds me so much of Oliver's family home in the South of England.














I spotted the JCrew Factory store from across the road and could not resist. The people that work in that store are amazing! I tried on endless pairs of jeans, none of which fit. One of the women who worked there mentioned she has a hard time finding pants as well because of her height, she was the same height as me. She recommended these pants which I am IN LOVE with! 

I have never owned a pair of pants I didn't need hemmed before! I got them in black & navy, however I tried on the navy when I got home and for some reason they don't fit the same. I plan on switching them out for a different pair, maybe one with a fun pattern!

I also got this sweater which I've had my eye on for quite some time! Loved adding this to my closet!








I got to the register and could not have been happier, everything was 50% off and an additional 15%! Talk about a deal!

Stitch Fix Delivery

I was anxiously awaiting my first Stitch Fix shipment & the day finally came! Just a quick little rundown on the Stitch Fix concept. You fill out a profile of what your style is with sizing, and suggestions of what you're looking for. You can also link up social media, I linked up the blog as well as my Pinterest for extra inspiration. At intervals you choose you receive a personalized box containing five items, you can purchase all five and get a discount or none at all. The cost is only $20/shipment which is subtracted from your total if you choose to keep anything.

It is a great concept, and I made sure to give ample examples of what I was looking for. My stylist Alissa did a fantastic job, I loved her personalized note and that she mentioned she used my blog posts for inspiration :)

Here is what I got in my first fix! 

 

I absolutely love this Polka dot shirt- it will be perfect for a holiday party on a night out- definite keeper! The pants I did love, I am not sure you can tell from the photos but they have a great texture. My two big issues with them are the fit & price. They were more than I would normally spend on a pair of pants, however I would have splurged if the fit were better. The faux fur vest is amazing, I loved it. However I did find out I love recently so I decided to send this one back. As for the cardigan- I totally get where the style idea came from but the execution just was not there. It looked horrible on me- I thought about not even posting the picture, but I wanted to fairly represent what I got so here it is! Lastly, the necklace I loved it in the box and would probably love it on anyone else but I did not like the way it fell on my chest. 

 Overall I am super happy with the shipment- I think my stylist gave me great options. I have since updated my profile and sizing so next time I will get an even better match! I highly recommend anyone to check out Stitch Fix! I've included the link so you can sign up before the wait list gets too long! :) 

Stitch Fix Referral

Personal stylists- no longer just for celebs with Stichfix!

Have you ever been trying to get ready for an event and commented on how you have "nothing to wear?" Or have gone shopping looking for something specific (i.e. my search for the perfect faux fur vest) and not found exactly what you wanted? Personally I find myself in both of those situtations pretty regularly. I often think, how nice would it be to give someone your measurements and what you're looking for and let them do the sourcing, essentially a personal stylist. Then I remember that is not attainable for my current lifestyle.

Then I came across the perfect solution, Stitch Fix! Basically how it works is that you create a style profile with your measurements, what styles you gravitate towards & what you hope to receive in your "fix".

In a time frame you choose you will receive a box of five items chosen by your personal stylist. If you choose to keep any of these items the $20 styling fee is credited towards your purchases!

You can personalize everything about your box to what you would like to see more of (jewelery, dresses, pants) to how much you want to spend on each item. Whenever you return the box with items you did not like you are asked to provide feedback as to why you did not choose those items so the next fix will be a better fit to your style!

My first Stitch Fix is coming November 12th- I've decided to see what the first box is like before I sign up for a scheduled delivery. I absolutely can't wait to receive my first fix! I hope you all check out the site. Keep an eye out for my follow up post when the box arrives.. 33 days & counting! :)

If you're interested in joining the Stitch Fix movement click here & find out more details! Stitch Fix