Stitch Fix Fail

I'm not even going to bother posting pictures. In some ways it felt like a duplicate fix. I got another ugly pleather clutch, another pair of one-size-too-small jeans (purposely distressed with big rips all down the thighs), and a black and white striped baggy shirt-sack. Plus a black and white cardigan that was ill-fitting and a flannel button-down which is not worth the $58 price tag. In my feedback from last time I specifically said that I do NOT need purses because I rarely leave the house without a baby and diaper bag. I also said that the jeans were maybe a little too small and that I wanted more COLOR with tops. So when I saw this shipment I was completely dumbfounded. Did the stylist not read the notes AT ALL?! Then I noticed that I had a different stylist this time, so I doubt she even saw the notes. I thought you stick with one stylist so they could get to know you and your general style and preferences. For those of you who have used Stitch Fix, have you had a consistent stylist? Would you complain? I don't think it's fair to lose my $20 styling fee when they completely ignored my feedback and sent me the exact same stuff I said I didn't want. I'm annoyed. >:(

My First Fix!

Stitch Fix is my dream come true. If you haven't heard of it, it's an online service that sends you clothes to try on in the comfort of your own home. Whatever you like you keep, and whatever you don't you send back. There is a $20 styling fee which can be applied to anything you purchase, but if you send everything back you're out the money. As someone who has always hated shopping in stores and dealing with associates, and also as someone who is completely clueless in regards to fashion, I was so excited to finally try it! I received a free code waiving my styling fee, and my birthday was yesterday, so it was time to treat myself! 

I asked for jeans because I literally have one pair that currently fits me and isn't totally worn out. They sent me the DL1961 Azalia Skinny Jean ($98). The fit is pretty much perfect, and I love the wash. From the side though, I feel like they make my flat non-existent butt look especially sad. They also were snug across my hip bones. I'm going to have to think about these.

The stylist suggested pairing the jeans with the Loveappella Milo Knit Top ($48). I didn't take a picture of the back, but it is solid black with a keyhole detail that I like a lot. I'm pretty sure this is a straightforward keeper.

Up next I tried on the Market and Spruce Corinna Striped Dolman Top ($48). This was pretty "meh" for me. I asked for color because a lot of my wardrobe is already grey and navy, so while it looks like something I would find in my closet, it's grey and white and I feel like it just hangs on me. I know that's kind of the look of dolman style shirts, but I don't feel like it's doing me any favors.

I had told my stylist that Brian and I were celebrating our anniversary next week, so she included the Brixon Ivy Harison Dress ($78) for the occasion. I like the embroidery and bead detail around the neckline, and I like the cut in the back, but I'm really not a fan of where it hits me just above the knees. (I didn't photograph that because I HATE my knees). I also don't feel like this is a dress I would be comfortable throwing on for the occasional night out, so I won't be keeping it. (Side note, the stylist told me to pair it with " strappy tan leather heels and drop silver earrings." Oh stylist, you have A LOT to learn about me!)

Last I took a picture of the hideous Street Level Juno Small Folded Clutch ($38), which I will not be keeping. I am not really a purse person to begin with, and I hate everything about this one. Brian said it looked like it was made from a "gimp's leather suit." Then he played 2 Live Crew's "Hoochie Mama" on YouTube and we both laughed. Nope, nope, nope.

Any thoughts from you all out there? Would you keep $98 jeans if they fit well?  I have until Tuesday to decide. (And Mom, I know you will audibly gasp at all of the prices, but sometimes it's nice to buy clothes that don't come from a thrift store. It's my birthday, damn it!)

Hate shopping? Want to try Stitch Fix for yourself? If you sign up here, I'll receive a $25 credit, and you'll be my new best friend for life. :)

Days I Will Never Forget

One year ago, my heart broke. On Sunday August 3rd, 2014, I went to the hospital for a external version to attempt to turn my unborn baby out of breech position. As it turns out, the baby had flipped head down that day, but something didn't look right. Noah was hanging out with my brother during the appointment. As we drove back to pick him up, I googled "enlarged brain ventricles" and began worrying. How could my baby, who looked so healthy and perfect at 20 weeks, have something so catastrophically wrong? When we got to the restaurant where we were meeting my brother and Noah, I saw my little boy playing outside the restaurant doors. As soon as he saw me, he squealed, "Mommy!" and ran towards me. And I started to tear up. "What if I never have this moment with our baby? Will he be able to talk? Walk? Understand who I am?" (I was still convinced Elodie was a boy at this point.) I will never forget that moment of grief and fear.

Brian remained optimistic, or at least pretended to for my sanity. The morning of August 4th, he busily finished painting the last coat of Jamaican Aqua on the nursery walls. He would later tell me he did so because he wasn't sure there would be a point to finishing the nursery after that day's doctor appointment.

One year ago today, we learned that Elodie had hydrocephalus. It was a heartbreaking day, probably the worst day of my life. There is no way to prepare for that kind of news. We were told our baby would probably never walk, talk, or feed herself. That she may not survive birth. There was no way to know her condition for sure, but it didn't look good. We were told to prepare for the worst.

Elodie has now been in our lives for 353 days. I still don't know what her future holds. But I do know that I'm okay with that. She may never be able to squeal "Mommy!" as she runs to my open arms (though I have faith that she will), but she is everything I could have wanted in a daughter, and more. She has taught me more than I will ever teach her, and she has made me stronger than I ever thought possible. And although there will always be scars, she is healing my broken heart each and every day.

Eleven Months!

In less than two weeks, Elodie is going to turn one, so I better get on this! We spent most of Elodie's 11th month in Minnesota visiting the grandparents. I hope to make a post about that soon, loaded with pictures of course. There were a couple of exciting new skills this month. Elodie learned how to clap while playing pat-a-cake with my mom and she will mimic waving! It's very cute to watch her get excited and clap her hands. She does it both spontaneously and when prompted. Elodie also started to mimic some sounds. After lots of peekaboo sessions with Grandmas, she started trying to say the word "peekaboo!" (Click the link for the video!) She also tried to repeat the word "teeth" with striking accuracy. Such a smart little girl! She continues to roll everywhere she wants to go, and began experimenting with scooting on her back. Elodie also learned how to make an adorable "mean face." So fierce! ;)

We had some issues with granulation tissue forming around her Mickey button (her gtube), and that was no fun to get taken care of, but it seems to be getting better finally. At the appointments I took her to for that, we learned that she currently weighs around 17.5 pounds, and she is 28" long. I think that's close to my size when I turned one. I really do think she takes after me! 

Elodie experienced lots of first this month including her first plane ride, her first boat ride, and her first road trip, but I'll save all that for my Minnesota post! There is a lot I want to write about this month, so hopefully I'll be back soon!

I seriously love those nose wrinkles!