Friday, August 19, 2016

stitch fix : spain fix!

***Note: This post contains affiliate links...so if you are inspired by this post to try Stitch Fix, please use me as your referral by clicking HERE or any of the links within the post or sidebar!  If you do so, I will receive a small commission to support future Stitch Fix posts for sharing my honest, personal experience with Stitch Fix.  Thank you, friends!!!!***

It's Fix time!
I tend to schedule my Stitch Fix boxes about every six weeks, and usually around a special event or trip.  It is pretty awesome that you can choose the specific date you want your Fix to arrive!  

This time around I was looking for a some fun pieces for an upcoming trip to Spain -- items that could hopefully also transition into the fall season!  

My stylist Hilary delivered and sent me some fun, bright, unique choices -- and a fab pair of jeans!

#1 Uribe Pleat Detail Top (Papermoon)
I think this peplum tank is super cute, with such a darling floral print.  It could even work for fall under a lightweight cardi, with jeans and booties.   The only downside was the fit.  You see that I cinched it with a belt, as otherwise it billowed out and had an odd boxy fit.  It either needed to be tighter on top...or I need considerably larger boobs.  The latter is not going to happen, so...RETURN. 

2. Gonzalez Double Strap Tank (Pixley)
3. Tory Distressed Ankle Zip Skinny Jean (Pistola)
4. Maci Metal Lace Cuff (Kevia) 
This tank I thought I would not like when I initially opened my Fix, as it looked boxy and basically ill-fitting. However...it kinda made me happy wearing it!  Soft material, billowy yet with the hi-lo cut it is sort of flattering, and a bright print.  The thin double straps and v-neckline add a little flair. Something about this tank is fun!  I'll probably return it, but you never know!
These skinny jeans are adorable - a great wash, just the right amount of distressing, very soft/stretchy, and the zippers!  Oh, the zippers!  The zippers at the ankles are fabulous.  The perfect skinny jean.  You know, if you love skinny jeans.  I just don't love skinny jeans given my ample, child-bearing hips.  Plus, I already have three pair in different washes that are just just fine for when I need them. However, if you are a skinny-jeans loving gal, you should request these Pistola jeans from your stylist!!!!  I returned these, though, as I need a slightly looser fit jeans, Hillary!!!!!
I said I'd be okay with a statement bracelet or ring in this fix, and so I was sent this metal lace cuff.  I am okay with it, but I wasn't in love.  I'm more of a minimalist, beads/stone, or leather kind of jewelry girl.  The sparkly lace detail of this cuff is a little much for me -- and it kept sliding around, which was bothersome.  This was an definite return.


#5 Glenice Cold Shoulder Blouse (Collective Concepts) 
I had requested a fully off-the-shoulder top; however, when I saw this cold-shoulder blouse I knew I had to give it a chance!  The ruby color is BEAUTIFUL, and will transition to fall easily with the longer sleeves.  I can see this with black skinny jeans or leather leggings and heels for a night out, or with blue jeans, booties and felt hat as I wear in these pics.  This was my definite keep from this Fix -- I am in love with this top!
Whenever I have a Fix photo shoot to do, my babes inevitably want to join in on the fun!   
Are you interested in getting your own Stitch Fix box, delivered to your doorstep with five pieces hand-picked by a stylist based on your requests and fashion profile?  It is really fun, ya'll.  The stylist fee is $20, but that is credited to whatever you decide to keep.  Another great thing is that it sometimes forces you out of your comfort zone, giving you options that you may never have picked up a store.

Just make sure you try on everything in your box, at least twice, to get a feel for whether or not it is something you would enjoy wearing!  Sometimes you know right away, and other times you need a bit to dwell on what direction you want your wardrobe to go.

You get three days (sometimes a bit more) to try on your items with the rest of your wardrobe and decide what looks best and feels best on your figure, then you just put what you don't want in the provided envelope and mail it back.  Easy!  Fun!  Try it for yourself by clicking the link below!

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

finola's room // an update!

Three years ago, when we found out at her birth, that Finola was a girl indeed, the nursery was very gender neutral. We had basically mimicked Cormac's nursery in our previous home, using all the same decor, crib bedding and furniture.   We even used the same pale gray wall color. You've gotta love the versatility of gray!
I figured I would add more girly details as time passed, and we got to know Finola personality a bit better.

Here was the post of the renovated nursery, way back then.   I can't believe how sparse and boring it looked.  You can certainly tell it had not been lived in by a sweet baby yet! So many cool memories have taken place in this room since she arrived.  Endless milestones, games, conversations and stories.

A lot has changed aesthetically, too! Since then a lot of pink, both pale and fuchsia, has been intermingled with the turquoise. The green was basically done away with. Some florals, glorious florals, were also worked into the space! I have a flower weakness.

Her room is basically a mish-mash of pieces - much more eclectic now.

She got a big girl bed (daybed from IKEA) - that is kinda awesome with it's storage drawers and ability to pull out to become king-sized!  I upcycled a crappy little bench I found at Goodwill for $10 and made it a window seat with a cushion.  I chalk-painted the little side table by the chair turquoise -- another "free" item!  The stool by her bed I acquired from my parents and painted/stained. We sold the white wardrobe on Craig's List and are in the middle of converting the closet into a real closet again.  (You'll notice there are no doors yet, and it needs more shelving.)  I've added art prints that are more feminine and reflective of Fin's personality : Bright!  Loud!  Full of life!
So there has been a lot of girlishness happening in Fin's room!  (Which is obviously no longer a "nursery" but a toddler girl room.)  I thought it might be fun to do before & after pics of her room from when she was first born, to now as a three-year-old...

Disclaimer : I did spend ten minutes picking up toys/books in the room prior to taking these pics, as well as making her bed (which I only remember to do half the time.) I did not dust or vacuum or sweep or go to any extraordinary lengths to "organize" her stuff, nor did I edit them the pics any way.  All that to say...usually it looks much messier...but not much"different." 
Here is then and now...
Then...barely used...

Now...more personality!

I have no idea why we originally put the changing table in the closet.  I get weird notions sometimes. You live, you learn!

I have no idea where to put the tent I made.
the frilly pink lampshade I put on the eiffel tower lamp is off-kilter...but that's okay. 
it's nice to no longer need to use this as a changing table!
p.s. that is not fin's afternoon coffee.  my kids don't need caffeine.
Then and now!
You'll notice in the below before and after we moved the dresser out of the closet so we can eventually put doors on and she can have a "real" closet.  Plus, there is much more LIGHT!  Since Fin's birth the magnolia tree outside her window was cut down.  Yes, very sad, as it was a beautiful tree...but I actually love the extra light!
I love how things have evolved in this space.  I love that we have lived in a home long enough to see things evolve!  Yes, we have officially lived in 'the dream home' for four years, making a record for us as a married couple in a home!

I hope we are here another fifty!
+ + + + + +  

How have things changed in your babies rooms as they transitioned from babe to toddler?