Tuesday, October 21, 2014

My September and October Stitch Fixes



Hi all!

Have you heard me talking lately about Stitch Fix?  I bet you have!  I absolutely love it!  It's my new favorite mail order service.

How does Stitch Fix work?  You sign up on their website and fill out a questionaire.  It asks you about your fashion likes and dislikes, fitting, size, etc.  You want to be as truthful and detailed in your answers as you can possibly be.  That will set up your style profile. You are charged a $20 styling fee every month for each Fix that you get. Then a stylist will select 5 items for you, and you will get them in the mail.


Once you receive the items, you have three days to test them out.  I like to try each piece on first for fit.  If it fits well, then I start to combine it with other pieces I have in my closet.  It's fun putting together the outfits.  I try the items on for the hubby and even have him snap some pics to send to my mom for her opinion.

Now the fun begins...when you receive your fix you get to try on all of the clothes from the comfort of your own home.  You can pair them up with items already in your wardrobe, shoes and accessories.  It's so much fun and it really tells you if you will get a lot of use out of an item or not.

Once you have decided what you will keep, you go back onto their website and check out the items you will buy.  The $20 styling fee is deducted from your purchase.  If you order all 5 pieces, you will get 25% off your entire order + the $20 deduction.  Also - and this is the most important thing - leave feedback on every piece!  I leave feedback - good and bad - for everything.  How else will your stylist know what you like and do not like?  Any items that you are not keeping, you return in the prepaid envelope within 3 days of receipt.

I also highly recommend that you create a Stitch Fix Inspiration board on Pintrest.  This is very helpful for your stylist to see what types of clothes you like.  You don't want to receive edgy party wear if you are a florals and lace kind of girl!  Help your stylist as much as you can - it's worth it!  If you want to check out my Stitch Fix pin board click on this link:

http://www.pinterest.com/sarahbeth46/stitch-fix-inspiration/

Ok, by now you must be saying to yourself, "Why is this girl babbling on?  Just show us what you got already!".  Well, here we go!

My September 2014 Stitch Fix

1. Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean from Kut from the Kloth

I have a hard time finding jeans that I really feel comfortable in.  This pair just fit so well!  The length is great and the rise is perfect.  I love the cuff at the bottom.  They are distressed but not overly so.  I also really like the rinse color.  

Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Totally Rockin' It!

2. Elissa French Terry Moto Jacket by Market and Spruce

Next time I'll have to get my hubby to help with with taking the pictures.  It was difficult to get a good "selfie" of this jacket.  This jacket was a very flattering cut.  The fabric is a soft knit and I loved it paired with the boyfriend jeans from the fix.  I also tried it on with a little black jersey knit dress and it looked really nice.

Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Totally Rockin' It! 

3. Martine Geo Print Maxi Dress by Tart


I received this dress in my September fix because I had added a maxi dress onto my Pintrest board.  At $128, I was really torn over keeping the dress.  I absolutely loved the style, fit, color, print - everything!  But considering that the cold weather is coming and the price, I wasn't sure how much use I would get out of this piece.  

Here's a side view: 


Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Totally Rockin' It!

In the end, my mother convinced me to keep it (she's an enabler for sure).  I ended up wearing it to my cousin's rehearsal dinner and I've got a trip to San Diego coming up so I'm sure I'll get a ton of use out of it on that trip too.

4. 41Hawthorn Beckett Graphic Print V-Neck Blouse
 

This top was cute and comfortable.  I like it paired with these black skinnies but also think it will look cute with jeans or a pencil skirt.  

Here's a close up of the pattern.



Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Rockin' It!

5. Silver bangle

Let me start off by saying I have no idea what is going on with the camera angle in this picture.  The bracelet is a cuff bracelet but it really does not look that tight on my wrist.  It's a very nice, basic piece that can be worn dressy or casual.  A good accessory staple.

Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Totally Rockin' It! 

My October 2014 Stitch Fix

1. Tart Shay Faux Leather Trim Henley Top

I love the faux leather accents on this tee.  Unfortunately, the rib knit material makes it too clingy and I felt uncomfortable in the shirt.

Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Droppin' It! 

2.  41 Hawthorn Walt Striped Skirt


Too tight, too short.  This would be good for someone about 10 years younger than me.  Plus I already have almost the same skirt which is a little more appropirate in length.

Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Droppin' It! 

3. Mavi Gold Nigel Tall Length Skinny Jean



Oh, these skinnies are breakin' my heart!  How I wished that they would be the perfect pair of burgundy pants that I was looking for.  Sadly, I look like a sausage stuffed into these jeans.

Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Droppin' It! 

4. Mak Jaclynn 3/4 Sleeve Button-Up Cardigan




I had sent my stylist a note saying that I really wanted a gold piece in my Fix for October.  I squealed with delight when I opened the box and saw this cardi wrapped up in that white tissue paper.  It's super soft and such a rich color.  I like that it is cropped so I can wear it with a longer cami or with a dress.  The style card that came with the Fix has some great outfit ideas that I cannot wait to try.

Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Rockin' It!

5. Hammered Coin Silver Necklace

A fun accessory that can be worn with lots of outfits.  I do not have a silver necklace that is this length. 

Rockin' it or Droppin' it? - Rockin' It! 

So that's it!  As you can see, I had so much fun with these Fixes!  If you want to try it out for yourself, just head on over to Stitch Fix, fill out a style profile, and soon you will have a Fix picked out for you by your own personal stylist!

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Stampin' Up! Weekly Deals

WEEKLY DEALS

We hope you enjoy this week's Weekly Deals!  Shop here: Sarah's Stamp Lab
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Perfect Print Numbers Bigz Die Item # 133726
Regular Price: $24.95 US/$30.95 CAN
Discounted Price: $18.71 US/$23.21 CAN



Truly Grateful Wood Stamp Set Item # 131730
Regular Price: $27.95 US/$33.95 CAN
Discounted Price: $20.96 US/$25.46 CAN



Mustache Framelits Die Item # 133741
Regular Price: $7.95 US/$9.95 CAN
Discounted Price: $5.96 US/$7.46 CAN



Darling Doily Thinlits Die Item # 133736
Regular Price: $24.95 US/$30.95 CAN
Discounted Price: $18.71 US/$23.21 CAN



Tiny Triangles Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Item # 133740
Regular Price: $7.95 US/$9.95 CAN
Discounted Price: $5.96 US/$7.46 CAN



Decorative Window Gift Box Item # 132146
Regular Price: $4.95 US/$5.95 CAN
Discounted Price: $3.71 US/$4.46 CAN



Floral Frames Framelits Die Item # 127012
Regular Price: $26.95 US/$32.95 CAN
Discounted Price: $20.21 US/$24.71 CAN



Spooky Treats Designer Template - Digital Download Item # 127588
Regular Price: $12.95 US/$13.95 CAN
Discounted Price: $7.77 US/$8.37 CAN

Monday, October 13, 2014

My October 2014 Birchbox!

Hi All!

Is it a happy Monday for everyone?  Not me.  I'm pooped from this weekend, but still happy to share with you today on the blog.  Today I am reviewing the samples I received in my monthly Birchbox.

What is Birchbox?  Birchbox is a monthly subscription service for beauty product samples.  It's only $10 a month and you get 5-6 samples.  The samples range from makeup to skin care to hair care.  It's a great way to try out new products from the comfort of your own home.  The samples are usually large enough for more than one use and, occasionally, I will get a full size product included!  If you like any of the products, you can purchase them on the Birchbox website.  If you purchase them during the month that the box is scheduled, you get free shipping.  There is also a points system and you earn points for leaving reviews and referring friends.  Points count towards dollars you can spend on their website.  It really is a lot of fun!

This month I got a lot of really great products!

1. Tony & Guy Classic Shine Gloss Serum (Full Size $15)

You apply a small amount of this to your dry, styled hair avoiding application to the roots.  It did a good job smoothing some of the frizz resulting from my blow dryer and did give a nice shine without making my hair look greasy.  I feel like the price for the full is reasonable.  The sample I received was a good size so it should last a while.  I'm putting this item in my favorites on Birchbox.

2. J ouer Matte Moisture Tint (Full Size $38)
I have used this tinted moisturizer for 2 days now and I think I will get at least another two applications out it.  (I do not apply a heavy amount.)  It's a nice, lightweight moisturizer with good coverage.  I like that it is matte, but I still set it with some translucent powder.  I am happy with this product and would buy it as I think it's reasonably priced though it is a bit more expensive than my daily foundation.

3. Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips (Full Size $14.50)
When I first read the label on this, I was like "what the what?!?!"  Apparently this is a product that is good for nursing mothers AND those of us with dry lips.  I tried it out, you do not need to apply very much so the sample will last you a while.  It is a bit heavy for me.  What's good is that it doesn't wear off very quickly, but I'm not a fan of how greasy it feels.  I also think that it's a little pricey for a lip balm.  I do not think I will be adding this to my favorites list.

4. ModelCo Power Lash Long Wear Black Mascara (Full Size $20)
Great mascara.  Nice coverage.  The brush really lengthens your lashes and I like the dark black color.  I think the price point is reasonable for a mascara.  I am adding it to my favorites list for a future purchase! Yay!

5. CLEAN Rain Eau De Parfume (Full Size $69)
Typical fragrance sample size.  You will get a few uses out of it.  It is definitely a clean smell but a bit on the strong side.  I have had samples of other fragrances by CLEAN that I like better.  I wouldn't pay $69 for a fragrance unless I really loved it.  Sorry, this one will not be added to my favorites.

Well that's it for this month!  I hope you enjoyed reading my reviews.  I pay for my own Birchbox subscription and the opinions posted here are my own.  

If you would like to subscribe for a Birchbox subscription, you can follow my referral link below.  I receive points for your referral so that I can try and review more beauty products. :-)  Thanks for reading!




Sunday, October 12, 2014

October Stamping Class!

Hi Stampers!

I'm hosting my second installment of the Christmas Card Camp class on October 25th.  If you are local, please join me for some card making fun!

My classes always include all supplies (except for adhesive) and envelopes.  You go home with a supply list and detailed instructions on how to recreate the cards on your own.  I also always have another little 3D project as a favor for those who attend.  It's always lots of fun and great for stampers of all skill levels!

There are currently 4 seats left!

October 25th, 2014
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Sarah's House
North Middletown, NJ

Christmas Card Camp II
We will be creating four mailable Christmas cards that will be easily reproduced for your own Christmas cards this year.  They will also all be "mailable" - meaning you will only need to use one stamp to send them!  

Class fee: $15 for four cards

An RSVP with payment is a must to reserve your seat.  Please RSVP by Oct. 22nd, 2014.

Contact me by email to RSVP and request payment instructions.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Weekly Deals!

Here's what's on sale this week at Stampin' Up!  These deals are on sale until Oct. 13th, 2014!
1/8 Handheld Punch by Stampin' Up!
1/8" CIRCLE HANDHELD PUNCH
Price$8.95 $6.71
Apothecary Accents Framelits Die
APOTHECARY ACCENTS FRAMELITS DIE
Price$24.95 $18.71
GEOMETRICAL WOOD STAMP SET
Price$29.95 $22.46
Monster Munchies Ensemble -- Digital Download
MONSTER MUNCHIES ENSEMBLE - DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
Price$12.95 $7.77
Mosaic Punch
MOSAIC PUNCH
Price$15.95 $11.96
Natural 5/8 Chevron Ribbon
NATURAL 5/8" CHEVRON RIBBON
Price$6.95 $5.21
Silver Glimmer Paper by Stampin' Up!
SILVER GLIMMER PAPER
Price$4.95 $3.71
This and That Epic Day Journal
THIS AND THAT EPIC DAY JOURNAL
Price$10.95 $8.21

Stay tuned because a brand new photopolymer stamp set will be released on Oct. 14th!!!

Monday, October 6, 2014

I was named an Honorable Mention!!!

Woo Hoo!  I was named a Merry Monday Honorable Mention for one of my card designs! 



Want to see the card I made?  Check out this post: Merry Monday #128

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Freshly Made Sketches #156

Hi Stampers!

Have you ever participated in the Freshly Made Sketches challenge blog?  It's one of my favorites.  There's loads of inspiration there!  This week's sketch is a fun one!

I really wanted to make a Halloween card with this sketch!  The Freaky Friends stamp set is so cute for Halloween cards!  I used my Old Olive Blendabilities to give the witch her greenish hue.  



Here's a close up of the focal point.  I used my new handheld stapler for attaching the sentiment.  I was so excited to see this new tool in the Holiday Catalog!  It's a fun way to attach pieces to cards and it's great for scrapbooking and Project Life!


Thanks for looking!  If you like my card, leave me some love in the comments! :-)