STITCH FIX

So, per some great praise from another blog I read, I decided to try out Stitch Fix. It's a small company where you sign up, tell 'em what your style is and then for a $20 styling fee, they send you 5 items to try on in your own home. They give you styling tips for each item and include an already postaged bag for your returns. If you keep something, the $20 fee goes towards what you buy.

Now, I am not one to spend much on clothing at all. We're talking, usually $20 or under for me. And I know that's cheap but for a long time, I didn't really have any money left over for clothes after rent and bills and other living expenses. I still am not rich by any means but I've gotten to a point in my life where all those $3 shirts that I liked but didn't love but bought anyway because they were cheap just aren't cutting it anymore. I think I'd now rather spend a little more for one item that I love than buy more items that are just all right. I want to look in the mirror every morning and feel great about myself. Shouldn't we all feel great about the way we look when we walk out the door in the morning? And that's to in no way say I don't have some dirt cheap clothing items I absolutely love--I'd thrift every day if I could! I'm just ready to invest a little more in myself when I can justify it.

But anyway, on to my first fix. I'd read that you need to be specific, so I'd asked for some fall pieces like cardigans and work blouses and some type of motorcycle jacket (something I've been hunting for a while now!)

 

Please forgive the last terrible photo. One of these days, new camera!!! As nice as some of the pieces sent were, this shipment just wasn't for me. The jacket on the left was cool, but I would have rather it had a collar. The two on the right weren't my style at all and the white shirt I liked but didn't love. They also sent me some stud earrings but you can't see them in the picture. 

I ended up sending everything back. I was really hoping to love something since $20 is kind of a lot for me not to get anything. Since specificity is helpful, I made sure to leave extensive comments about each item on their website after I tried it all on. Even though I didn't get anything this round, I still think this is a really cool service. It was a lot fun to see what someone would pick out for me and I love the anticipation and excitement of knowing that package will be waiting at my door. I'll definitely try it again!

*Just to let you know, I did link my Stitch Fix referral page which would give me credit if you decide to sign up and order a fix!*

AUTUMNAL MUSINGS

If you're like me, Autumn could not get here sooner (as I sit here listening to Christmas music). We've just stepped into September and it's still pretty muggy and warm here...but I can see the leaves starting to fall from our windows and my fervor cannot contain itself. I even searched for pumpkins at the farmer's market yesterday to little avail. I am a pumpkin fiend. Ask my old college roommates. I always showed up in September with a pumpkin or two, not caring that I was the only one.

All of this excitement has me remembering back to last fall when us and some friends went on a little camping trip--my first real one! It was late in the season and verrryy cold but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

top: my sister and I

middle: so cold, there was frost! and critters in the middle of the night!

bottom: our tent

Autumn around the corner also has me reaching for some of my favorite fall/fall-esque movies. I love Hocus Pocus, Sleepy Hollow, The Nightmare Before Christmas, You've Got Mail and watching the this old Disney halloween special. I've also been making this Pumpkin Coconut bread a lot. And I'm just itching fall fashion! I even tried to wear a giant chunky knit scarf to a friend's last night (actually pictured above!) and well, that came off real quick. So come on fall!

INSTA-JAMMIN'

It's been entirely too long since I last posted and I miss it! So to jump back in, here's a new little segment I'd like to "Insta-jammin'!" I really hope I made that phrase up.

Remember those boots I talked about here?

My cat loves to eat peas...

Ikea!

Opening night at the Ohio State Fair

She also thinks it's polite to sit at the table for breakfast.

One of my favorite presents ever.

A $6 vintage find goes to the theater.

A wonderland sits outside this window.

Stay tuned for next time when I talk about my cats! Lolz. Ha, see what I did there...

OBSESSED: ALASKA

How gorgeous is this place? I've always really liked Alaska but ever since I read Raven Stole the Moon last year, my interest has really grown. I even got a vintage mug from ebay for my collection to commemorate...but more on my love of mugs later.

(1/2/3/4)

IF I ONLY STILL HAD A CAMERA

...then I could blog about all the beautiful lovelies that have been bestowed upon me by the thrift gods. Sadly it was being held onto by my purse which was stolen months back. I really miss blogging. Even if I'm the only one that visits her, I feel like a little piece of me is fulfilled by this side project. In the meantime til I can raise the funds to buy a new camera, I'm going to start trying to find ways to pop up here now and again.

In other news, my sister started a blog! It's called Hello Crow. It's lovely and I'm glad she decided to add her voice to the community.

More to come soon!

NAVAJO OR BUST!

I have been eying this quilt from Urban Outfitters for I can't tell you how long but it's more than I can afford to spend. Especially when I still have a perfectly good comforter already.

But then whilst visiting my favorite local Salvation Army the other day, the clouds parted and bestowed before my very eyes a comforter so awesome I couldn't believe my luck. I was so excited I didn't even think to check if it would fit my bed. (It did!)

 My cat, Roswell, approves.

Tacky? Maybe. Freaking sweet? Most certainly. It came with the two pillowcases and is double sided with that same fabric, which I also love. And all of his became mine for the low, low price of $7! Now my bed matches even less than it did before....but hey, I love it anyway.



P.s. Anyone else totally miss Domino magazine??

THE JOYS OF ETSY

Now, I'm all about the thrill of the thrift store hunt but I definitely love the convenience of Etsy. Recently I bought this beautiful dress which was one of those pieces that you see and gasp because they're so beautiful and unique and you know that you'll keep and pass down to your future daughters. Those are definitely worth investing in.

(The tag is from the store I bought it from)