I Didn't Cheat, I Swear

So, as the title says, I didn't cheat, I swear. 

Allow me to explain.... 

For those new here (hi and welcome!) I gave up shopping for myself for 2019 as a New Year's resolution. Dumbest thing I've ever done, to be clear. It. Is. SO. Damn. Effing. Hard. Seriously. 

I am a shopper. It's what I'm known for. Heck, it's what I live for. 

When making this resolution, I gave myself a few exceptions. 
1. I could still buy myself necessities and if I ran out of something I use, I could replace it. 
2. While not shopping, I was also going to spend the year purging my home (closets, basement, you name it) and getting rid of nonsensical things just taking up space. 
3. I had a wish list of things I could get if I found them for a good deal and I gave myself time to think and wasn't impulsive. 
4. If I had credits, coupons, or rewards to shop technically "for free" than it wasn't considered shopping since I wasn't spending money. 
5. At the end of each month, if i went the entire month without shopping for myself, I could reward myself with a little something off of my wishlist. 

Now, I know most people do this to save the environment and be less wasteful and focus on more sustainable brands. But I will be brutally honest here, more power to them. I want to do all those things, but sometimes I want something fun and frivolous and sustainable brands can cost a pretty penny. 

So, wondering why I didn't technically cheat. Well, you might think I did but after discussing with two of my advisors, they both agreed this wasn't cheating. 

I have wanted a sequin blazer foreverrrrr. I mean forever. I blame my friend Jenn who showed up to a fashion show in a sequin blazer, white tee, jeans, and fun heels and looked AMAZING. So, this is her fault. Ha! 

I received an email from ThredUp that I had a coupon code to come back for 40% off an item. It didn't tempt me. I then got an email that same day from them letting me know I had credit in my account that was about to expire if I didn't use it by month end. So, I went on their site and searched for a sequin blazer. And sure enough, one I had "loved" a while ago was back in stock! So, I clicked on it, applied my code and credits, and was left owing 53 cents. 

Yes, 53 cents. 

Would you spend 53 cents on this?! 

Now, you might be shaking your head and thinking to yourself, "No, Naomi, you were doing SO great! You totally blew it." But, I didn't. See reason number 5. I have gone five FULL months without shopping for myself. And here I am trying to justify my 53 cent purchase to myself. Obviously, I'm doing amazingly well in this challenge as most people wouldn't even flinch. 

But I spent serious thought dwelling on this and decided to go for it with these reasons:
1. It's less than a dollar. 53 cents. LITERALLY 53 cents out of pocket. 
2. I could have found that amount of change in the seats of my car or on the ground of a parking lot. 
3. It's less money than a lottery ticket and that's just flushing money down the toilet. 

Now give it to me straight, do you think I cheated and blew my resolution? Or is it a justified purchase based on my rules. 

Love Loft

I will be the first person to admit Loft wasn't a big store for me a long time. I felt it was very "mommish" and I wasn't really dressing "like a mom". But BOY have they changed!

I started to creep in a little when they started the collaboration with Lou & Grey and the whole 'athleisure' trend started to take over.

Then, it started to get more preppy yet trendy without being overbearing.

So here we are today, overshopping and loving everything I put on. Whoops!

Neutrals, neutrals, neutrals, and more neutrals. I was looking for staples for my fall wardrobe, pieces that could mix and match easily, and pieces that would get me a good bang for my buck.

First up, this striped Lou & Grey sweatshirt dress. Runs SMALL. As in, I am wearing an XS. That's right folks, this is an EXTRA SMALL. I wear a size 12 petite usually. Hence that smile right?! Totally bought this one. Plus the inside is a sweatshirt material too!

Sale rack find! For $9 why not?! This blue romper simply ties in the back so getting naked to go to the bathroom is pretty easy versus those annoying snaps and hook-closures.
It's not available online anymore, but this one is cute and on crazy sale!

Not only do I take selfies of what I love but also a giant effing disaster. This jumpsuit was just that, a disaster. It was huge and baggy and long and just a NO on me.

You're gonna want to live in this dress people. Trust me. And if you see me in it every day, don't judge me. It's the same as the striped one above. If you love it, why not get every color, right?!

I wanted to love this top. The back has ruffles down over the butt and on the sides. But sadly, just no shape on me. Maybe for an average or tall person!

This blush sweater vest was on crazy sale and while I liked it, I couldn't figure out what I'd wear it with. Plus, it was a bit sheer for me. So tell me, what would you wear it with?!

I've seen 1,000 blogers on IG wearing this turtleneck poncho sweater saying YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT. I don't get it. It's like a giant house. Yeah, it's comfy and cozy but what else?!

I was unsure about this camel sweater cardigan with my skin tone but after multiple people saying it's a MUST, I caved and got it. I'm glad I did. Classic simple and how do I not have a camel cardigan yet?

The first item on my list of what I went in for was a new white sweater cardigan. I had a cream one I wore often but retired that bad boy last year. This is a bit of a thicker sweater material so it'll be great for fall and winter. I wanted more of a winter white vs cream and this baby was a winner!

The lapel cardigan was a great style and super flattering but as I stood in the dressing room admiring it, I kept thinking I had something similar, almost identical. It's a good weight, not too heavy, and the contrasting collar is fun. I was good and a grown up and passed on it. But someone needs to get it!

Are you a Loft shopper?! I was fortunate enough to spend my morning with some other local bloggers for a private shopping event at the Loft in Evergreen Walk. I cannot encourage you enough to check out their new fall collection. It's flattering, affordable, versatile, and works for ALL shapes and sizes!

My Favorite Tees

I am alwaaaaaaays on the hunt for the perfect tee. One that's not too short so you can see my button on my shorts and not too long that could be mistaken for a dress. Plus, not too sheer yet not too heavy but just right. It's like Goldilocks trying to find her porridge. Ha!

Here's my four go to tees of the moment and why I love them.

Madewell Whisper Tees

At roughly $20 per tee, they are on the pricier end of a basic, run around tee. But girrrrrrl let me tell you how comfy, cozy, soft, and just delish these are. They are my FAVORITE and when they go on sale at Nordstrom, I buy in bulk!

JCrew Striped Tee

The be all and end all in striped tee will always and forever be JCrew. Seriously. The stripes are always spaced out perfectly, in the best shades that complement everyone, and are the softest cotton around. And when I say go to JCrew, not JCrew Factory, trust me on that. Some things you can get form factory but the tees are worth the splurge at JCrew.

Old Navy Luxe Tees

Always on sale. Always with a coupon code. Always comfy. They do shrink a little when you wash and dry them, so be prepared. Also, this is a bit odd, but the petite ones actually run a little big and long. Which surprises me. I can totally pass with a regular size large instead of a petite. Make that note!


Target A New Day Tees

Target, what did I ever do before you existed?! And how will I ever survive if you go away?! The A New Day collection is just simple, classic, basics that every woman needs. And, they're $5 a piece. Yup. You read right. FIVE whole dollars. So why not get them all in every color?! Don't hate me. Love me.

Where do you find your favorite tees?

StitchFix Top Ten Tips

Interested in StitchFix?! I've been utilizing their shopping service for five years, I've been an Influencer for the company, and am presently on unlimited fixes for the year. So, here's a few tips for you to help you have the most successful fix yet.

1. Be 100% honest in your style profile. 

If you would never spend $150 on a pair of jeans, make sure your profile has your price ranges on point. If you don't want anything over $100, make that clear. Your profile is where it all starts!

2. Details, details, details! 

Tell your personal stylist what you loved and WHY, what you liked and WHY, and what you did not like and WHY. They are not a mind reader. They cannot read your thoughts. They also cannot read between the lines. Be as specific as possible. And if you think you're being too specific, be more specific!

3. Utilize the "extras" option.

StitchFix now has the option for you to add "extras" to your box in addition to the 5 items your stylist chooses. Camisoles, socks, bras, bralettes, and more. Your styling fee can go towards these items as well.

4. If you don't like it, it's ok. 

Don't keep something if you don't love it. It's ok. And if you don't like your whole box, email them at hello@stiitchfix.com and explain why. They will credit your styling fee to use again your next box. Their customer support is pretty close to LLBean, they're THAT good.

5. Keep your stylist. 

Try to stick with the same stylist each time. It's a simple request you can leave in your notes. They get to know you and your style, your shape, your tastes, plus it develops consistency and your fixes will just keep getting better and better.

6. Pinterest!

Your stylist checks your Pinterest boards so if you don't have one, make one! You can even request certain items, specific pieces, and a focused fix. For example, my next fix I requested an all denim fix.

7. Try every single item on. 

Even if you don't like it. Then give your feedback on why.

8. Exchanges!!

When I first started five years ago, there wasn't an option for exchanges. In my last fix, I was able to exchange a jacket I loved but was too big and a wrong color for me for a smaller size and a different color. It's super simple when you check out - there's a clickable link for that!

9. Plan ahead

Have a wedding coming up? Ask for a few options for that. Need a new winter coat. Ask for a few to be included. Need a new maxi skirt? Let your stylist know! 

10. Don't give up.

Oftentimes, it takes a few fixes for your stylist to "get you". Don't give up because it's SO worth it when they do!

First and foremost and saving the best for last, communication is key. Be sure you're communicating as clearly as possible and it'll be the best mail day every time your fix arrives!

StitchFix is like having a personal shopper at your beckon call - take advantage of it and utilize it! It's a wonderful service that is worth every penny!

My Favorite Target Brands

Target. The be all and end all mecca for women. Especially moms.

Target has a few collections that have launched recently and I am really liking certain pieces from each line. Here's my thoughts - and I'd love to hear yours!

A New Day

This brand is my new go to brand for basics. A simple tee, a pair of cutoff shorts, a pair of slip on mules. They truly have covered all bases for this brand. The quality is good and the wear over time seems to hold up. I also like that I am my usual size so I can grab an item while there running a quick errand and 9 times out of 10 it'll fit. 

Dolce Vita

Shoes. Shoes. Shoes. And shoes. This shoe brand I loooooove. They are affordable and well made and trendy and stylish and cute. I have a pair of booties that I live in almost daily, a pair of wedges that are my summer go-to shoes, a pair of espadrilles that I get constant compliments on, and mules that are fantastic!

Universal Thread  

I think I am one of the few people who just doesn't like this brand. I tried on several items (a dress, tops, jeans) and nothing worked for me. It felt a bit cheap and just itchy. While I understand it's an affordable brand and they cut costs to make it affordable, it just is not as well made as the other Target brands. At least in my opinion.

Who What Wear

I have tried several items from the Who What Wear line and I have found most of them run big. Like at least one full size big. While I like being able to buy a smaller than usual size, it's hard when shopping the brand online. The quality is good, better than the regular Target brands, and I like the preppy-professional feel of it. 

The Target apparel section. I always get sucked in. Because, well, it's only X amount of money, so why not try it?! They get me every time. How about you?

My 34th Fix from StitchFix

Today, I received my 34th "fix" from StitchFix.

StitchFix, if you don't know, is a monthly subscription where you create a style profile and your virtual stylist sends you five pieces each month to add to your wardrobe for a $20 styling fee. Your fee is then applied to whatever you decide to keep. Should you keep all five items, you get a 25% discount. I've been a StitchFix addict for about four years and enjoy it immensely. Check out what came this time!

Kut From The Cloth Siena Capri Pant, Olive $58



I liked these pants. I liked them a lot. They fit great. They're supposed to be capri but they're normal pants on me because I'm so short. They are literally the perfect pants for summer for short people. But the color just isn't me. If they were navy, pink, or even a pattern, I'd be all over them. Verdict: SEND BACK

Kut From The Cloth Aviva Boyfriend Jeans, $78



Great jeans. My favorite jeans from StitchFix are always Kut From The Cloth. I like these. I like them a lot. They've got some stretch in them. I put them on and they immediately fell off! They were too big. So sad. I wore them around the house for a little bit and after a few minutes they fell off more than once. Sad. Verdict: SEND BACK

Daniel Rainn Toni Pleated Blouse, $38



Super comfortable. A great top for those "fat days". But for the normal days, it made me look fat. Major bummer. Love the feel. Love the color. Love the style. LOVE the price. But sadly, verdict is SEND BACK.

Kensie Know Polka Dot Dress, $68



When I opened my box, I immediately went to this dress, smiled, and then prayed to the clothing goddesses that it would fit. AND IT DID! Oh happy day! It's mint. Who doesn't love mint right now?! AND it's got a fun retro-feel to it. Who doesn't love retro?! SO happy it fit, it's cute, and I can't wait to wear it! Verdict: KEEP KEEP KEEEEEEEEP!

Brixon Ivy Embroidered Detail Top, $74



Saddened that this top just wasn't me. I love the idea of it. The embroidery was subtle yet enough, the sleeves were the perfect length for me, but it was just too big and way too sheer... Verdict: SEND BACK.

I only kept one item. I haven't only kept one item in a really long time. I usually keep 3-4 if not all 5! But, the dress is perfect and I'm SO excited! Have you tried StitchFix yet?! If not, you should!

Nashville LOVES Stella & Dot

Are you a fan of the show Nashville?! Well, if so, you've probably noticed some fabulous accessories! Well, they're from the company, Stella & Dot, where I am a stylist! We have partnered with the show's creative directors to add some sparkle, some fabulous accessories, and some added flair in. Check out upcoming episodes and let me know what you spot!



 





When you watch a television show, do you ever pause to tv to get a better look at what someone is wearing so you can copy it? Yeah- so do I!

Interested in checking out where to get some of these styles? Check out my website!