Stitch Fix #19 Review - March 2016

Stitch Fix Review - March 2016

Note:  This point contains affiliate links to support my blogging addiction!  :)

I'm almost tempted to call this an April fix, because we're so close . . . but I guess it is still March.  Our weather has been so lovely lately that I find myself looking forward to summer already.  (Ask me about that again in July or August.  I may have a different story!  Ha ha.)  Ironically, the day that I took these pictures was a freakish 60 degree day (with wind and clouds)!  We're already getting used to 80s and 90s, so it was funny to see how it affected everyone.  It was a super low energy day for both me and my students!

After a cloudy morning at school, I went home, took a short nap, and woke up to sunshine - just in time for my pictures!  I had a blast trying on these clothes.  It turned out to be a fun afternoon!  In fact, this is one of the best fixes that I've gotten so far!

I became a member of Stitch Fix in January of 2015, and I am definitely a fan!  My closet has improved 1000% since then.  I've found that fashion can be addicting, though.  In October of 2015, I tried Golden Tote, another clothing-by-mail service!  I may never see the inside of a mall again!  :)

If you've never heard of Golden Tote, you can follow the links below to any of my reviews and get the scoop on this other great service.  It's a little different than Stitch Fix, but I've found it equally fun!  I've gotten five totes so far, along with a couple of mystery totes.  (Those weren't quite as successful, but what can you do?)  It's addicting!  Anyway, here are my Golden Tote reviews if you're interested:

Golden Tote Review - March 2016
Golden Tote Review - February 2016
Golden Tote Review - January Mystery Totes
Golden Tote Review - December 2015
Golden Tote Review - November 2015
Golden Tote Review - October 2015

OK.  Back to Stitch Fix!

If you're reading this, you probably already know the ins and outs of Stitch Fix.  If you've never heard of it, here are the basics: 

To get started, you go to their website and fill out your style profile!  That gives you a chance to show your stylist your measurements, usual sizes, how you like things to fit, and the styles that generally appeal to you.  If you're interested in checking it out, please consider following my link to schedule your first fix!  (I just recently joined Stitch Fix's affiliate program, which means I get a small commission for anyone who signs up using my link.  However, my opinions are always my own and I pay for all of my own fixes!)

When you order a fix, you pay $20.00 to have your own personal stylist look at your style profile and preferences (which can include a Pinterest board).  They will choose five clothing and/or accessory items specifically for you.  They are shipped right to your doorstep!  You have three days to try the items with other things in your own wardrobe and decide if you want to keep them.  The $20.00 styling fee is credited toward any items that you decide to purchase, and you receive a prepaid shipping envelope to return anything that you don't want.  If you happen to keep all five items, you receive a 25% discount on the whole box!  You can choose to receive fixes every month, every few weeks, or only once in a while.  Here are some links to my previous reviews, if you'd like to check them out:

February 2016 - #18
February 2016 - #17
January 2016 - #16
December 2015 - #15
November 2015 - #14
November 2015 - #13
October 2015 - #12
September 2015 - #11
Stitch Fix Keepers
September 2015 - #10
August 2015 - #9

Stitch Fix just recently made a big announcement.  They now have SHOES available for all of their customers!  Just take a look at some of the cute styles:

And how about these?

Laser-cut booties?  Leopard sandals?  Umm . . . yes, please!  If you're already a customer, you can go to Stitch Fix's website, update your style profile, and request shoes!  :)  If you're not a customer, well . . . here's one more reason to join in the fun, right?  :)

In light of this recent announcement, I was hoping I'd get a cute pair of shoes this time.  I had a few styles pinned on my Pinterest board.

It is possible to peek at what you're getting in your fix once it has shipped.  I have to admit - I usually do.  This time, I resisted.  I didn't peek, so it really was a surprise!  When I first saw the box, I thought, "Oh, no - it's not big enough.  I didn't get shoes!"  Well, when I opened the box, here's what I saw:

I did get shoes!  Stitch Fix just puts them in a cute duster bag instead of a shoe box.  :)

I was delighted to see that I had been assigned the same stylist that I've had for my last few fixes - Lauren!  Here's her sweet note to me:

I was so excited as I unwrapped my fix and saw the great things that Lauren chose for me - so much color!  Polka dots!  Shorts!  :)

Here's what I got:

1. Dolce Vita Brannon Loafer Flats - $98.00

I had these shoes pinned on my Pinterest board.  I can't seem to resist polka dots - especially when they involve black and white!  I think these would go with just about anything.  

I received a size 10.  That's my usual size, but I have a pretty narrow foot, so sometimes a 9 1/2 works better.  I was disappointed to find that these shoes were too roomy.  They looked cute, but they felt too wide.  I knew it would bug me and I wouldn't be happy with them.  They're not cheap, either!  I definitely don't want to pay that much for shoes that don't fit right.  

I was just going to send them back, but I decided to check with Stitch Fix's excellent customer service to see if I could get a smaller size.  

I'm glad I did!  They have a 9 1/2, and I should have them soon.  I really hope they fit!  There's a good reason that I'm taking this chance - more about that later!  Read on . . . 

Verdict:  KEEP

2. Level 99 Cindie Linen Short - $78.00

and 

3. Skies Are Blue Bradie Embroidery Front Knit Top - $54.00

What a cute outfit, right?  Last summer, I begged for colored or printed shorts.  I did get a couple of pairs of shorts that I kept, but nothing too exciting - pretty basic.

I love the color of these!  They're a linen blend.  I have a feeling they'll stay pretty wrinkled while I wear them, but isn't that part of the look (with linen)?  I don't know.  I hope so!

One of the things that I like about these shorts is the waistband.  I hate gathered elastic waistband shorts!  I've never found them flattering on me.  Well, these have a real waistband and they have a perfect relaxed fit.

I also like the length.  I don't mind showing my legs, but Daisy Dukes are not happening.  Ha ha.  I don't like Bermuda shorts either.  This short-ish medium length is great for me!

They match perfectly with this lovely Skies are Blue top!

Look at the back detail!  I love it!  :)

The only thing that spooks me about this shirt is that it's mostly rayon.  I've had a couple of bad experiences with rayon lately.  I've lost a couple of cute tops to shrinkage.  In fact, I'm even thinking of updating my style profile to reflect that I'd prefer not to receive items that are 100% rayon.

Well, this is so soft and stretchy.  It couldn't shrink, could it?  Won't that little bit of spandex help?  Well, I'm going to take the chance and just be very careful not to shrink this shirt!

Seriously, how could I send back this outfit?

Verdict (shorts):  KEEP

Verdict (top):  KEEP

4. Level 99 Giovanni Straight Leg Jean - $108.00

I had this pair of jeans (styled with a cute printed red top) pinned on my Pinterest board.  I was hoping to receive both, but Lauren let me know that the top wasn't available.  I was happy to receive the pants, though!

Hmmm . . . yellow pants.  I don't think I've ever had a pair.  The top and blazer pictured above was what I wore to school the day that these pictures were taken.  I had styled them with black jeans and grey boots.  As I examined my fix, I realized that swapping the black and grey for these pants and the shoes would create a much more fun look.  I had to try it.  I think it works!  What do you think?

These are some pretty skinny straight leg pants.  Wow.  These will be good motivation for me to stay the same size.  :)

As with most of my skinny pants, I could tell within 10 minutes that I would need a belt to keep them where I wanted them.  This is what I've been using lately for that very purpose:

I recently ordered this invisible belt (Beltaway brand) from Amazon and it has greatly reduced my frustration with skinny pants - as long as they have belt loops!  It's not a perfect solution - it's not really meant to look stylish, but as long as it's covered by a shirt, it improves the situation immensely!

Yes.  I could become a fan of yellow pants.  They're pricey, but I think I need to keep them!

Verdict:  KEEP

5. Collective Concepts Soloria Cold Shoulder Top - $54.00

This is my first cold shoulder blouse.  I know they're kind of trendy right now.  I really like the look!  I think they're cute.  This particular top is another item that I pinned to my Pinterest board.  I couldn't resist the colors and pattern.  I was really happy to see it arrive in my fix!

Here's a view from the back!  This shirt shows both of my tattoos!  Winning!  (Right?)

Lauren suggested pairing this top with either the pants or the shorts.  Well . . . I'm not sure if I've totally bonded with the two of these together, but my blue Tieks help to tie the look together (I think).

I can think of a few other things I could wear with this top - jeans, the blue pants from my last fix, khaki shorts, etc.  I think it will be pretty versatile!  It's not really a work top, but I only have about six weeks to go until summer vacation, so . . . why not?  :)

Verdict:  KEEP

So . . . let's go back to the shoes.  At first, I was just going to return them.  However, once I tried on the other four items, I realized that I liked everything!  With the 25% discount, the shoes were basically free.  Once I found that there was a smaller size available, I decided I'd take my chances and try an exchange.  If they don't work, my plan B is to sell them on one of the Stitch Fix Facebook groups that I belong to.  I figured it's worth a try!

UPDATE:  I'm so glad I exchanged the shoes for a smaller size!  I love them!  :)

I loved this fix!  It was so much fun - probably my favorite so far!  I will be definitely be requesting Lauren for next time!  :)

By the time my next fix arrives, I'll be SO close to my summer vacation.  I just want all the fun clothes.  All of them.  Ha ha.

By the way, if you'd like an easy way to check out items that other people have received, you can check out some other great Stitch Fix reviews by visiting this linkup:

http://crazytogether.com/april-stitch-fix-review-giveaway-link-35/2/

It's hosted by Maria of Crazy Together and Kinder Craze.  She received some great items this month as well!  Check it out!  :)

Please comment!  Did I make the right calls?  Have you received any of these items?  What did you think?

How do you feel about the big SHOE announcement?  Will you be requesting shoes in your next fix?

Thanks again for reading!

60. Cilantro-Green Chile Mushroom Tacos with Baby Arugula and White Cheddar

I wish I had a really awesome, meaningful explanation for the creation of this recipe.  Well . . . not really.  It was Monday (yesterday).  I'm soldiering on with this taco project, and I had already decided it was going to be a taco night.  I went to the store.  I decided I was in the mood for mushrooms and cheese.  Chile is good in just about every recipe, but I've already made a mushroom taco with ancho chile.  I decided it was time to go in a different direction, so I used green chiles.  I knew that I had some delicious aged white cheddar at home, so I figured the spicy arugula would be a nice contrast with that.  

So . . . that's how this taco happened - not bad for a Monday!  (Actually, it was delicious!)  It was also fairly easy.  We usually eat dinner around 7:30ish.  We ended up eating almost an hour early, because I was . . . done.  If you've read any of my other recipes, you've probably noticed that they don't tend to be the kind of recipe that you complete earlier than expected.  I tend to get carried away.  Ha ha.

Here's the recipe:

Cilantro Green Chile Mushroom Tacos with Baby Arugula and White Cheddar

Makes 8 generous tacos (4 servings)

Ingredients: 

For the cilantro green-chile mushroom filling:

1 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 sweet onion, finely chopped

3 large cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped

1 lb. crimini mushrooms, cut into quarters 

1 tsp. salt
4 Hatch or Anaheim green chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth 
¼ cup heavy cream

½ tsp. dried Mexican oregano

Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

For the dressed arugula:

2 heaping cups baby arugula leaves

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. Cholula sauce

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

8 thick flour tortillas 

A few ounces of shredded white cheddar cheese

Smoked paprika and or extra Cholula for garnish

Instructions:

1.  Start the mushroom filling:  In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat.  Add the onions, reduce the heat a bit, and cook until softened and slightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook for another minute or so until fragrant.  Add the mushrooms and the salt, raise the heat to medium-low, and cook gently until the mushrooms soften and start to release their juices, about 8-10 minutes.  (The mixture will be dry at first; just give it a few minutes.) 

Add the green chiles and stir to combine.  Add the broth, cream, oregano, and pepper.  Increase the heat to medium and cook (stirring occasionally), until most of the liquid has reduced and the mushrooms are tender, about 10 more minutes.  Add the cilantro and stir.  Keep the mixture warm until you are ready to serve the tacos.

2.  While you are cooking the mushrooms, prepare the dressed arugula:  Place the arugula in a medium bowl.  Add the remaining ingredients and toss to combine.  Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.  

3.  While you are finishing the mushrooms, prepare the tortillas to your liking.  I use a dry cast iron skillet over medium high heat.   I heat each tortilla in the skillet for about 30-60 seconds on each side, or until it softens and begins to brown.  When I'm done with the whole batch, I wrap them completely in aluminum foil and place them in a 250 degree oven until I'm ready to assemble the tacos.  

4.  When all of the components are ready, assemble the tacos.  For each taco, place a tortilla on a plate.  Spoon on a small amount of the mushroom mixture.  Top with the arugula.  Finish with a generous sprinkle of the grated cheese (and a dash of smoked paprika if you'd like some color).  Enjoy!  :)

I was delighted with these!  They were definitely a top-shelf dinner for a Monday!  I'm not sure why I decided to dress the arugula with a little bit of Cholula, but it added a nice kick and provided a contrast to the richness of the cheese and the mushroom filling.  I actually ended up adding extra Cholula.  It worked really well.  I love that stuff!  :)

I know I keep saying this, but . . . I really need to write a cookbook based on all of the other recipe ideas I get from making these tacos.  I think this could be adapted into a fantastic warm mushroom and arugula salad.  I could picture it with some fried tortilla strips on top - maybe garnished with some spiced walnuts?  Don't get me wrong - this was great as a taco.  I think the salad would be just as good, though, and maybe even better!  :)

I'm going to keep this post short.  There's not much to say, really.  Yep.  They were good.  Make them!  Ha ha.

Please feel free to comment!  Did you try them?  What did you think? 

Thanks so much for reading!  

59. Pecan-Crusted Catfish Tacos with Meunière Aioli and Spicy Tomato and Herb Salsa

My husband keeps begging me for fish tacos.  Not weird, "creative" fish tacos.  He likes the ones I've always made - a version of the fish tacos served at Rubio's that I found in a 2000 issue of Gourmet magazine.  They are delicious, but I've explained to him that they don't really qualify as part of my project.  I'm trying to come up with new things!

Well, I have to give him credit - he's eaten a lot of interesting tacos so far.  Most of them (fortunately) have been great so far, but it is possible to get tired of tortillas.  He's been a good sport.  I decided to give him a break and try to make something similar to our favorite fish tacos.

Well, there is a twist.  If you've read any of my taco recipes, you know that there is always a twist!  :)

I was thinking of making a catfish taco with some New Orleans flavors.  I lived in New Orleans for a year (back in 1998), and I definitely fell in love with the food!  How could you not?

I thought of a dish that I used to love from a restaurant called Copeland's.  At the time, it was called Ricochet Catfish.  (According to their website, it looks like they now call it simply Pecan-Crusted Catfish.)  It was a pecan-crusted, fried catfish dish covered with a brown butter/lemon (meunière) sauce.  It was pretty decadent.  I never realized you could fry something and put buttery sauce on top of it until I lived in New Orleans!

We actually had a Copeland's in Chandler (about 35 minutes away from us) sometime in the early 2000s.  It didn't last long.  Don't get me wrong - I love Arizona, but I don't think Arizonans really "got" Copeland's.  It closed.  :(

I haven't been back to New Orleans since I moved away.  Fortunately, a visit is on the horizon!  A jazz conference that I have been attending every year for the past few years is going to take place in New Orleans next January!  I'm super excited.  I'm just going to eat, drink, and listen to jazz the whole time!

 In the meantime, I'm going to try these tacos and see if they remind me of that catfish dish from Copeland's.  Hopefully, they will also (somehow) remind Steve of Rubio's tacos.  O.o  Ha ha.

Here's the recipe!  :)

Pecan-Crusted Catfish Tacos with Meunière Aioli and Spicy Tomato and Herb Salsa

Serves 5-6 (about 16-18 small tacos)

Ingredients:

For the meunière aioli :

2 tbsp. butter
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. finely chopped Italian parsley

For the pecan-crusted catfish:

1/2 cup pecan halves/pieces
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup all-purpose flour (with extra for dredging)
About 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. or 10 oz. beer (not dark; I used a pilsner)
1 tbsp. Creole seasoning (such as Tony Chachere's)

1 and 1/4  lb. catfish fillets
Canola oil for frying

For the spicy tomato and herb salsa:

4 plum tomatoes, chopped
2 Fresno chiles, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
2 tbsp. finely chopped Italian parsley
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
1/4 tsp. dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
3/4 tsp. salt, plus more if desired

A few cups of thinly sliced green cabbage

16-36 small (street-taco size) corn tortillas, depending on whether you plan to double them up

Lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1.  Brown the butter:  Place the butter in a small or medium skillet over low heat.  Cook gently until the butter has turned to a golden caramel color.  Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.  Mine took about 25 to 30 minutes to reach the color I wanted.  Be patient!  :)  Remove from the heat and set aside to cool a bit.

2.  While the butter is browning, make the salsa:  Combine all of the salsa ingredients in a medium bowl.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  Set aside.

3.  Finish the aioli:  Place the cooled butter and all of the other aioli ingredients except the parsley in a 2-cup glass liquid measuring cup.  Blend with a hand blender until smooth.  (You can do this in a regular blender or food processor if you wish.)  Stir in the parsley.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  Transfer to a small dish.  Cover and set aside.

4.  Prepare the pecan crust:  Place the pecans in a coffee grinder.  Pulse until coarsely ground.  Alternately, you can use a food processor.

Place the ground pecans, panko, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a shallow bowl and stir to combine.

5.  Prepare the batter for the fish:  Whisk together the flour, beer, and Creole seasoning in a medium bowl.  Cover and set aside.

6.  Cut the fish into strips.  I ended up with about 30 pieces.  The size is really up to you, as long they get fully cooked!  :)

7.  Add canola oil to a deep pot until a depth of about 2 inches is reached.  Heat the oil to about 360 degrees.  Set aside some extra flour in a shallow dish.  While the oil is heating, set up an assembly line:  flour - batter - pecan crust.  You can see mine below:

8.  Fry the catfish:  Dredge several strips of fish in the extra flour.  Dip them in the batter.  Allow the excess batter to drain off, roll them in the pecan mixture, and then carefully drop them in the hot oil.  Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.  Remove from the oil and transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels.  Do this in batches.  It took me about five batches to cook mine, but it went pretty quickly!  Keep the fish warm in a 250 degree oven.

9.  After the fish is fried, prepare the tortillas to your liking.  There are a few different ways you can do this.  When I am making tacos with soft corn tortillas, I heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium high heat.  I place a large sheet of aluminum foil near the pan.  I heat each tortilla in the skillet for about a minute or so on each side, or until it softens and begins to brown.

After each one is done, I place it on the foil and immediately start the next one.  I stack them on top of one another as I work.  When I'm done with the whole batch, I wrap them completely in the foil and place them in a 250 degree oven (along with the fish, in this case) until I'm ready to assemble the tacos.  They always stay hot and soft!  If there are leftovers, I heat fresh tortillas for the next meal.  

10.  Assemble the tacos:  For each taco, place a tortilla on a plate.  If you have thin corn tortillas, you can use two for each taco.  Mine were thick, so I only used one!  Place a couple of pieces of fish down the center of each tortilla.  Top with some of the cabbage.  Spoon on some of the aioli.  Finish with some of the salsa and a squeeze of lemon.  Enjoy!

Well, I think it's safe to say that these fish tacos turned out to be the perfect happy medium!  I did create them, so I get to count them as part of my project!  (Believe me, I don't have time to make tacos that don't count . . .)  They were also a recognizable version of a fish taco, so my husband was thrilled!  There were some different flavors going on, that's for sure.  However, we had the most important elements:  Fried fish - check.  Cabbage - check.  Salsa - check.  Mayo-based white sauce - check.  It worked.

Did these remind me of the Copeland's catfish dish?  Well . . . kind of.  It's a different thing, obviously, but the flavors were there.  The brown butter in the aioli was subtle, but I think it added an interesting layer of flavor.  You could add more brown butter, but then you'd have . . . lots of cold butter.  And mayo.  Ugh.  I wouldn't change it.  I think my proportions were pretty right on.  :)

I loved the pecan/panko coating on the fish.  I was afraid it would burn, but it was just fine.  The batter and the coating gave the fish a delicious flavor.

My spicy tomato and herb salsa was just the ticket for this.  I love traditional pico de gallo with cilantro, but . . . cilantro just didn't seem like it would work for this dish.  The parsley, thyme, and oregano complemented the flavors in the other elements of this dish.  A standard pico de gallo would have been lacking.

I did almost run out of the pecan/panko coating, but I didn't want to waste expensive pecans.  If you have 1 to 1.25 pounds of fish, you'll probably be all right.  If you have a little extra fish, you might want to make some extra coating.  :)

This made a lot.  I think we could have served 3 or 4 more people!  Fortunately, I know that fish tacos make great leftovers.  If I put the leftover fish in a toaster oven at about 375 degrees, they'll crisp up again and be just as delicious.  All I need are some fresh tortillas and we're in business!  :)

Feel free to comment on this recipe!  Did you try them?  What did you think?

Thanks for reading!

Banana Nutella Muffins with Toasted Hazelnuts

I don't know what got into me this morning!  This is not a healthy breakfast, OK?  I do realize that.  Ha ha.

Last night, while I was browsing around on Pinterest, I found a delicious looking recipe for Nutella Swirl Banana Bread.  It was posted by Roxana from Roxana's Home Baking.  You can find the recipe (and check out her blog) here!

I've had a couple of brown bananas on the counter for a few days now - they were just looking at me.  I wish there was something healthier to do with brown bananas besides make banana bread.  Sigh.

Well, there probably is, but why would you NOT want to make banana bread, right?  I almost made the recipe as is, but I decided to adapt it a bit to make muffins.  I've always appreciated the way that muffins can give you both permission and a strategy to eat cake for breakfast.  With only two of us, sliced banana bread tends to get stale.  I like muffins - they are pre-portioned, easy to freeze . . . and they look like cupcakes, only without frosting!  :)

I also remembered that I had some delicious toasted hazelnuts from Trader Joe's languishing in the refrigerator.  I had to add those, too!  Thus, my adaptation of Roxana's recipe was born!

Here's what I came up with:

Banana Nutella Muffins with Toasted Hazelnuts

Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients:

1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 large ripe bananas, mashed

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
1/2 cup Nutella

Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  

2.  Whisk the butter and sugar together in a medium bowl.  Add the eggs, one at a time, and whisk until smooth.  Add the bananas and whisk again until well combined.

3.  In a smaller bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add to the banana mixture and fold in gently until just combined.  Fold in the chopped hazelnuts.  Finally, gently fold in the Nutella, leaving large swirls. 

4.  Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.  Divide the batter evenly to get 12 large muffins.  The cups will be about 3/4 full.

5.  Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes.  I have a convection oven, so you may need to bake yours a bit longer and/or bump up the cooking temperature by 10 degrees or so.

6.  Allow muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.  Enjoy!

That's it - pretty simple!  Another plus about making muffins is that they cook much quicker than a whole loaf of banana bread!  You're only about 25 minutes away (including the mixing process) from gooey Nutella goodness!

These are very sweet!  If that's not what you're in the mood for, check out this recipe for raspberry muffins that I posted a while back.  Those are more like a true breakfast bread.  These are like . . . cheating.  :)

I know.  The butter seems like overkill.  There's just something about a smear of salted butter on a warm muffin, though.  I couldn't help it!  

Please let me know what you think!  Did you try them?  How did they turn out?  

Thanks for reading!

Golden Tote Review - March 2016

Golden Tote Review - March 2016

Note:  this post contains affiliate links to support my blogging addiction!  

Spring is here!  Well . . . actually, it's been feeling more like summer already.  I'm not complaining - I thrive on sunshine.  You might find me singing a different tune in August, though.  This heat wears on you eventually, but . . . for now?  Bring it on!  :)

I got a great tote last month!  When I saw the March spoilers, I was super excited!  Unfortunately, by the time I logged on to purchase my March tote, the things I really wanted were sold out.  That's one issue I have with Golden Tote - a lot of the most popular items seem to have very limited availability!

Anyway, after some restocks, I decided to go ahead and order a tote, even though I didn't get my first choices.  There was no desperation here.  It's not like I need the clothes - my closet is in great shape after several months with Golden Tote and over a year with Stitch Fix.  It's just for fun.  :)

If you'd like to check out my previous totes, here are my reviews:

Golden Tote Review - February 2016

Golden Tote Review - January Mystery Totes!

Golden Tote Review - December 2015

Golden Tote Review - November 2015

Golden Tote Review - October 2015

I'm also a member of Stitch Fix, which is another clothing-by-mail service that is equally fun.  My history with Stitch Fix is a bit longer - I've been a member for just over a year.  If you'd like to check out those reviews, here are some links:

February 2016 - #18

January 2016 - #17

January 2016 - #16

December 2015 - #15

November 2015 - #14

November 2015 - #13

October 2015 - #12

September 2015 - #11

Stitch Fix Keepers

September 2015 - #10

August 2015 - #9

If you're interested in checking it out, please consider following my link to schedule your first fix!  (I just recently joined Stitch Fix's affiliate program, which means I get a small commission for anyone who signs up using my link.  However, my opinions are always my own and I pay for all of my own fixes!)

All right - back to Golden Tote!

When you sign up for Golden Tote, you fill out an online style profile.  It's pretty short - you answer some questions about your measurements, typical sizes, and how you like your clothes to fit.  Here are a couple of pages from my profile:

As you can see, they show you a few different style types.  You can check/uncheck as you wish - it's easy to update if you want to try something different for the next tote.

Since you can only upload one photo, I made a collage of items that I have kept and loved from Golden Tote and Stitch Fix.

You are also able to specify certain colors and prints that you would like to avoid, which is helpful if you are not a fan of something that is "in".  For example, I'm not crazy about most florals, and they are everywhere this spring!

You can also attach an image to further depict your own personal style.  From what I understand, most people create collages (as I did).

You can order a tote at any time.  A lot of people buy multiple totes per month!  It's tempting, but I try to stick to one tote if I like the chosen items.  Sometimes I'll add on an item or two.  You can choose a small or large tote.  The small tote is $49 and includes 1 item that you choose and another "surprise" item.  The large tote is $149 and includes 2 items that you choose and 3 to 4 surprise items.  There is also an option to add on additional pieces from their online boutique for a reduced price.

The one drawback is that, if you want the bargain prices (around $25 per item), you have to keep it all.  You can send the whole thing back for a full refund (though you do have to pay for return shipping).  Basically, you just box it all back up, include the packing slip, and ship it back to them using the service of your choice.  If you just can't part with an item, you can keep it and send back the rest, but you will be charged the full boutique price, which is often quite a bit higher than the $25 average.

I ordered a large tote this month.  That's what I've always done in the past.  I love getting surprises!  My tote was styled by JK (though the handwriting was different than last time, so I'm not sure that it's the same JK).

They got my last name right this time!  :)

When I opened it, my first thought was. "Um . . . OK."  It was a weird mix.  In my style profile, I described my style as "eclectic".  Well, this tote was definitely that.  It almost didn't seem like it was all for the same person.  That's all right, I guess.  I can be a slightly different person from day to day, right?  Aren't most of us?  I was game to try it all on and give everything a chance!

Here's what I got!

1. Lovestitch Bohemian Dreams Top (chosen item)

Though this wasn't one of my top choices from the new March items, I did have high hopes for it.  It's getting warm, but the material seemed lightweight and I liked the colors and pattern.

It's just too small, though.  The arms are too short.  It's snug in the shoulders.  I can feel the neckline pulling in either direction.  It might work in a large, but I don't know if I love it enough to try and find one for sale in the Golden Tote Facebook group.  If I don't know, the answer is probably no.

My husband liked it a lot.  He loved how it looked with the hat, which was a boutique item that I added to my November tote.  I agreed with him.  It was a nice thing to wear with the hat, but I knew I would never feel comfortable wearing it.  I'm tall.  I have long arms.  I hate sleeves that feel too short.  This just won't work.

Also . . . it's 100% rayon.  I'm scared of rayon now.  It has a tendency to shrink.  I've recently lost a few cute tops to rayon shrinkage, which is frustrating.  I'm actually thinking of changing my profile to make sure that I no longer receive rayon except in a fabric blend.

This is a no.

2.  THML Senorita Top (chosen item)

My second chosen item was this THML top.  It was originally available in three colors:  teal, coral, and this purple.  On tote launch day, I (and everyone else, apparently) had my eye on this top right away.  I wanted the teal or the coral.  They all sold out really quickly.  The purple was restocked a couple of days later, but they were not able to restock the other colors.  I figured, "Wth, I'll give the purple a try!"  It's not usually one of my go-to colors, especially in this lighter shade, but the top was cute enough to give it a chance.

It's very versatile.  I liked it with my khaki shorts, but I also think it would look really cute with jeans or white skinnies.  

And the hat.  This is Arizona, so everyone wears buffalo nickel hats, right?  Well . . . no.  

I'm trying to be stylish, though.  Trying.  Don't laugh.  :)  

I'd like to keep this top, but it depends on how the rest of my tote turns out!

3. Le Sample Cap Sleeve Top (surprise)

When I first saw this surprise top, I was a fan.  I love the pattern.  The back is a slightly sheer black fabric (the same as the sleeves).  I decided to style it with the same khaki shorts and some booties:

Again, I'm not sure about the hat.  I tried.  Ha ha.

Well, this top is marked large.  I usually wear a medium in most Golden Tote brands, so they were obviously aware that it runs small.

It barely fits.  It's a little on the short side and it clings to my hips just a bit.  If it shrunk, it wouldn't be good.

Guess what the fabric content is?  Yep.  100% rayon.  Ugh.

I like it, but I have quite a few other tops similar styles/colors.  I don't know if this one is going to be a keeper.  To be honest, I think it's more flattering on me in the photos than it was in real life.

Hmmm.

4. Collective Concepts Paint Stroke Tank (surprise)

I just don't get this top.  What style is this supposed to be?  Edgy?  It's just . . . weird.  My sister compared it to one of my three-year old nephew's watercolor projects.  Yep.  That's what it looks like.  Interestingly, blue and black are two of my favorite colors to wear, but I'm not digging it.  This top is not my jam.

I was also surprised to find that this is a bit on the small/short side.  I have a few other Collective Concepts tops (in medium) that fit just fine.  This one fits, but just barely, and it has no stretch to it.

It's OK (ish), but I definitely don't love it.  I don't see myself wearing this.

5. Jolie Striped Shirt (surprise)

I can see why JK sent me this top.  I do like stripes.  I love red.  It would almost work.  There are a couple of problems, though.

First, the sleeves are a bit too tight.  The arms are long enough, which is GREAT, but my upper arms are not comfortable.  I feel that a casual top like this should be loose.

Also, it's already too warm here for a top like this.  Summer clothing is where it's at.  I probably wouldn't wear this until October.

I don't hate this top.  It looks kind of cute with my red Converse.  It just doesn't make sense, though.  And it doesn't really fit the way I would like.  :/

6. Renee C Tie Dye Swing Dress (surprise)

This dress was kind of fun.  I don't mind tie-dye!  I did want to try one of the Puella swing dresses (the ikat print) that was part of the March tote launch, but the mediums were sold out before I got a chance!

I'm not so sure that swing dresses are for me.  Tops and dresses that are cut like this sometimes make me feel like I'm wearing maternity clothing.  They're so cute on some people, though.  I want to try it, too!  Ha ha.

Well, this one was pretty close.  The top was fitted, and the swing cut is subtle.  I thought I looked OK in it.

It's super short, though!  My husband thought it was great!  He made a few funny comments that I was tempted to include in this post . . . but then I reconsidered.  Ha ha.

I'm 5'9".  This happens.  Sigh.  I feel comfortable showing my legs, but I might have to bend over for something, you know???  This would be one of those dresses that I'd have to be very careful with.  It's not a dealbreaker.  I kept a super short dress from my last tote, and that worked out.  It's not a work dress.  It's a date dress to wear out to dinner or a show.  That's it.  :)

I'll have to think about this one.  I do like it.  Here's a full length photo.  I thought it would look cute with bare feet, but . . . I'm a runner.  My feet are white.  Ha ha.  Oh, well.

7. Dorothy Beaded Drop Earrings (boutique item)

I added on these earrings from the boutique.  There's not much to say about them.  They're cute.  They were only $12.00.  They're not part of the tote, so I can keep them even if I want to send everything else back.

It's kind of a no-brainer.  I guess I have some cute new beaded earrings!  :)

Well . . . I guess that covers it!  I had a great time trying on these items and taking pictures.  I'm undecided, though.  I'd like to keep the purple top (I think).  I also like the rayon top and the swing dress, but both of those have issues (possible shrinkage or too much exposure)!  I could just send the whole tote back and hope for better things in April, but I'd have to pay shipping, which would probably be about $13.

If I keep just the purple top, it would cost me $60.  Doesn't that seem like a lot?  I like it, but I'm not sure if I like it that much!

I could always take my chances and try to sell the things that I don't want in the Golden Tote Facebook group.  I may see if there's any interest!

If my blog post has inspired you to try Golden Tote (it IS fun), please use this referral link to sign up.  If you do, I'll get a small credit.  (In case you're wondering, I was not compensated by Golden Tote in any way for this post.  My only relationship with them is as a customer and I have paid for all of my own items.)

Please comment?  What do you think about the items I received?  Do you think I should keep any of them?  Help me out!  :)

Thanks again for reading!