Leather Pant Revelation

So, I have not been keeping up with this near like I had envisioned. Since starting this journey in January, I have:

•  purged my closet
• set my eyes on the street-wear/ minimalist clothing vibes
• researched and fallen in love with clothing capsules (that I'm sure I will never be disciplined enough to conform to)
• incorporated long skirts into my wardrobe (sounds weird, but I didn't think it was possible)
• updated my shoes... like really updated!
• bought motto black leather pants

I'm sure there are other steps along the way that I am forgetting, but today is all about the Democracy black leather motto pants. When I first bought them, I was stepping outside of my comfort zone and wasn't sure I'd ever wear them. They are made better than the leather-like leggings I bought last winter. They fit more like jeans and have motto designs on them that I love. They fit tight and at first I felt like I had to pair them with tunics... very long tunics; however, the more I wear them, the more comfortable I am.

This week I scored a too short dress at Goodwill (that acted as a tunic for me). The price tag was still on it for $99.99 and I bought it for $5.99. Heck of a deal :) So I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone paired it with the black leather pants and really liked the way it turned out.

This idea made me realize I had two other too-short dresses that I bought at Goodwill for under $6.00 but have failed to wear and wanted to see how the pants looked with them...

I'm digging it.
So then the revelation came. When I bought the pants, I assumed I could only wear them with one tunic ...maybe two...  I randomly started throwing on tops to see how they looked. Could these pants actually be worn more often?  You be the judge, but I'm thinking, "yes".

In January, I started logging my daily outfits and made a Pinterest board for them. After a while, I started feeling silly and deleted the entire board. I wish I could reverse that rash decision. I lost so many outfits and really enjoyed visually seeing what was in my closet and how I mix and matched different pieces, made attempts at Pinterest looks ... so I'm starting it back up again :)

--Alyssa

Round 5: Thredup

...back to the drawing board.

I received another store credit from my used clothing and so guess what? Yep, I ordered more from thredup. I'm out of control! My payout (for my used clothing) was ridiculously low this time -- like made me question the entire process; however, some payout is better than no payout and so I was back to adding things to my shopping cart. I received a $50.00 credit and know that if you spend $75.00, you get free shipping; therefore, my goal was to spend as close to $75 as possible. Man, that was hard!

 Antonio Melani Pencil Skirt $5.49/ Orig. $75.00

I don't plan on wearing this often, but with the recent weight loss it was a basic piece I was missing. There were several lovely options, but the $5.00 price tag had me at "hello".

Adrianna Papell Cardigan $37.00/ Originally  $150.00

I have been coveting long cardigans ever since I returned the duster cardigan from Stitch Fix. I even asked for it back the next month and did not receive it. So, I have been hunting on Thred-up for awhile now. Although I am really wanting cream/ oatmeal-- grey is one of my favorite neutrals and I love the straight simple minimalist feel it gives.

BCBGMAXARIA Motto Jeans $30.00/ Orig. $160.00

I love the street wear vibe of these and have been dreaming of the day I would be able to walk around in a pair of motto pants! These fashion forward designs are expensive and I would have never forked over the original price so I was THRILLED to see these pop up on thredup. Honestly, they don't fit perfectly -- the waist is a little big, but I'm too stubborn and impatient to wait for the next pair.

Dexflex Wedges $9.99/ Orig. $30.00

What a dream come true! I love the neutral color block, the slight wedge, and the padding inside of the shoes feels like I am walking on a cloud. I have not heard of this brand before, but am so grateful to be aware of them now. I LOVE these shoes so much!

Round 4: Thredup

So, on my last post I promised how I would stop shopping at Thredup, but that was a joke. I had placed another pretty large order within 2 weeks of my last post. Here are the highlights!

 Bobi Long Sleeve T Shirt $7.99/ originally about $30.00

Being as tall as I am it is super hard to find long tees, this one is perfect for me and falls just below my hips :) Kept

 DKNY Jeans Sleeveless Blouse $11.99/ Originally $50

 I love the pattern and shark bite pattern. It fits really cute on and I was super pleased with it: Kept.

 Heritage 1981 Tank Top $5.49/ Originally $20.00

So not only is this tank super long; I love the back of it! Although it looks like I could have found this tank brand new for $20, I wasn't aware of the brand. The material is soft and flattering and I have a much needed tank I can wear this summer, or this school year with a blazer over it :)

H&M Sleeve Blouse  $11.99/ originally $50.00

I notice that I always seem to have atlease one H&M product in my shopping cart. I love their simple, modern designs. This one was a God-send. I struggle with finding tunics (that actually fit me as a tunic) and this one is perfect! 

James Perse Long Sleeve Top  $28.00/ Originally $90.00

Everything about this top is "me". I love the neutral colors, the color blocking, the soft material. Soooo perfect. I love it. 

Roots Jegging 29   $7.99 / Originally $30.00

I took a chance on these leggings and am so glad I did. They fit perfectly and I have been desperately in search of red pants.  They are a deeper red and not too flashy and can be paired with anything. LOVE them. Seriously: LOVE.

Rock & Republic Cardigan  $20.00/ Regularly $90.00

I had 2 cardigans in my shopping cart and couldn't decide which one I wanted and then this one popped up. I quickly added it to my cart and took out the other two.  I am always cold at work and am constantly throwing on my old, beat up Under Armour Jacket over my clothes. This option gives me something work appropriate to wear over my outfits to stay warm.

Sparkle & Fade Sleeveless Blouse  $10.00/ Reg. $36.00

This is one of those examples where the item shipped did not look like what I thought the picture was; however, I did not send it back. I expected a knit or soft material; whereas, it feels more like a chiffon, but I like the volume and it looks nice paired with skinny jeans and so I kept it.





Overall: I kept every item and am still having a hard time staying off the thredup.com website. Even though the payout is not significant-- I continue to send them my worn clothing to receive store credit, thus, suckering me back into purchasing again. I have thrown out 2/3 of my clothes and am filtering in more modern pieces that I love. 

--Alyssa

Round 3: ThredUp

I'm REALLY falling in love with Thredup. I promised myself I wouldn't get back on it (after my 2 purchases in less than a month), but then my birthday came around….

I could either purchase 1 or 2 items at the mall, or get a basketful at Thredup… tough choice. Especially when I've been beyond thrilled with the quality of the items they have sent me. 

So, I'm at it again. lol.

I cannot tell you what a Godsend it has been in this 2015 journey to modernize my wardrobe. 

Example: I bought I pair of DL1961 pants for WAAAY too much money, and since then have found 2 other pair of DL1961 pants for less than $30.00 in new condition. There is no way I could have afforded to transform my closet so quickly without Thredup. It also helped in my "purging" process. I have asked for a clean out bag twice with my purchases and filled them out and sent them back. Its a little easier to throw out my clothes knowing that I love this website and want in-store credit :) Although, I have only averaged about $50.00 for the clothes I send in and do think I would make more money with my old clothes on the local Buy, Sale, Trade Facebook Page if I had the patience-- honestly, they would have just gone to Goodwill so its always $50.00 more than I had.

On this order I focused mostly on versatile pieces. I ordered 3 basic long, comfy tees (2 Mossimo and 1 Ann Taylor in grey, black, and white), a pair of coach flats that I adore, Lululemon Athletica sleeveless tee that is so hip, James Perse grey maxi, a pink slouchy boyfriend tee by Haute Hippie, and what has turned out to be one of my all-time favorite purchases a Max Studio long slouchy grey tee.

Here are a few pics of my favorite items from this purchase:

My Stitch Fix #2 That I Loved

Today I received a Stitch Fix that I genuinely loved so you will be surprised to learn that I did not keep one item! lol. However, I was not disappointed at all. I think the stylist did a great job.

What I asked for: 
I asked for the RD style oatmeal colored cardigan they sent on my last fix. I had regretted sending it back for the last 2 months and was planning on buying it this round. I also requested tunics that had straight lines and no ruffles (boyfriend like tunic tees found in my Pinterest wish list here). This is probably the thing I need the most right now. Neutral colored tunics. I also asked for a higher rise DL1961 jean preferably in red, olive, or brown -- or a work style skinny pant.

What I received: 

<--This letter made me happy. It showed she read my wants and looked at my Pinterest board again (which is really important to me).












The 5 items: 

I first pulled out this necklace. I was glad they sent one; however, I will never spend $ on a necklace unless I love it. That's not my stylist's fault. I genuinely might wear jewelry 10 days out of the year… maybe.

I would have bought the chevron necklace that is posted all over my Pinterest board. She was inspired by that necklace and chose this one. I think its lovely. I just didn't invest $35.00 in it.

I will probably uncheck the box for jewelry. Again, I don't see myself ever purchasing jewelry from them-- so that was more my fault than theirs.

 

This orange burnout tunic was really pretty and had this cool sheer cutout on the sides that I thought was cute. It fit cute and I did like it a lot; however it doesn't look similar to anything on my Pinterest board (which is filled with neutral colors) and I had to really make myself stay focused. I could see myself wearing this, but my problem is getting distracted by pretty things. This is definitely a pretty thing.  If it had been a size bigger, I might have given in. I am a med. and it fit like a "medium", but I am looking for a boxier tunic.  RETURNED only b/c they don't go with the vibe of what I am currently looking for, but I do love it.

The jeans underneath (the picture above) are a pair of higher rise DL1961s. I asked specifically for a higher rise (in red, brown, or olive). She let me know she didn't have those colors and this pair is a size smaller than the pair from my last Stitch. I was pumped that the lower size fit just as good as the size up. Genuinely love these pants. These pants are expensive, but when you put them on-- they look and feel so smooth-- like butter. They are so comfortable and I had to remind myself that although I may like these better-- I already own a pair of dark wash skinny jean leggings.  RETURNED. But they are the hardest item to say "goodbye" to.

I know you probably can't see this tunic very well. Black just blends with that dark wash jean. It was a cowl neck fitted tunic. It was lovely and it make me look like I was 20 pounds less than I am (especially with those high waisted jeans -- dang it… lol). This was the 2nd item I liked the most, but will RETURN b/c it looks nothing like the tunics I asked for (other than its black) , but I am tempted. My mom was visiting and she thought this is the one item I should buy.

I'm pretty proud of myself for being so focused. I know what I want. I want boyfriend like tunics. I need to use that word in my description next time. I asked for tunics and I received tunics. My stylist did exactly what I asked for. Next round I will use the word boyfriend or "slouchy". Although this shirt was soooo soft (so was the orange one) and I loved both. RETURNED.

I can totally see why they sent me this asymmetrical jacket. I have several similar jackets in my Pinterest and it is a neutral color. It was super soft on and that alone made me want it; however, being tall, I like cardigans and jackets to hang a little lower. There is no way she could have known that :)

 So, all in all-- My only disappointment is not being sent the RD style cardigan (from my last stitch fix)  that I was planning on buying. I did not name it exactly, I just assumed they keep a record of what they send you and would know the cardigan I was referencing -- maybe they don't… or maybe they don't have it in stock. But that would have been an easy sale for them b/c I knew I wanted it and requested it back. I'm still sad about it. lol. It was going to be my birthday present to myself.

Other than that-- small misses. I liked it all. The only 2 items that look like they could be in my Pinterest board are the jeans (which I own a similar pair of) and the jacket (which if it had been longer--  I probably would have bought). I loved the two tunics, but they do not fit with the street style/ minimal closet I am trying to build.

So much of it is with wording. I need to ask for neutral colored tunics that are boyfriend style. Lesson learned. However, I have never bought the brand name they sent me in the tunics and they were so soft that I will keep my eye on them. They were also very true to size and now I know that about those brands too. Luckily, I received a $25.00 credit due to a friend signing up (who by the way loved her experience-- ) so I am not out any money for this Stitch Fix.

If you want to be happy with the experience I think it is more about your expectations. If you are going to be mad if nothing is perfect, they I don't suggest you signing up. If you think its fun just to try new things and learn about new brands -- you may love it like I do. Although I am not keeping any items, I'm still a believer. I'm hoping its a process and they will get to know me better with each shipment and learn through my comments.
If you want to try it out: Sign up here:

Thanks for reading! -- alyssa

Round 2: Thredup

Issues.
I've said it before, but I have serious shopping issues!
Once I get something in my head, I obsess over it and that is what this 2015 clothes challenge has done to me. I'm pretty sure its not healthy, but my closet has drastically changed a lot in the last 2 months for the better.

After I received my clothes from Thredup and realized that (although previously owned) they were in perfect condition, I was hooked. I stalked the website daily and reordered within 2 weeks. Here is more of my finds:


I love the brand Democracy and these leggings didn't let me down. They are a khaki color with a pearl sheen. Perfect for spring!

I really planned on sending this one back since I was splurging on it. I don't normally pay $57.00 for a USED sweater, but I am in such dire need of tunics that I just wanted to try it on. No harm. First of all -- I don't know what their "tiny flaw" is b/c it is in amazing condition. It is wool so it is warm (we know how cold I get) and it fits perfectly. I kept it. I love it!

Ever since I sent that long cardigan back to Stitch Fix last month -- I have regretted it. When I saw this baby, I got excited. It is very similar in that it is a duster (long) cardigan with a cocoon back. Pumped.

I love the simplicity in this. It fits perfectly. It did have a small flaw. It looked like a little place with makeup; however, a tide pen and 2 seconds later and walah- brand new again :)

I have been wanting a shirt like this for some time. It is really comfortable and made out of a light sweater material (which is good) in that it will keep me warm! I also like that I can actually wrap it differently and wear it as a cardigan for a totally different look. 2 pieces in 1!









This site also allows you to send in your clothes to gain store credit. So, I sent in all those 20 pants I purged along with other items. They will not accept them if they are not brand name and like-new, but I figured I should get something out of it! Crossing my fingers it is enough to cover my next shopping spree! :)

For now, I am not allowed to look at Thredup again for a long time. I really, really, really love this site. It is addictive and I am making myself walk away for a while!

More bad news? My next Stitch Fix comes NEXT WEEK. I am seriously starting to worry about my marital status. I recognize I have been spending a lot. I am 100% more content with my wardrobe than I was in January. I am going to evaluate this next Stitch and then probably chill out for a bit :)
See you with next week's report!

--alyssa

My newest addiction:

So, I tried out Stitch Fix and loved it. I have another one scheduled to come right before my birthday this month-- so if I splurge I won't feel too badly! Here is my review of that experience: Click here. Side note: I asked them to resend that white duster cardigan that I returned...--I haven't been able to find a comparable one as I hoped...

BACKSTORY:

So, since moving from Lawon almost 2 years ago, I have lost over 20 pounds. I had no idea I had 20 pounds to lose and am in no way stick-thin now. Weight is such a mystery to me. Anyway, I hit "bootcamp" regularly in 2013, I picked up a running partner in 2014, found the calorie counting app Lose It that I have used for 1.5 years now (which has made a TON of difference), and recently have quit drinking my calories through Pepsi.  These changes over the last 2 years have caused "fit" issues with my other clothes. I usually just buy anything that I like and all things on sale! Last month I have (overspent), but had a vision and a purpose in my purchases for the first time in my life. It can best be described as minimal chic/ street style. Check my pinterest board here. I don't know that I will ever be 100% there, but but I've obtained many pieces I need for the looks I'm trying to accomplish.

Stitch Fix gave me the motivation I needed to explore what clothing I wanted. I don't normally follow celebrities, but have learned that Victoria Beckham is my fashion icon and although Stitch fix was GREAT and I am going to continue to do it, I could not be where I am today without ThredUp.

NOW:

ThredUp is an online second hand clothing store. If you sign up on the link to the left, you will gain a $10.00 credit you can use towards your first purchase. I have found that items I'm interested in range between $7 - $30 mostly. If I'm interested in designer brands it might be more around $20-$50 depending on the brand. They have BCBG, Ann Taylor Loft, Gap, etc. So, you know me. I jumped right in head first to try it out. As soon as I signed up , I received an email with a 40% off code so I took full advantage and ordered twice what I normally would.  They have a great return policy and I knew everything wouldn't fit perfectly and I could count on sending things back. You can send your clothing in as well (I am beginning that process soon) to get store credit; however, if it looks like it has been worn AT ALL they will not accept it. All the pieces I received today look brand new - or almost brand new.

Remember those black pants that I splurged on last month? They were the main reason I couldn't buy the cardigan I wanted... I still don't know that I should have paid that much for them, although I do love them. I now own a pair of white pants from that brand too. They were about $22.00 and were new with tags on it. This brand normally runs $150-$190 for pants. Craziness. I was sold. That wasn't necessarily my favorite purchase, but it did grab my attention.

Here's a few items I kept:

The first shirt I pulled out I was pumped. It is "so" me and something that is hard to find in my area. It fits a little more snug than I'd like, but I am often between sizes. A size up would have draped on me and with the look of the shirt, I'd rather it be fitted.

 Luxe Shirt
It normally runs $45.00
I bought it for $7.20 New with tags.

Last month I bought 2 pairs of black leggings with faux leather trims. I was excited to see a brown pair and prayed they fit. I bought my black leggings at Dillards. One pair was about $25.00 and the other was $34.00.
On ThredUp:

H&M Brown Leather Trim Pants: 
Normally run $34.00
I bought for $8.40
Seriously. I would have bought them at Dillards if I had seen them for 3x as much. I couldn't believe they fit. *excited.

Cabi Tunic Sweater.
Love it because it actually covers me completely. Being tall its hard to find something that actually goes to my thighs. This does easily.

Normally runs: $95.00
I bought for: $12.30 and cannot tell that it has been worn before.










These are the pants I was most excited about! They are skinny work pants, and my work pants need updating. I love the color blocking! I was scared to death they wouldn't fit or wouldn't look cute on me, but I LOVE THEM. Stinking love them!


W118 by Walter Baker Dress Pants
Normally run: $208.00
I paid $16.50

These are the DL1961 brand pants that I bought from stitch fix. The ones I bought from stitch fix were a different color and style and had a "wax" shine finish and these don't. These are more like leggings.

White DL1961 Jeggings
Normally: $167.00
I paid: $14.50

I took a chance on these. I have been wanting a metallic pant. The picture looks more like "jeans" but they swore they were leggings. My picture didn't do them justice so uploading the site pic.

Calvin Klein Jeggings New with tags.
Normally: $89.00
I paid : $15.60

I LOVE these pants. THey fit exactly like leggings and are not jeans at all. They are metallic (bronze) without being in your face metallic. I love the sheen. I love the fit. I'm so glad I picked these.

I have such a hard time finding tunics long enough so I found this in the "dress" section. It definitely fits me like a long tunic.

Normal price: $29.00
I paid: $7.20

I love the fit and style of this shirt. I have bought a few items from H&M, but this is my favorite now :)

MNG Casual Dress (short sleeve tunic for me)
Normall: $36.00
I paid: $6.00


**I could have sent this back. I do like it a lot, but it isn't as big as I hoped it would be; however, this item is Clearance. You cannot send clearance items back. I knew that when I picked it. I will wear $6 worth of it :)












Items I didn't choose: 

I sent about 1/2 the items back as I suspected I would.

I ordered 2 pair of Banana Republic Jeggings. One was red and the other was Olive. I liked them both and they both technically "fit" but they weren't' comfortable. Although everything in me wanted to buy them for this "steal", I know I won't love them if they aren't comfortable and so I returned them.

I also returned a pair of skinnys that must have been a junior size -- it hardly got over my ankle (blush), a pair of BCBG leggings that did fit but I didn't think I'd wear them, a pair of boots, and a beautiful tunic that fit too snug. I'm wanting a more boxy tunic look and so I sent that back as well.


Realization:

These are such basic pieces for the look I am trying to achieve and my biggest realization is that I received all the items above (1/2 new with tags & the other 1/2 not being able to tell it was ever worn) for LESS than I paid for the black pants last month.

So:
I am still an advocate of Stitch Fix. Without them, I would not have heard of a couple brands and I would not have known my size for those brands. If you are wanting new trendy clothing and the idea of a stylist-- Stitch Fix is great. I'm still a believer and my next shipment comes the middle of March.

However:
If you like to shop second hand-- this is the place for you! Don't forget to get your $10.00 credit by clicking and signing up here: Use that credit and your 40% off coupon (hopefully they send that to all new sign ups) and you should score as good of deals as I did!

You need to know:
They sell designer purses!!! But I do not think you can return them so select them carefully.
also...
Thredup does not keep items in your cart for more than 24 hours. This made me very angry the first time my clothes were deleted from my cart, but it makes more sense now. They rely on quickly selling merchandise and only have that 1 item in stock (unlike Dillards, etc.). Once you put it in your cart, it is unavailable to someone else and can't be sold. So your cart has strict guidelines to clean itself out 24 hours after the item was placed in it. Just trying to save you the pain it caused me. You can look around, but don't take the time to use your shopping cart unless you plan on purchasing!

Confession Time: My ThredUp cart is already full again and I will probably purchase the items. #fashionissues


I am officially addicted to both Stitch Fix and ThredUp now. #notgoodbutsofun :)