Stitch Fix #2 plus $150 Valentine's Day Stitch Fix giveaway

I'm going to make some big proclamations right now; this box was a serious contender for a 5 out of 5. If it wasn't for some strange seams and me being cheap I could have kept it all. My next big announcement- I think I've found my Stylist, hi Madison!!!

I had a few requests for this Fix. Since it's been unseasonably cold for our area I wanted warm layering pieces, knits and textures, a rain coat (since I don't own one) and a pair of skinny jeans; Madison delivered on all counts minus a pair of TOMS that I asked for (I'm assuming canvas flats don't sell so well in Winter, who knew ;) So let's get on to the box that could have been a 5:

Page VI Tellie Textured Knit Sweatshirt | $48 {small}

 Liverpool Elizabeth Super Skinny Jean | $78 {size 6}

The very first item I pulled out of the box was this sweatshirt. I don't think anyone has been so excited to see a sweatshirt before than I was when I saw this. That is not even an exaggeration. I love the light gray with black peppering, the distressed hem was a fun touch and the seaming across the chest and arms was a great detail of interest. And then I tried it on and saw the flaw. The front seam is completely wonky. Like it didn't lay remotely flat whatsoever and did a strange pucker/ripple effect across my chest. You can't tell because my hair is covering it so I did the close-up below. I was crushed. Returned

I was hesitant when I first saw these skinny jeans- and just for the record I would call these jeggings because they are mostly stretch and have no zipper fly and button. I tried them on and they didn't seem particularly special and the legs weren't as tight as I would have liked them. But in the interest of expedited picture-taking I kept them on throughout this whole box and at the end, I didn't want to take them off! Ha! They are super soft and stretchy and I have now worn them three times since last week. Kept

RD Style Sorlle Rain Jacket | $88 {small}

If there is a cuter rain jacket, I have yet to find it. I love the simple black and white buffalo plaid and it would seriously go with everything. But did you see that price?! Never in my life would I pay that much for a flimsy rain coat. It's not you Sorelle, it's me. Returned

Skies are Blue Caspian Scallop Trim Cardigan | $68 {small}

I had written a note right after my first Fix about wanting to add more burgundy pieces into my closet but had since updated that note and was still nicely surprised to find this gorgeous cranberry cardigan. Unfortunately I had just gotten myself the tribal cardigan from PinkBlush and had no need for this stunner. The pockets and crochet hem are so sweet. Returned

RD Style Jessika Cowl Neck Poncho | $68 {small}

I wanted this poncho in a bad way. It was so soft and cozy! It had great draping (not the best picture angle to tell) and the gray was a deep charcoal almost black. I wasn't super fond of the neck which translated more as a turtleneck than a cowl which I totally could have overlooked and then I opened my big mouth and asked for Brian and Kinsey's opinion. Big mistake. Kinsey said it looked weird and Brian said I looked like a nerd. Plus, it was on the $$$ side. So, after mourning over it for a minute I let it go. I'm not too upset actually so I guess it was the right decision. Returned

So even though I only kept one item I feel that Madison totally got my look and sent me items that were exactly me. I appreciate that and will be asking for Madison again!!! And since you stuck it out this long, you're in for a treat!

I've teamed up with some fashionable ladies to make your Valentine's Day that much more stylish (how many more synonyms can I come up with for "stylish?) Giveaway runs from February 1st through February 8th. Winner will be notified via email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out these fabulous ladies for their Stitch Fix Reveals:

Desiree

Elizabeth

Courtney

Carly

Lacey

Sara

Just in case you need a quick rundown on the Stitch Fix service; you set up a free style profile which is quick and fun and decide how often you want a Fix to arrive at your door. There is a $20 styling fee that you can use towards any item you decide to keep from the box of 5 items. If you decide to keep everything you get an additional 25% off. If you want to use my referral code you would give me a little credit, thank you! 

Linking up here.

   

   

What We're Reading #2

This month has been super productive for me, reading-wise. I finished two books! I can't tell you how proud I am of that accomplishment! Welcome to the second installment of What We're Reading Wednesday! Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Fiction Reads for January

Where'd You Go, Bernadette, Maria Semple

This book wasn't on my original Fiction list from last month but one of my blog besties, Courtney sent it to me as a Christmas/New Years gift and I had to jump right in, thanks love!

GoodReads Synopsis:

Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she's a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she's a disgrace; to design mavens, she's a revolutionary architect, and to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, simply, Mom.

Then Bernadette disappears. It began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette's intensifying allergy to Seattle—and people in general—has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic.

To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, secret correspondence—creating a compulsively readable and touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter's role in an absurd world.

My Thoughts:

This was a thoroughly entertaining novel. I had so much fun getting to know Bee and her outrageous mother, Bernadette. There was a point halfway through the novel where I was absolutely disgusted with everyone and hated all the minor characters, but Semple came through for me and made everything right again. If you want a fun and asinine read, I highly recommend this book!

Characters:

There were a handful of characters that added their voice to the narrative and in different ways such as through emails and podcast blog transcripts. I was quick to hate the same people as Bernadette and Bee and cheer on this quirky mother-daughter duo. I guess being a mom does that.

Similar Titles:

I really can't associate any with this one! It was so refreshing and quirky.

Stars:

4 out of 5

The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah 

GoodReads Synopsis:

Despite their differences, sisters Vianne and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Vianne is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Vianne finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her. 

As the war progresses, the sisters' relationship and strength are tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Vianne and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.

My Thoughts:

I seriously can't get away from WW2 fiction. Aside from that, this book was hauntingly beautiful. No matter how many different books I read about the same subject, they all make me cry. This was no different. The strained relationship between Vianne and Isabelle just makes you want to simultaneously shake them and hug them. It is how they both come to rebel against the Reicht that really shows their inner strength and character.

Characters:

Again, being a mom made me feel a slight contempt for Isabelle and her youthful arrogance and a strong kinship towards Vianne. But Isabelle redeemed herself and I grew to respect her. The Nazi's were deplorable and so were some of the Parisian-sympathizers.

Similar Titles:

Sarah's Key, Tatiana De Rosnay

Those Who Save Us, Jenny Blum

Stars:

4 out of 5 

Now it's your turn! Add your book-related link below. Thanks for joining Stephanie, Keri, Whitney, Justine, Crystal, Johannah, Heather and me for What We're Reading Wednesday on the first Wednesday of every month!

Lets be friends on GoodReads!

Linking up here.

   

   

Winter Accessories // Whitney Wears {a fashion blog hop}

Maybe it's a bit misleading to title this post "winter accessories" because California winters are not all that intimidating. But, with that said, it has been very rainy lately and cold for us and so I will share with you what I wear during winter. Be warned there are no heavy layers involved. Plus, I wanted to join Becky, Beth and Meghan again so I made due ;)

Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Also needing noting- Kinsey has been my willing photog lately but these are not her best work. I blame the cold and early morning sessions we've been logging.

I don't know why I look so chipper here, I guess I was having a good morning?! Though how could I not, I'm wearing mustard (my favorite!) and the gorgeous scarf Desiree gave me from the Fall Scarf Exchange.

 mustard sweater (similar) // black skinnies

Super blurry but such a cute outfit haha. The top half of this outfit has been the result of being extremely lucky in winning PinkBlush giveaways, two years in a row. The Aztec cardi was from Decemeber and the cowl neck tunic was from 2015. I love how perfectly they match! But the boot socks are kinda the star here. Are you wondering about the hair? The moisture in the air does my bangs no favors, so when the forecast calls for rain, I pin them back.

 Aztec cardi // boot socks (similar)

That little dark spot is Brielana's drool puddle, I had just put her down for a nap. Some of my favorite things here- mustard scarf, gray and stripes. 

scarf (similar)

So what did you learn? That us Californians really do have awesome weather? That my winter clothes are pretty much everyone else's fall clothes? That maybe I need to start having an adult take my pictures? Yes, all of the above :)

Check out how these lovely ladies styled their winter accessories:

Beth

Meghan

Becky

Linking up here.

   

   

Snowball Cookies // White {A Year of Color #1}

Welcome to the first link up of A Year of Color! I am so excited to see how everyone is inspired by each month's color. January is all about white and I went the easy route with a recipe ;) Enter, Snowball Cookies!

Let me start off by saying we survived the plague this last week so I feel wayyyy behind on life. Whatever Kinsey picked up from school traveled to Brielana and then to Brian and myself all in the span of two days! I'll spare you all the details but I have never felt so wiped out before. Thankfully this little recipe is so easy to throw together! And a sweet treat is always much appreciated.

My favorite recipe generator seems to not want to work for me anymore so forgive the plain text. (When it rains, it pours, no?)

Snowball Cookies

also known as Italian Wedding Cookies

adapted from Land O'Lakes

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

2 cups finely chopped pecans

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 F

Combine all ingredients except powdered sugar until well mixed.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place onto ungreased baking sheet about 1-inch apart.

Bake 18-25 minutes until very lightly browned.

Let cool 5 minutes before rolling cookies in powdered sugar. And once again after completely cooling.

Enjoy!

So easy and so delicious!

Now it's your turn! Add your link below. Thank you for joining Desiree, Justine, Stefanie and me for Color For A Year! Next month's color is pink and the link up will be on Friday, February 17th!

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking up here.