A for Effort: Stitch Fix Review December 2015

Ok, true confession time. I did not blog about my November Stitch Fix. (Gasp!)

Here's the thing. It wasn't terrible or anything. It was just nothing special. I ended up sending everything back because there was nothing that screamed out to me, "Keep me in your wardrobe!" and I am trying to be selective these days. Combine that with the fact that it arrived on the day of my last comp, when I was double slammed with jet lag and a horrible cold, and it just didn't happen. Hopefully you all will forgive me.

However, lucky for all of you/ unluckily for me, I have yet another stomach virus (I know, how can that even be possible), so there is nothing to do but lie in bed and update my blog. So now, we move on to fix #13, my December Fix.

For a review of how Stitch Fix works, click here.

As you can see, I named this post "A for Effort." Everything Alison sent me was theoretically spot on, but I only ended up keeping one thing, much to my sadness. Let's see what happened.

Nice combo of colors = a good start 

For this fix, I had asked for a few things. First, for it to be a bit more budget conscious. (My last fix contained a $98 sweater, which was just never going to happen.) Second, for some dresses, especially the gold one Sarit got. And finally, things with special details or a little bit of sparkle.

Look, two dresses!

I had a little bit of credit, which is always nice. If I had kept everything, it would have been $227 total, which doesn't feel crazy for two dresses, two sweaters, and a blouse. However, I did not keep everything. Let's see what happened.

(Apologies for the mirror selfies. I just didn't get around to having someone take my picture, which ended up being for the best, since I was very very ill only a few hours after these were taken. But you get the idea.)

Collective Concepts Helma Dress in Black-- $78

This was the dress Sarit got, that I loved. Obviously Sarit is much shorter than me, but she had gotten it in petite, so I was hoping that it would be long enough in regular. As it turns out, not so much.

You might be thinking, Hey Rachel, we can't see the bottom of the dress! To which I would say, Yes, because this is a modest fashion blog, and here was nothing modest about the length of this dress on me. Also, as you can see, it's a little tight on bottom, but also too loose on top. I must remember in the future, shift dresses are not my friend.

Nothing like something that makes you look lumpy and shapeless at the same time. Don't I look thrilled?
Status: Returned

Collective Concepts Katelynn Polka Dot Dress in Black-- $88

Again, you can feel the ecstasy. This is one of those pull over dresses that has no real shape other than the elastic waist. I have never found one of these dresses that looks good on my body, as it always swallows my top half. Add to the fact that the fabric was a super lightweight and cheap feeling polyester, and there was no way I was keeping it for $88 even if I had liked the shape. I do love me some polka dots, but that's the extent of positive feedback I have for this.

Also, when did dresses that are longer in front and back and shorter on the sides become a thing? So many mysteries, so little time... to put this dress back in the box and return it.
Status: Returned

Papermoon Alvar Bead Detail Top in Olive-- $54

Here's the thing, guys. Olive is just not my color. Shirts that are see through are not my style. And beads that are gold versions of the little silver balls I used to use to decorate my cupcakes are not something I need in my wardrobe.

Alison sent this because I asked for sparkle. I had had something more shimmery/ sequin-y in mind, but that's on me for not being more specific. It actually mostly fit me very nicely, but that's sort of the only positive thing I could say about it. Again, good concept. failed execution.

Status: Returned

41Hawthorn Lizzy Colorblock Striped Sweater in Grey-- $68

The fact that they called this grey was confusing to me, as it is clearly actually navy. This was the item I was most on the fence about. It was SO soft. I love stripes and I love color blocking. It fit me very nicely, in my humble opinion.

However, I did ultimately send it back. There were two strikes against it. First, the navy-- I own a ton of navy already. Also, I don't like wearing navy with dark jeans, and I don't wear it with black, which makes knowing what I should wear it with confusing. Second, it was the sort of fabric I could imagine starting to pill right away. Don't get me wrong, I have my fair share of pilly sweaters and I wear them all the time. But that, combined with the color and the price, forced me to exercise my self-control and return it. I might still ask for it in another color, though. We shall see.
Status: Returned

Mak Coffman Button Up Cardigan in Red-- $48

Fear not my friends! The final item was something I loved! As you all know, if you have been reading along, I love a good cardigan and wear them multiple times a week. Also, at first glance, yes, just a plain red cardigan. As it turns out, though, I have almost no red in my wardrobe. And then, when you look closer...

It has this very pretty crochet detail on the arms and the neckline that make it a little more interesting. It's pretty lightweight, so I would say I don't expect to wear it much before spring, but it's like 60 degrees every day here now, so maybe when I finally take off my pajamas, it will have its debut. As you can see in that awkward selfie above, I am pleased. Yay! Also, with my $25 of credit, it was $23. Happy Rachel.
Status: Kept!

So thus ends my December Stitch Fix. Even though I only kept one thing, I continue to have lots of fun, and also to feel like Alison gets what I like, even when I don't keep everything. Coming up in he January fix: clothes for work, as I'm going to be a professor! (True story!)

Want to get in on the fun? Sign up for your first fix here. And wait, if you use the code HOLIDAYTREAT, you can get your first fix without any styling fee-- risk free!

#100! And Some Reflections on Blog Having

OMG, dear readers. This is our ONE HUNDRETH BLOG POST!!!! Can you believe it? If you have read every single post-- and I know some of you are out there-- then pat yourself on the back! And please accept my deep thanks for your loyalty to this crazy, funny, hopefully enjoyable project.

 So since we are up to the 100th post, I thought I would take a time out from our regularly scheduled shenanigans and reflect a bit on what it's been like for me to write this blog.

 As some of you know, I basically started this blog on a whim. I walked into the library one day and said, "I think I want to start a modest fashion blog." And one of my friends said, "You should do it!" And thus Curly Hair with Glasses was born.

 Because it was not a thought-out process, I wasn't really sure what to expect. Were people going to read? Was I going to feel too shallow and self-indulgent? Would I have enough to say? Is my wardrobe really so interesting? I made a deal with myself which was basically, if and when it stopped being fun, I would shut the whole thing down. It should never feel like an obligation.

 So from this angle, this has been a big success. Every week or so, someone tends to shyly tell me that they love the blog. Which is so nice! So I say, Don't be shy! I love the blog too! And I write it to make you happy! So please keep the feedback coming.

 Also, it's fun for me. It's a great chance to get out of my head and think about something other than the Talmud or how stressful grad school is. A nice little self-contained study break, and a chance to say some things, if only in writing/ virtually. (One of the craziest things about grad school is how easy it is to go a whole day without talking to anyone.)

 Additionally, the blog has made me stretch myself in some surprising ways. For example, take the summer bucket list. While it's possible I would have done it without the blog, I'm not convinced. And then it ended up being one of the best things I ever did, so much so that I'm doing another one. The blog pushed me to do new, exciting, and interesting things, if only to have things to write about.

 The blog has also helped me define my modesty boundaries. I know that might sound strange, especially since I haven't written an On Modesty in a while (soon, I promise!), but sometimes when I'm trying something on, I think, Would I feel comfortable putting this on the blog? And if the answer is no, then I have to think about why that is, and whether I think I should actually be wearing it. While I certainly am not organized enough to take blog pictures every day, I try not to wear anything that I wouldn't feel comfortable being photographed in. It's been a surprisingly helpful barometer.

 Finally, it's made me push my fashion boundaries. While I had a vague sense that I wore something similar most days, I didn't realize the extent of it until I started writing about my clothes. Since then, I have experimented a lot more with colors, patterns, and things I thought couldn't work for my body. Do I look my best every day? Probably not. But I would rather try something than stay away because I'm too scared. True for clothes, true for life. And if I didn't make poor choices sometimes, then there would be no pictures for my future children to laugh at how silly I looked. So there you go, future children. This one is for you.

 So thank you all for reading! I hope you're enjoying this funny little journey we're on together, because I certain am. Please leave your comments below, if you have any, telling me what you like, don't love, or what to see going forward. Here's to the next 100 posts!

Stitch Fix Review September 2015: The Fun's in the Details

Ok, I'm back! I'm sorry for staying away for so long. I'm still wearing the annoying brace, which makes typing a challenge, but thankfully, my thumb hurts a lot less, so I came back to all of you, dear readers!

And... it's Stitch Fix time!

This Stitch Fix actually came almost three weeks ago. I'm just behind. And this was a good one! Alison really listened to my requests, which were as follows: I asked for something I could wear during this crazy holiday season, the jeans from my last fix in blue, and things that would transition well for fall. (These pictures were taken the day before Rosh Hashanah, which is why my hair is weird and straight.)

Let's see what we've got. (And for a reminder of how Stitch Fix works, click here!)

The excitement builds... 

And look! I see color!

 I had a little bit of credit left this time around, so that gave me some pricing flexibility. If I had kept everything, it would have cost $202 before the credit, or $165 after. However, I did not keep everything (but I did keep more than one this time around!)

The Style Card

I included a close-up of Alison's note this time, because it was so nice! I really felt like she listened to me, especially with her recommendations about the dress. Let's take a look:

Fun2Fun Altoona Crew Neck Top in Black-- $48
Dear John Marson Wide Leg Jean in Navy-- $78

 This was a 50/50. I loved the jeans. They're the ones I got in the last fix, but I hadn't liked the black wash, so Alison sent them in blue. I had to keep them. I HATE jeans shopping. Seriously. It is just the worst. So if someone wants to send jeans that fit perfectly to my house, then I will keep them. Also, I used to be all about boot cut, but they all either stopped fitting or got holes in them, so it is nice to have something other than a straight leg again.

The top, I was less enthusiastic about.  As you can see in the pictures, it was sort of too big. Also, it was a little blah. My sister said, It looks like something someone middle aged would wear. And I'm not there quite yet, so I was not sad to say good bye to this one.

Jean status: Kept!
Shirt status: Return

Crescent Freese Scoop Neck Top in Navy-- $48

Shaina said this picture is a little Jesus-y.
I assure you I was just trying to show off the weirdo sleeves.

 I hated this top. I actually liked the pattern okay, but that was pretty much it. I didn't like the fabric. It reminded me of the crinkly skirts I used to wear as a teenager. And I HATED the sleeves. Seriously, who wants sleeves that are going to slide over the place and make your arms look bigger?

Also, there was this tie in the back. My shoulders were way too narrow for the shirt, so everything was flopping all over the place. Not for me. Good bye, weird shirt.

Status: Return

Papermoon Gresham Split Back Knit Top in Navy-- $48

This is the shirt I kept going back and forth on. At first I loved it, especially because it fit so well. Then I felt like maybe I have too much navy. But then it was so fun. Sarit ultimately convinced me to keep it, and I have already worn it, so I guess it was a good pick!

The whole fun of this shirt is in the back. It's a split back, so it needs a tank top underneath. I like the flower print because it's really different from the things I usually wear. Plus, it's SUPER soft. I had trouble figuring out what to wear with it, because I didn't like navy with dark jeans, but when I tried it with my green pencil skirt, and I liked it a lot. So...

Status: Kept!

41Hawthorn Danette Dress-- $74

This was the other thing I was on the fence about. I loved it right out the box. The color is beautiful and the fabric was really high quality. It was also really different from the things I usually wear, which I liked, as I am trying to mix it up a bit. Plus, it had this cool tie on the side, which was a little bit different.

The problem was the length. As Alison predicted, it was too short. It has a little bit of the high-low thing going on, so it's long enough in the back, but not in the front. I wasn't sure about how to layer it, but I put a navy skirt underneath, and it looked enough like a tunic that I thought it could work. I wore it a few days later and got many compliments. So yay!

Status: Kept!

So if you're keeping score, that's 3 kept and 2 sent back. This is the first time in a while that I have kept more than one thing. If it hadn't been Rosh Hashanah, I might have tried to sell the other two shirts to get the discount, but the holiday made it too complicated. But it's ok. I'm really happy with the things I kept, and feel like they were a helpful step in diversifying my wardrobe a bit, which I wanted. So yay!

And now, because of the delay, my next fix is in less than two weeks. Time flies! Want to get in on the fun? Sign up for your own fix here!

Gonna Make Me Sweat

Hello from the library! The blog catch-up continues.

People like to say that women don't sweat, they glow. Well, people, that is dumb. I sweat. Sometimes gross amounts, or at least certainly more than I care to acknowledge sometimes. But you know what? It's part of being a human. And it means my body is working and doing cool things. So there.

These pictures were taken at Nyack Beach State Park, where I did my bucket list hiking with my friend Hannah. It was SUPER humid that day. We were both sweating before we even started up the mountain. Where we proceeded to lose the trail and get lost. Oops. Don't worry, everyone made it home safely!

See, we made it back to the bottom.

As a modest dresser, exercise clothes actually provide a significant challenge for me. I care not at all about what I look like if I'm, say, out running-- it will all be disgusting and sweaty in a few minutes anyway-- but I still want to maintain my modesty standards as much as possible. However, it seems that someone decided that everyone in the world only wants to work out in leggings. I do not wear leggings. But sweatpants don't work because they fall down, and I think we can all agree that mooning people certainly isn't modest.

The view from the top!

So I did a long and intensive search and finally found some workout pants at Marshalls that didn't fall down and weren't leggings. But now that I see these pictures... they look like leggings. Sigh. I promise they aren't, but there was only so much time and effort I could devote to this shopping project. But if you have any suggestions (that aren't insanely expensive), please let me know in the comments!

And now, some pictures of nature:

What I'm wearing: Look Human t-shirt, Danskin capris via Marshalls, '47 Yankees hat (similar here), Adidas sneakers via DSW

Remember When It Was Summer? (3 Days Ago?)

Dear readers, Labor Day was only 3 days ago, and yet, summer still feels like it was over a million years ago. Sigh. Let us use this time to reflect, remember, talk (once again) about modest beachwear.

Next time, perhaps I will remember to take
pictures before I'm soaking wet and standing
super funny. Oh well.

 As you might remember, I had a day at the beach on the bucket list. I ended up going to Sarah, my mom, Simon and Leo, so it was a whole family party. My mom grew up in Freeport, Long Island, so we ended out to Jones Beach so she could get emotional and sentimental and stuff.

Jones Beach is beautiful, if you've never been there. The sand is super soft and the ocean is clear. Plus, when we were there, there were excellent waves, which Simon, Sarah and I had a great time riding.

And of course, no day at the beach would be complete without ice cream. Obviously.

We also got to try out my waterproof camera bit. There aren't so many pictures, but as Simon said, "Sometimes the best souvenirs are your memories." Truth. Although weird for a seven year old to say that. He's pretty deep when he isn't talking about poop.

This is my second rash guard. Obviously I chose it because it was polka dotted, which you all know by now that I love. However, since the black and white is pretty plain, I paired it with these board shorts, which were both long enough, super neon, and really cheap. I probably should have gone down a size, as they are sort of huge, but whatever. Live and learn. At least I did not get a sunburn. Modest and practical all in one.

I know it seems sad to talk about swimwear right now, but now is actually the season to buy if your body is more or less staying the same, because everything is on sale. (Up to 65% off at Lands End, where I got my fun rash guards.) So think ahead-- there's often an advantage to buying off season. Plus, then you have something to look forward to! A win-win.

And for those of you keeping track of the bucket list, Sarah and I also hit Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags to fulfill the amusement park item. It was really fun, and some of those slides are super bonkers. Like the cobra.

Great fun was had by all, in the same outfit I wore kayaking.

You don't scare me, shark!

And now, summer is over and I am back to tackling my comps list. I'm 44% done! Not that I'm counting or anything.

I hope to get one more post in before Rosh Hashanah, but if I don't, Shanah Tova-- a sweet new year to everyone celebrating. Hopefully this will be a great year filled with new adventures, exciting opportunities, and adorable outfits.

What I'm wearing: Lands End rash guard (both of them, buy now on sale!), US Polo board shorts via 6pm