A CHWG First! A Guest Blogger and Stitch Fix for Men

Big things happening on the blog today, people! My friend Mike, whose daughter Ivy will marry my nephew Simon on day if their lives proceed as planned (as the lives of eight year olds always do) got his first Stitch Fix. What's that? You didn't know that men could have Stitch Fixes too? Well, now they can! Read on, and then get in on the fun yourself. And now, I hand it over to Mike, who is at least as funny as me, if not funnier:

Guys, I’m chiming in here for a guest blog for two main reasons: 1) Stitch Fix now carries men’s clothes and 2) I’m totes procrastinating from doing my dissertation! UGH am I right? (Technically this is true; I am also procrastinating from enrolling in graduate school). My name is Mike and I am connected to Rachel and fam through Rachel’s sister Rebecca, although I potentially may be machatunen [editor's note: that is the parents-in-law's relationship with each other] with the clan in the future as Rachel’s nephew Simon and my daughter Ivy have been besherit [editor's note: made for each other] since they met at age 2. It’s true love, like The Notebook on fleek. (Is that a proper use of “on fleek”? In other news, I’m 37).

Anyhoo, as a more or less male version of Rachel (curly hair, glasses, totally addicted to cookies!), I decided that I was the perfect person to answer her call for a blog post about the new men’s Stitch Fix. Serendipitously, I had already received my first “Man Fix” (trademark pending) when she posted about it, as my wife, the lovely Kimbo, is a big Stitch Fix fan since way back in the day (2015?) and convinced me to join up as she would get a discount for conning persuading me to enlist.

About my style: I work at a law firm (not a lawyer, just play one on TV) so my M-F clothing is relatively conservative business casual. Otherwise I’m pretty laid-back on the style front – jeans, cool sneaks, and a T shirt or untucked sassy button-down is my preferred weekend gear. Occasionally I go tuxedo on the top, Speedo on the bottom [editor's note: Mike, that is NOT modest! Or fashionable], but that’s for a different blog…

Filling out the Stitch Fix style profile online was pretty easy, though it was lengthy and there seemed to be a time limit on it, like I was buying Tom Petty tickets and if I didn’t enter my credit card information fast enough, my loge level seats would be released back into the wild. I liked a lot of the looks and was eager to get my first box.

And the box did not disappoint! I received 3 tops, a pair of jeans, and fun socks. 

The jeans were excellent – stylish black jeans that were a little tight from the knee down, like half-skinny, half-normie. I easily would have paid $100+ for them in a store, though they were listed as less than $100 (don’t have the exact price because I threw out the sheet and can’t figure out how to see past Fixes online; I know, I have failed you).

The first shirt, a purple button-down, was exactly my style – way to go, Fixers! Good for work, date night, parent/teacher conference, public hangings, etc. 

The second shirt is one I would have walked right past had I seen it in a store, because the plaid pattern is a little much; also it is a heavier material, and I live in LA, where it’s cold for maybe 10 days a year. However, it really works – great fit, and the pattern is growing on me. A keeper!

The hoodie is also something I would have walked past in a store, because it’s not a traditional hoodie – lighter weight and more fashion-forward than the hoodies I usually wear (which are more in the “I have no interest in showering or getting dressed today so I am gonna totes procrastinate from writing my dissertation in this bigass hoodie” category). However, since I was definitely keeping the jeans and purple shirt, and was leaning toward keeping the other button-down, it made sound financial sense to keep the hoodie, and learn to love it. Which I will!

Lastly, the socks. As you may be able to tell from these photos, I am a giant person, and my feet are just outside the range of normal human feet (size 14). Though I enjoy fun socks in theory, I have a hard time finding them in my size because most “one size fits all” men’s socks are made for shoe sizes 6-13, which you Mathletes out there might recognize as smaller than 14. In fact, on the Stitch Fix site when asked to enter my shoe size, 14 wasn’t even an option – they stopped at 13! I entered in a note saying that my shoe size was actually 14, but apparently no one read that as I got standard-size socks, which though fun were a bit small. As it behooved me to keep the socks for the “buy the whole box” discount, I gifted them to my brother-in-law, who promptly forgot them at my house. So there ya go.

All in all I saved a ton of money on 4 great pieces without ever having to enter a dressing room, which I hate. Super win! Thanks to Rachel for handing over her blog to me this week, and see you on the Interwebs!

Ok guys, I'm back now. Many thanks to Mike for getting on the fun! I hope you all enjoyed this foray into men's modest fashion. My fix is supposed to come in a week and a half, so more Fix fun here soon! And in the meantime-- don't delay-- order your Fix now!

SBL2.0: Outdoor Shakespeare and an Off-Message Top

Growing up, one of my all time favorite musicals was Kiss Me, Kate. This was partly because my babysitter was in a production of it at his high school so we watched it every Saturday night, but also because Cole Porter is a musical genius and I love almost everything he touches.

I am being Shakespearean.

Then, in high school, 10 Things I Hate About You came out. If you don't know, the connection between Kiss Me, Kate and 10 Things I Hate About You is that they are both based on The Taming of the Shrew. I am also pretty sure I have read the play before, but after watching it, I am less sure about that fact...

Because man, is The Taming of the Shrew disturbing. Apart from the overt misogyny, which is really nothing new in Shakespeare, you basically are watching a father sell his daughter into a terrible marriage, and then watching the man who bought her abuse her until she behaves "properly." And this we call a comedy?

I am sorry to say, this is the first time I remember not liking a Shakespeare in the Park production. It's partly that the play is so disturbing, but I found the decision to make it a trailer trash version to also be difficult, as it felt like there were uncomfortable comments on class being made as well. (I.e., only poor people would treat their wives this way. Which is clearly untrue.) Something about it also felt amateur-ish to me, but that might have been partly because it was only the second day of the show so they were still ironing out the kinks. I don't know, the New York Times loved it but a lot of the comments on the review agreed with my group, so do with that what you will.

The experience was still fun, as Shakespeare in the Park always is, and it certainly generated more conversation and food for thought than usual. When going to Shakespeare in the Park, it is important to cover up, as the theater is right next to a lake and so the mosquitos can get bad. I decided to wear a lightweight tunic, though, because it was hot, and then realized when I looked at the pictures that I basically look pregnant. (I'm not, just to be clear.) Oops. Will I wear it again? Probably, because the flowers are so pretty. Will I get offered a seat on the bus? Not impossible. Sometimes that's how things go.

The whole gang, before the play started and we all became extremely disturbed:

If you want to see Taming of the Shrew, you have one more week, so go get in line now! Otherwise, Troilus and Cressida is coming next month.

What I'm wearing: random tunic via Macy's (similar here), LOFT jeans, Downeast Basics cami, Bare Traps sandals (similar here)

Sisters See Sisters

Dear readers, as you (might but probably don't) remember, when I got sick last summer, I spent basically the whole time watching Parks and Rec. This is because Parks and Rec is amazing and I love Amy Poehler so much. Additionally, I am deeply and undyingly devoted to Tina Fey, and I read Bossypants whenever I feel down. Finally, I love that Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are best friends in real life because they are both smart and funny and awesome women, and the idea of them hanging out could only make me happier if I got to come along too.

This meant that I was both excited and nervous to see Sisters. On one hand, Tina and Amy! On the other hand, oh Lord, what if it was terrible? The reviews were not especially encouraging. However, devoted fans that we are, the sisters three made a date to see Sisters this past Saturday night.

And you know what? It was not nearly as smart as either of their TV shows, but I thought it was hilarious, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Additionally, it was even more fun to see it with my sisters. And when I was in the bathroom after the movie, I heard some women saying, "Mom and dad would kill us if we tried to pull something like that!" So there were others who had the same idea.

Let's talk about my outfit for a minute. This shirt is yet another "party the back" shirt, although the front isn't so business. (See: the contrasting pocket.) I LOVE it. I love the contrasting stripes and colors, and that the red part is stretchy and the back is structured. I look forward to wearing it a lot when it stops being cold.

Also, after three years of searching, I finally found a pair of boots I like with my jeans tucked in. They are super comfortable and I found them on clearance. I orginally envisioned just wearing them with pants, but I've been wearing them with skirts too. I like feeling moto-tough. Because nothing says tough guy like getting a PhD in Talmud, right?

What I'm wearing: Downeast Basics top (similar here), LOFT jeans, Diba boots (on clearance here, 50% off in store.)

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!

The One Where I Can't Decide: Stitch Fix Review August 2015

Friends, it Stitch Fix time again! But this time, I need your help. For the first time ever, I got a fix where I could imagine keeping everything or keeping nothing. Most likely outcome will be something in between, but any and all feedback would be welcome. So please leave opinions!

Alison was my stylist again, and we are still very happy together. I had asked for a striped dress and a specific polka dot shirt, but I guess they didn't have either, as neither arrived in my box. However, Alison did send me some great 3/4 sleeve shirts that would be good for summer or for layering in the fall.

Always so exciting to see 

Look! Colors this time!

 After my last fix, some more of you signed up. Thanks guys! So I have $75 to play with, which is good, because a couple of things cost a little more than I would want them to if I was paying full price. The total would have been $234 to keep all five, but if I kept it all, it would be $159 because of my credit.

The Style Card

Sorry that there are fewer pics than usual. Studying for comps is really taking all of my concentration, and someone, hanging each item and photographing it again was a little more than I had the energy for. I'll try to do better next time! So let's get on with it, shall we?

Mystree Lodi Shirred Back Cardigan in Dark Purple (although it looked brown to me)-- $64

The coolest part of this cardigan is definitely the back. Otherwise, it's sort of blah. It feels very lightweight (although well made) for something that costs $64. The color didn't do anything for me, and I generally feel like drape-front cardigans swallow my super narrow shoulders. Alison suggested pairing this with the maxi dress I loved in fix #8, but I have a sweater to go with that that I like much better.
Status: Return

Pixley Edmond Henley Knit Top in Teal Green-- $54

This shirt is a Stitch Fix classic these days. A lot of people I know have gotten it, and it is as soft as advertised. However, I didn't love the colors on me, and the shape didn't do much for me either. Definitely not worth $54 for a t-shirt, even a cute one. I would have kept this one for the discount, but since I'm sending back the sweater, I won't miss it when it's gone.
Status: Return

Dear John Marson Wide Leg Denim Trouser in Black-- $78

Now things start to get complicated. When I saw wide leg trousers, I was skeptical. Those of us who have bottom halves that are bigger than our top halves usually do not do well in trousers, as they can make you look even bigger. However, these were more of a hybrid of a bootcut and a flare, and they fit perfectly. Plus, they had a mid-rise, which I loved. However. They are sort of a faded black, which is really not my look. It just feels sort of dated to me. And I'm not sure I can spend $78 on a pair of jeans where I don't love the color? My friends Sarit and Miriam were pushing hard for me to keep them. What do you think? Keep? Return? Ask for them in my next fix in a blue wash instead? Decisions, decisions...

Status: Undecided

Collective Concepts Rilo Button-Up Blouse in Pink-- $68

I know, who has $68 to spend on a blouse? But the answer might be that I do, as I could keep it and still not actually pay anything. I love the color and the pretty print. Plus, it's a nice fabric that could work with jeans or work clothes. It's sheer, as you might be able to see (I would not usually wear it with that tank top, but I was in Sarit's apartment so I didn't have other options.) The detailing is actually navy, which I like a lot. And I think generally it fits me nicely. This was both Sarit's and Miriam's favorite.
Status: Likely keeping

Market and Spruce Crescenta Henley Top in Teal Green-- $48

Out of the box, this was my favorite. I love the color and the pattern, and you know that I am a sucker for popovers. However, the fit is not the best. As sometimes happens to me with almost-tunics like this one, it's a little tight in the hips. But then Sarit and Miriam said it didn't look small at all. But they still liked the pink one better. But this one is so soft. Guys, SOMETIMES STITCH FIX IS SO HARD. I mean, not really. But anyway. Keep or return? (It's also the least expensive thing in the box, which is a plus.)
Status: Undecided

So what do I do? Keep the pink shirt and the blue shirt? Just the blue shirt? Just the pink shirt? Is it a bad idea to send back the jeans? And if it's only $20 more to keep everything, should I do that and try to sell everything else at a discount? Decisions, decisions. All comments are welcome!

And want to get in on the fun? Don't forget to sign up for your fix here!

Summer Bucket List: Coney Island!

Summer fun continues, friends! I'm making good progress on my bucket list, but all the fun means I'm behind on my blogging. So while I crossed something else off the list today, let's backtrack to last Friday, when some of my friends joined me on a Coney Island adventure.

Unlike many people, I suppose, I actually love the beach in almost any weather. Of course, it's nice when it's hot, and you can go in the water. I also love it in the late fall, when it's sort of cold and gloomy. Last Friday was unseasonably cool and cloudy, but it meant we had the beach all to ourselves. I'm telling you-- just put on a sweatshirt and you'll have a great day.

Of course, there are many other fun things to do at Coney Island, including going out on the pier, seeing the Brooklyn Cyclones play, and hanging out at Luna Park and riding the Cyclone. We mostly stuck to the beach, but I hope to go back later in the summer to see the Cyclones play, so hopefully I can get some rides in then as well.

Sarit's Instagram Masterpiece

There's something really beautiful about the beach on a cloudy day, I think. And it means you get to spend as many tries as possible to get a picture of yourself jumping in the air without anyone getting in the way, so that's always a win.

The beautiful view from the pier

Coney Island, guys. The 50s live on, in the best way possible. Where do you like to go for kitschy fun?

What I'm wearing: Esprit sweatshirt (super old), GAP long sleeved shirt (similar here), Lucky Brand jeans via TJ Maxx, chacos (not shown, because who wears shoes on the beach?)

Notorious!

Who here loves Ruth Bader Ginsburg? (Raise your hand!)

I thought so.
This is my Notorious RBG t-shirt. As you can probably see in the pictures, it's a little too big. I'm hoping it will shrink in the laundry. However, I couldn't wait to wear it.

You see, after each comp, I've done a nice thing for myself, whether buying something or doing an activity. This was my post-comp #5 present to myself and I was VERY excited when it arrived. So much so that I took a picture and sent it to my friend Jenn, who might love RBG even more than me. Plus? The shirt is so soft! Yay! (I sort of wonder if I should buy my mom, Ruth, a "You Can't Handle the Ruth shirt. We'll see.)

My friend Deborah proved to be an excellent photographer. These are some of our action shots. Sorry that I still don't know how to have my picture taken.

I'm not sure you can totally see my sneakers. They're plaid Converse Chuck Taylors and I love them. They also may or may not be from when I was in college, and they may or not have holes in them. But they don't make this print anymore, so I insist on continuing to wear them, even though they're sort of gross.

I'm still working on my comp #6 reward. It's a little more complicated with the spending freeze, but I do want to do something. Any suggestions? Happy Sunday, friends!

What I'm wearing: Notorious RBG t-shirt, Mossimo hoodie (similar here), Lucky Brand jeans via TJ Maxx, Converse sneakers (similar here), Goody sweatband.

Suburbs Have Yards!

As I mentioned on Friday, I took the train this weekend up to Boston to visit my friend Amy. Amy lives in Newton, which is suburban in a hard core kind of way.

To normal people, suburbs probably aren't especially interesting. However, as an eternal city dweller (I have never lived in anything other than an apartment, one year in a dorm room aside), I never cease to be fascinated by the suburbs. It seems likely that I drove Amy crazy because every five seconds I would say, What do people do with so much space?? (Sorry Amy.) And look! Here I am in her front yard! Because she has a yard! How fascinating.

For those of you who are in the North East, you might remember that on Friday, it was super cold, at least for May 1. Cold enough that I chose to wear jeans, because if I had worn a skirt, I would have had to wear tights, and I think we can all agree that tights in May are simply unacceptable.

Amy told me to strike a pose. So struck.

Looking at these pics, I realize that this is neither the most interesting, nor the most flattering, outfit I've ever worn. Oh well. You can't win them all, especially when spending 5 hours total in transit. I should really get these jeans shortened, but I never think of it until I want to wear them, so the cycle continues.

In other news, I think I'm going to start a Q and A feature on the blog. A few of you have reached out to me with questions, either relating to modesty or looking for fashion advice. While I am far from an expert, I'm happy to offer my thoughts on any and all related topics. So if you have a question you want me to answer on the blog, email me here, or leave it in the comments. We're going to have so much fun!

I should probably start working, as it is already noon. So that's all from me for now. Have a happy Wednesday!

What I'm wearing: Lucky Brand jeans via TJ Maxx, LOFT striped shirt (similar here), LOFT cardigan (similar here), Gap tank top, Toms shoes, super old scarf via Loehmanns