Stitch Fix Men: Haul #3
October 29, 2018 • brands. review
Sean recently received his third box from Stitch Fix men. As a recap, he kept two items from his first fix and none from the second (it included a shirt he loved but that wasn't available in his size). For this fit, we didn't put in any requests of the stylist.
If you're not familiar, Stitch Fix is a styling service that sends 5 pieces of clothing/accessories chosen for you each month (or whatever frequency you prefer; we have Sean set up every other month while I get fixes closer to every 3 weeks). After taking a style quiz and paying a $20 styling fee, you try everything on at home, keeping what you want and returning what you don't in a prepaid mailer. Your fee is applied to your purchase. They are available in a wide range of sizes for men, women, and children.
Here's what Sean's stylist Lukas chose for him this time:
Threads 4 Thought | Baseline Long Sleeve Henley | $48
This was soft and comfy but a little snug in the midsection and ultimately, it's an overpriced henley. Returned.
Flag & Anthem | Castelton Chino | $59.50
Even Tide | Denali Two Pocket Doublecloth Workshirt | $60
These pieces were both winners, but Sean hated the idea of paying $60 for a button down (I didn't disagree), so only the chinos were kept.
Random Access | Heatsink One Pocket Denim Shirt | $49.50
We loved the shirt at first sight, then started noticing weird details like how only the bottom two buttons have red detailing and how the cuffs don't have the second button to offer the tighter fit Sean prefers. So close. Returned.
Fairlane | Regular Fit Easton Refined Blazer | $118
It was a nice enough blazer, but as you can see, it's way too big. We've noticed it's been harder for him than me to acheive the right fit with Stitch Fix which has come as a surprise. Returned.
The Verdict
The items were good picks for Sean. He only kept one, but would have kept others if it weren't for pricing or fit issues. They've definitely got his style down, now we just need to fine tune the rest. He's enjoying receiving the fixes and is looking forward to the next one. I've ordered it to come a little earlier with the request of pieces he can wear to holiday parties. Stay tuned!
Which piece was your favorite? Would you sign your man up for Stitch Fix? Let me know in the comments!
Baltimore, MD, USA
GIVEAWAY! Nutcracker and the Four Realms
October 26, 2018 • giveaway
OK guys, this is where my inner nerd comes out. I was obsessed with the Nutcracker as a kid. I watched the ballet on VHS religiously each season (kind of like I do now with my Love Actually DVD). It's been awhile since I've seen it, but my inner little girl shrieked when I saw The Nutcracker was finally getting a Disney/storytelling treatment in the form of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. I'm coordinating with family to be sure we can see this ASAP (It will be in theaters November 2). In the meantime, we are celebrating with a giveaway, so keep reading!
Disney's The Nutcracker and The Four Realms will be hitting theaters soon. This movie looks visually stunning and to help celebrate the release, The Hopping Bloggers have come together to bring our readers a prize pack worth over $50!
Products subject to change based upon availability.
#DisneysNutcracker
Disney's The Nutcracker and The Four Realms will be hitting theaters soon. This movie looks visually stunning and to help celebrate the release, The Hopping Bloggers have come together to bring our readers a prize pack worth over $50!
The Nutcracker and The Four Realms Prize Pack Includes:
- Ballerina of the Realms Doll
- Funko Pop Disney: The Nutcracker - Clara
- Funko Pop Disney: The Nutcracker - Sugar Plum Fairy
- Disney The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: A Center Stage Pop-Up Book Hardcover
Products subject to change based upon availability.
About The Nutcracker and The Four Realms
All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.See The Nutcracker and The Four Realms
Like THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneysNutcracker
Follow Disney Studios on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyStudios
Follow THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneysnutcracker/
Enter to win this The Nutcracker and The Hour Realms Prize Pack using the form below. GOOD LUCK!
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I saw Beetlejuice BEFORE its Broadway run!
October 23, 2018 • theatre
I saw the pre-Broadway engagement in Washington, DC. Broadway tickets are now on sale!
Who: My neighbor & I
What: Beetlejuice, the pre-Broadway run of the new musical based on the classic 1988 film.
When: October 2018
Where: National Theatre, Washington, DC
Why: Fun fact: a handful of shows come to "try out" in DC before moving to Broadway. Recent examples include Come From Away and Mean Girls. I've missed them all and regretted it, so even though I wasn't thrilled about the idea of another movie-turned-Broadway musical, I knew I didn't want to miss it.
Thoughts: My friend and I sat down and watched the film about a week before the show. I thought I'd seen it as a kid, but as I was watching it, I realized (gasp!) I'd never actually seen the movie before! I know it's a cult classic, but honestly, I didn't love it. I found it to be slow and I had a lot of questions.
I hoped the musical would embrace better storytelling instead of trying to mirror the film, and it did not disappoint. We had a great time! The sets were impressive, the plot much faster paced, and the talent immense. Broadway favorites including Alex Brightman (School of Rock) and Rob McClure (Something Rotten!) were just two notable names leading the cast. The most memorable film moments are still honored in this show while featuring a much tighter story. Please note that the show does contain mature language and crude humor, so be aware if you are considering bringing younger company to the show.
TL; DR: I didn't have high expectations of the show, but I loved it! If you're in or near DC, be sure to catch it now before it heads to Broadway. It will be at the National Theatre until November 18 and there are plenty of discounted tickets available on Goldstar!
Check out thoughts on other Broadway shows I've seen here.
Check out thoughts on other Broadway shows I've seen here.
Are you a fan of the original Beetlejuice film? Would you see the Beetlejuice Broadway musical? Let me know in the comments!
Washington, DC, USA
Stitch Fix Plus: Round 10
October 15, 2018 • brands, review
Fix #9 came in the mail shortly before my Key West trip and it completely underwhelmed me. While I did do a live unboxing on Instagram, the entire fix was quickly returned before I could even blog about it. The box was so far from what I'd requested (conservative work pieces and brown booties) that I even requested a different stylist for my next fix, which just arrived. Let's see how she did:
PAPERMOON |Corralyn Lace Hem Detail Knit Top | $38
This was super soft but there just wasn't anything special about it, and I didn't love the fit around the arms. Returned.
41 HAWTHORN | Daylen Cotton Poplin Dress | $78
I wanted this dress all. summer. long. It was a bummer to get it in an October fix when I won't be able to wear it until at least April. I hated the thought of paying $80 for this to sit in my closet until spring, so I begrudgingly sent it back.
LAILA JAYDE | Dorsi Front Drape Knit Top | $54
In pictures, I thought this was the same top I was sent in my last fix, but I was pleasantly surprised. This is super soft and has a front panel that acts as a cami so you don't have to wear a separate one. Kept.
41 HAWTHORN | Corinth Wool Elbow Patch Blazer | $78
This was super comfortable, but a tad snug in the chest and I thought the elbow patches made it look a tad too casual for my style. Returned.
KUT FROM THE KLOTH | Doris Printed Bootcut Pant | $88
These were a pleasant surprise. The print was subtle, the fabric was stretchy, durable, and amazing....but $88 for a pair of pants isn't going to happen. Returned.
Thoughts
Were it not for price, I would have kept 3 of the items. That's kind of a bummer. Weather is getting colder so I need pants, and I need them to be affordable. Hopefully I see more affordable options in my next fix. Stay tuned!
What piece is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Baltimore, MD, USA
Travel Tuesday: Key West, FL
October 9, 2018 • travel
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed some vacation-y posts lately. Sean and I joined 7 of our neighbors on an almost-weeklong trip to Key West and had a blast!
How we got there
Most of the clan booked flight inclusive packages through Expedia that flew them right into Key West. Sean and I used points from Southwest for a free flight into Fort Lauterdale (the credit card rewards are worth their weight in gold!), then rented a car for a scenic drive through all the Keys. I usually hate road trips, but this one was gorgeous and full of plenty of fun places for quick stops to break things up. Totally worth it!
Where we stayed
Between the 9 of us, 4 rooms were booked at the 24 North Hotel on Key West's "rooster row", a location closer to the airport than it is the action of Mallory Square and Duval Street. Between the hotel's free shuttle and 2 rental cars, we were able to get around easily to anywhere we wanted.
We had booked a standard room with a water view. Since we drove, we checked in last and the front desk kindly accommodated our request to be near our friends. Unfortunately, that put us in an obstructed view. While I certainly wouldn't have left a bad review for this (they did give us what we asked for, after all), I did mention that the obstruction was a bummer and they upgraded us to a top floor suite the very next day! It was one of many examples of incredible service.
The hotel never felt crowded and featured a gorgeous pool, fitness center, and restaurant/bar both inside and outside. In addition, 4 hotels in a row were sister properties, meaning we could hop about if we wanted (we're lazy. we didn't').
What we did
Beaches
While there's water everywhere, Key West isn't exactly known for it's beaches. The more accessible Higgs and Smathers beaches weren't a hit with our group (most people wouldn't even go in the water), but for a small entrance fee, the beach (and fort) at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park proved to be a winner!
Activities
I'll be honest and say I was worried there wouldn't be enough to do. Thankfully, this wasn't the case and we managed to fill the time together: Sean and I didn't even hit all the things on our list! Our favorites were the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Nancy Forrester's "Secret Garden" (a rescue parrot sanctuary), and enjoying the sunset from the Key West Cocktail cruise.
We also spent plenty of time exploring Duval St, tasting spirits at local rum distilleries, and forgoing the line for the popular Southernmost Point photo by taking it at night. Oh, and the girls got matching henna tattoos because why not?!
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| Home of Ernest Hemingway |
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| The home is still home to dozens of siz-toed cats. You can see how wide the paws are on this guy. |
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| Cockatoo friend Mr. Peaches (don't judge my humidity hair) |
We also spent plenty of time exploring Duval St, tasting spirits at local rum distilleries, and forgoing the line for the popular Southernmost Point photo by taking it at night. Oh, and the girls got matching henna tattoos because why not?!
Food
We ate Key Lime pie whenever possible (we thought the best was actually in Key Largo at Mrs. Mac's) and had decent food overall, but our favorite dinner hands down was the Cuban fare at El Meson de Pepe in Mallory square. We split a combination platter including 3 meats (hello, ropa vieja!), plantains, yucca, and rice and beans. I could have happily eaten there every night! On the flip side, the famous Sloppy Joe's bar was a spot I could have skipped. The expensive cocktails were way too sweet and the Key Lime pie tasted more like old glue. I know it's a tourist staple, but not one I'd recommend personally.
Final Thoughts
At the beginning of the trip, I was feeling the vibe that Key West was a nice place, but not one I necessarily needed to return to. As the week progressed, I actually found we were running out of time to try many of the "off the beaten path" options we'd listed ahead of time. Ultimately, we had a great, relaxing week and would certainly return to check some more activities off our list. While not your typical beachy town, there's certainly plenty to enjoy in Key West!
Have you been to Key West?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and favorite places and activities in the comments!
I'd love to hear your thoughts and favorite places and activities in the comments!
Key West, FL 33040, USA
I Tried Dia & Co. Here's How it Went.
October 1, 2018 • brands, review
I have a tried and (not so) true system for dressing when I know colder seasons are on their way: keep dressing like it's summer. If I don't wear a coat, mother nature will pity me and keep things warm outside. Right?
Once that doesn't work, I move from denial into begrudging acceptance where I finally realize some cold weather clothes are in order. This year, our humid, excessively rainy summer very abruptly gave ways to fall-like temps forcing me to realize it's time to put some cooler weather pieces in my rotation stat.
I've seen plenty of Facebook ads for Dia & Co. but hadn't bit until recently when I saw an ad for first box free (like Stitch Fix, there's a $20 styling fee that is applied to whatever you keep). As a bonus, ebates had a $10 rebate special, so I was literally paid $10 to try this box!
If you haven't heard of Dia & Co., it's a style subscription for curvier women. You complete a style quiz, pay the styling fee, and 5 pieces of clothing/accessories are sent to you in the mail. Keep what you like, send back what you don't. As you receive shipments and fill out feedback, your assigned stylist should be getting a good idea for your style and sending better options each time!
Initial Thoughts
the box arrived impressively fast. I took their style quiz on a Monday and the box appeared at my desk the same Friday. The quiz was not as thorough as Stitch Fix and didn't have any photo guidance which can be frustrating. I've also tried Nadine west who also had a vague quiz, but at least had a few photos to gauge style.
I've been able to "cheat" with the other two subscriptions and see what is being sent my way before it arrives, but no such luck with Dia. The website is overall less intuitive, without even an obvious place to check out when you receive your shipment. They email you frequently with helpful information, but I'd rather have a user friendly website to figure things out myself.
One last petty thought before moving on to the haul: I opened the box and was greeted by a sea of purple. The inside of the box flaps, the invoice and styling note, the sticker on the (thin, easily ripped) tissue paper. All purple. If you know me, that's just...no. Stitch Fix's lovely green will win me over every time.
Here's what they sent:
Leota | Avana Dress, $62
I took one look at this dress and immediately thought of my colleague who has a similar one. This is cute and easy to wear, but it's not me. More importantly, it's made of a similar fabric as the LulaRoe Cassie skirts. Fine for a skirt, but way too scratchy for a dress. I expect better quality for a $62 dress.
New York Laundry | Emma Sleeveless Tank with cut-out scoop neck, $33
This tank is super soft but that's about all it has going for me. The very subtle pastel in the stripes can't be picked up in the photo, but it gave it a dated vibe I wasn't loving. Also not shown in the picture is all the cleavage this showed off. Lastly, I'm trying to dress for fall and can't even write this off as a transition piece. It screams summer.
Meri Skye | Quinn Long Sleeve Whip Stitch Cardigan Sweater, $61
This thing was huge. You can tell by the photos just how baggy it is in the arms. It wouldn't have been an office piece by any means, but I definitely considered keeping it for curling up on the couch or outside by a bonfire. It was certainly cozy, but I just didn't love it enough to fork over $61 for it.
Rafaella | Broome Skinny Jean, $53
I was so, so excited for these. Pants are hands down the hardest article of clothing to find. They never fit right. I can find jeans with some ease, but any non denim pants are next to impossible. These are technically jeans so I was sure they'd fit, and the olive color which I love would have been easy to wear to the office. Unfortunately, the fit was a fail, being too skinny in the waist and calf but having that ever so sexy sag in the rear/thigh region. A shame because I'd have kept these in a heartbeat.
Ceram Lake Pendant Necklace, $28
I liked the two tone hammered look of this, but this feels like the gazzilionth time a subscription box has sent me a circular accessory and I'm just not into it. Meh.
The Verdict?
I kept nothing which is fine, because 1. I didn't lose $20 (I'd have probably bought the sweater to avoid this if I had paid the styling fee) and 2. I honestly felt like these was a decent shot in the dark styling-wise. I don't feel like I gave the stylist that much information, and 2 of the items I would have kept given the right sizing/pricing.
Another petty thought: why does everything have such redundant names? "pendant necklace?" "sleeveless tank top?" I'm surprised they didn't call the first item a "dressy dress."
Of course, styling boxes are supposed to get better with time and feedback, so I've completed the checkout process (after googling how to check out because you literally can't find it on the website), and I will be trying a second box in about a month to see how they do. Stay tuned!
Did you like what I got? Let me know in the comments or sign up for your first Dia & Co. Subscription here
(but first, ebates for an even sweeter deal)!
(but first, ebates for an even sweeter deal)!
Baltimore, MD, USA
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