INKnBURN

INKnBURN

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Stitchfix January 2015

This is my first review of StitchFix. I've been receiving fixes for a few years now, but I don't get them every month. And, I've been a little lazy about posting reviews. And, when I was behind, I figured there wasn't an easy way to catch up. In fact, StitchFix is probably the first "subscription" I found. A friend of mine posted her first fix on Facebook and I really wanted to give it a try. I was on a waiting list, but now I think there isn't a waitlist anymore. They carry sizes 0-14.

So ... what is StitchFix? It's a great service for people like me. I have no fashion sense. I wear a uniform to work, so I don't have to figure anything out. If I'm not in a uniform, I'm in scrubs. Comfort is important. I have lots and lots of jeans and t-shirts. Even then, I get lost trying to figure out  how to put things together. And, I get really confused in a store. With no fashion sense, I get really confused shopping. It's just overwhelming. How do I know if it looks good? There are so many colors and styles to choose from? If I have a hard time choosing I do one of two things. Buy everything and then have no idea what to do with it, or get frustrated and leave empty handed. Also, fortunately for me, they include a styling card to help with ideas on how to put together your items into outfits. I need that because I am usually jeans, top, shoes ... and that's it. Also, I get a note from my stylist telling me why she picked out these things for me. I like the personal touch.

StitchFix works with a handful of stylists who pick things for me. Once you sign up on-line, you fill out a style profile. It has lots of information including coloring and sizing, but also your personal style and preferences, and even what you consider a reasonable price to pay for certain types of clothing items. You pay a $20 styling fee and your stylist selects 5 items to send you. You pick your delivery date and voila ... you have a package delivered and you go shopping. After trying everything on, you select what you want to keep and send back the rest in a provided envelope. Shipping is free both ways. Then, go back on-line and check-out. I try to give feedback about what I liked, or didn't, about items in the fix and the way they fit. This information is used to further tweak your next fix. You can do a monthly auto-delivery, or just schedule when you want. If  you keep all 5 items, you get a 25% discount off the entire order. And, of course, the $20 fee is also applied to your order. 
So .... on to my most recent fix. I haven't fixed in a few months, so this was a winter fix for sure. 

First item was Mak B Cecily Crew Neck Sweater. It's a nice grey sweater with a textured cable knit pattern. It's a little thin, so in really cold climates, layering would be needed. The picture looks like it is pretty generously sized, it's not. I am a small and this was a small. But, I think it might be a wee bit on the small side. I wouldn't be able to layer anything under it without it getting too tight and the sleeves are a wee bit short. But, I don't have a lot of basic sweaters, and I was keeping everything else, so it made sense to keep this sweater, too. I have actually worn it a few times and it's pretty fitted, but not super tight. I have to be careful which jeans I wear because it doesn't go all the way down to my hips and hits between my waist and hips. 

Next was Market and Spruce Chaplin Lined Hooded Anorak Jacket. I will admit, I wasn't sure I would like it. It looks square and boxy, but it is NOT. It fits amazing and looks really great. It has curves. The hood zips off, but I will always wear it on because I love hoods. The fabric is a soft brushed feeling, almost suede-like. I adore the red trim that peeks out. And I'm glad to have some color. Some people might not think Navy blue is "color," but in my dark wardrobe navy is color. This will be worn often.

I asked for "cozy" in this fix and I got it with the Parkhurst Layton Faux Leather Trim Cardigan. It has a lot of volume for wrapping up in and it is very soft. I like the faux leather trim to add just a bit of interest. It was an interesting juxtaposition to the Cecily sweater which was a bit on the smallish size because this is a bit generously proportioned. It's really beautiful dark grey.

I have resisted skinny jeans for a long time and turned some away before. Not this time. I actually asked for some skinnies. I was clear that I didn't want blue denim ... I have about a dozen pairs of blue jeans, but I was OK with black or dark grey. I'm not daring enough for bright colors. The stylist listened. These Mavi Freida Regular Length Skinny Jeans are AMAZING. The black denim has the right amount of stretch so I don't feel like I'm squeezed in too tight. They are really comfortable and if I didn't have a fluffy tummy, they would be even better. But, jeans can only do so much. I can cover the muffin top ... and I do. Hence, the flowing sweaters I like so much.

Each fix usually comes with an accessory item. I don't always know how to wear jewelry, but I've gotten some great earrings and necklaces. I am a big fan of scarves. I LOVE this Octavia Alana Reversible Plaid & Houndstooth Infinity Scarf. It's a soft, lightweight, knit scarf. It goes amazing with the Anorak, but it's really cute with other jackets and coats I have also. It might be one of my favorite items in the fix this month, and that's saying a lot because I really liked everything.

So ... I haven't kept my receipt and kept everything. I can't tell you ... this time ... the price on every item and my total came to about $267. I would have to look at my credit card again to be certain. I really liked this fix. I can't say I was completely blown away, but I also have nothing to complain about and will wear everything. It was a very comfortable fix.

That is one thing I wish were different ... I would love it if my account page would show my past fixes with the items (at least the ones I kept) and their pricing. But, I suppose that's a pretty minor issue in my mind. If you want to try it out, please consider using my link. I'll probably get my next fix for my birthday ... who knows, maybe sooner.







PopSugar MustHave January 2015

PopSugar MustHave is a monthly lifestyle subscription box. I call it a Christmas stocking in a box and I look forward to it every month. It's filled with items that I might not purchase for myself, but that I will use and love. Just a bit of luxury.

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month, but if you purchase 3 or 6 month subscriptions, there is a little discount. And, they have discounts every month if you find the codes. I was out of town for a few months and had to cancel to skip my October and November boxes. Black Friday they had a special for $75 off a 6-month subscription. So, my $214.70 ($35.78/box) came to 139.70 ($23.28/box). Not a bad deal when you consider all that's in it. 

I introduced a few friends (Sorority Girl and The Accountant) to subscription boxes with gifts over the holidays. We were all anxiously awaiting our box and were excited when they arrived. We all received them the same day and talked about an "unboxing party" but this month we all had evening plans and couldn't wait. As usual, I had been scouring spoilers and reviews, so I knew what to expect, but I still loved reading the insert and checking everything  out. Next month, we open with wine and snacks. 
Jack + Lucy Pom Pom Hat: I've been loving beanies this year and really like slouchy beanies. This one is very very soft and has a faux fur pom-pom, which is very cuty. As a vegan, I don't always like faux fur that looks real, because I don't want fur to seem appealing. I was also a little nervous as the hat was made in China (I try to avoid Chinese products, but that's a very long and different story) and there have been reports of real fur being sold as faux fur coming out of China. Apparently, Chinese feel like if it comes from a different (maybe less desireable) animal, that it isn't "real." I have to admit, I was happy that this felt pretty synthetic ... soft, but not from an animal. Retail $32 

 First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: This is my second hand cream this month, but that's OK. I've been using lots of heavy moisturizers during the month. Sorority Girl was raving about how much she LOVED this hand cream, so I cracked it open to try. So. Very. Nice. It's thick and creamy. Not greasy. Light subtle scent. Retail $28

KeepCup Brew 12-Ounce Reusable Coffee Cup: I love the idea of reusing coffee cups from coffee shops. I also like drinking hot drinks out of a cup with some weight and substance to it. I was surprised by how short the cup is, but it is fat. I haven't tried it yet at a coffee shop to see if they will use it. I'm going out for coffee in the morning with some friends. Maybe I'll give it a go and see what they say. Save one more piece of cardboard from the landfill? Retail $26

Manduka eQua Hand Towel: I love the idea of using this instead of my cheap crappy gym towels. It's really absorbant and reminds me of a chamois. I spin and do hot yoga and have used this more than once. I feel a little more chic at the gym (I know, eye rolls) but I like feeling less grubby when I'm sweating. It's soft on my skin when I'm wiping away the sweat. That's a good thing, too. And, it's a pretty color. can't really go wrong with the microfiber towel. Retail $16

ToGoSpa Eyes: The package had three sets of cooling eye pads. I really need to try these eye gels. I really want to and just haven't gotten around to it. I love the idea of cooling eye pads to smooth away the puffiness. I need to give myself a good spa treatment with a nice home facial and eye treatment. Maybe tonight? I have heard nothing but good reviews. Retail $12.50

Skin Jewel Tattoos Empire: I think these may have been a sponsored item by a new television series. I'm avoiding new television shows so that I don't get sucked into more time suck. Also, at my age (which I'm not sharing), I'm not really sure that I would use these. But, maybe, on an upcoming vacation, wear a temporary bracelet? Or, I have some teen nieces that might get a kick out of them. There was a sheet of gold and a sheet of silver. Retail $18

Another sponsored item was General Mills Nature Valley Protein Granola: OK, I wasn't sure because so many of these have dairy. But, what a wonderful surprise, the Peanut Butter 'n Dark Chocolate flavor is dairy free.  Yea!!! I love the flavor. And yes, I will be buying these at the grocery store. They make a great snack. Retail $3.68

Overall, $136.18 worth of items for $23.28, I love the value and the curation.  I think it's a great value and I love receiving things I "want" but don't "need." Feel free to use my link to subscribe. Thanks and enjoy.










(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)

Prolotherapy ... and the race that wasn't

I had my first steroid injections for trochanteric bursitis in 1998. I've had flares off and on for years
and just dealt with it. A year ago, I developed hip pain that I haven't been able to shake despite hip join injections, botox in the piriformis, medial branch blocks, sacroiliac injections, and trochanter injections. I've been worked up for a stress fracture. Nothing. I finally asked about the chronic bursitis and iliotibial band issues that I stretch, and foam roll, and massage, and active release, and graston, and chiropractic treatment for. The Pain/PMR doc said I have to stop calling it "bursitis" after 17 years, it's no longer an acute condition. We decided to give prolotherapy a try.

What is prolotherapy? "Regenerative medicine" the doctor says. My interpretation, we're going to FUBAR you again so that you can heal correctly this time.

Me: Can I resume normal activities right afterwards?
Doc: Sure, what did you have in mind?
Me: I have a half-marathon two days after the procedure.
Doc: (Slowly) Weeelll, I suppose it's OK if you want to rupture your tendons.
Me: (Shaking head and even slower) Hmmm, probably not then, can I walk?
Doc: Sure
Me: How far? (you know what I'm thinking, right?)
Doc: As far as you want (he didn't tell me that I wouldn't "want" to walk any further than from the couch to the kitchen)

I love Purpose Events races. Great swag. Great after parties. Friendly organizers. Beautiful locations.Great support. I have been wanting to run Cocoa Women's Half Marathon for the past 2 years in San Antonio, but seems I really hurt myself at the end of the "season" and this off-season race just hasn't been in the cards. This year, I had only minor injuries, so I was ready to go. I signed up months ago. Well, bust! back to the 5K for me this year. I really want to run the entire beautiful course. And, the pancakes afterwards are a nice incentive.

Friday, I had prolotherapy in the Gluteus Medius Tendon and Iliotibial band. Ultrasound guided. (I didn't watch) Few interesting conversations of the day.

Doc: Any questions?
Musician: So, you're going to poke a hole in her and fill her with sugar?
Me: Seriously, do you know what you just said?

Doc: You'll feel a little pinch and burn and then some pressure
Me: (very loudly) Obscenities that I won't print here

Doc: This area doesn't feel quite right ... crunchy
Me: I told you so

After a 22-guage needle was used to poke lots of holes in the tendon and ITB, 20% dextrose was injected into the area. Ideally, my body will respond to the acute injury and regenerate the tissue. I repeat this 3 times every 4 weeks. Then we decide ... is it working? Do we step up to platelet rich plasma? I had many choice words every step I took walking out of the building. Oh yeah, and that nagging hip/glute pain ... totally gluteus medius tendonitis. It's as bad as it has ever been.

Saturday, I went downtown to pick up my race packet. Nice little expo. Friendly people. Friendly volunteers making sure everyone knew where we were going. Nice bag. Great long-sleeve tech tee. I usually ask for a medium in women's cut shirts because they often run small. Not small ... really big, in fact. Too big for me to wear, even with layers. Looks like a tunic. I wonder if I can swap it out. Must remember next time that they run larger than most women's cut shirts. But, I'm still limping. Better than yesterday. I wonder if I will be able to do 3 miles tomorrow?

Sunday, Short-but-Mighty texted at 5 AM ... she was sick. Not going. I did a little passive stretching and realized ... I would not be happy walking 3 miles. I really didn't want to drive downtown just for pancakes. And I'm super jealous of all those women who are running today. No medal for me. No pancakes. BUST!!!

All I can say, is this prolotherapy had better be worth it. It will be if I can run pain free in the future.

In the meantime, I'm really proud of Francesca Columbo and Loralei Cryblskey ... a couple of elementary schoolers running half marathon. Go Fran Go!!! Go Loralei Go!!!