Knowing what to wear to a conference can be hard! Stitch Fix helped me out. Find out what I got in my fix, PLUS 6 tips for dressing for a conference event.Knowing what to wear to a conference can be hard! Stitch Fix helped me out. Find out what I got in my fix, PLUS 6 tips for dressing for a conference event.
Read MoreIn case you're new to Stitch Fix*, here's a quick run-down on how it works: I've gotten eight fixes overall (one I didn't have time to review). Although I usually only end up keeping 2-3 pieces, those items I DO keep I find myself wearing the most.
Stitch Fix helped me realize that I tend to wear the same few items over and over– the ones I invested a little more money in. I have a bad tendency to buy quantity over quality when it comes to clothing, so I have tons of cute cheap clothes that fall apart in less than a year.
With Stitch Fix, it’s like having a personal stylist and shopper. You get to choose the price range for each item, how often you want your fix and add specific notes for the fix. For example, for several fixes I've requested dresses for specific occasions.
Your fix also comes with photo ideas for how to wear the items (with clothes you may already own.)
I left my comments completely blank for this fix to see what would happen.
And you know what? It was one of the best yet. I ended up keeping everything!
Which meant I got the 25% discount for keeping all 5 pieces. I was pumped.
Thanks Katie! You did an awesome job.
1 + 2. Mauli Stitch Detail Knit Top + Adorra Skinny Jeans - Kept
I'd prefer the top to be a little longer, but overall I love it. It's super soft and thin, so it can be worn through different seasons.
I'm obsessed with these Adorra Skinny Jeans and have already been wearing them nonstop. They're stretchy and flattering, and the exact shade I like.
3. Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse - Kept
This blouse is perfect for dressing up or down (as you'll see below).
4. Heidi Scallop Hem Pencil Skirt - Kept
I don't wear skirts often, but when I do have to meet with clients I love the opportunity to dress up. This skirt is timeless, so it's a great addition to my more professional wardrobe.
5. Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer - Kept
The blazer is another piece I could dress up or down because it's a cotton material. It's also the first flattering blazer I've found. Most of them make me look really boxy and too masculine.
Stitch Fix recently released an iPhone app, which I'm hearing great things about. You can upload a profile photo to make the experience even more personal, and it makes leaving notes for your stylist easier than ever. You can also preview what you'll be getting in your fix before it arrives.
I don't have an iPhone, so I couldn't actually use the app. But Stitch Fix did send me this adorable selfie stick for being a Stitch Fix Influencer!
Did you know Stitch Fix also offers gift cards?
You can have it mailed, emailed, or print it out yourself. You can choose from amounts starting at $20 and up.
If you want to get me something but don't know what.... ;-)
Interested in having your very own personal stylist send clothes to your doorstep? Try Stitch Fix here. It's been a lot of fun so far!
What do you do to make sure you get a good fix from Stitch Fix?
It's been awhile since I've done a book review post, but I've read some good ones lately that I just had to share. Some that didn't make the cut for this post include The Maze Runner series, The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak, Not After Everything, My Heart and Other Black Holes and Suicide Notes From Beautiful Girls. While I didn't dislike any of these young adult novels, I didn't feel they were important enough to include. You can check out all of my recently read books over on Goodreads.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Book Description:
"With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.”
My Take:
I can't say enough good things about this book. It made me think about creativity and ideas in a new way and inspired me to keep writing. There's a reason everyone is raving so much about this book, and I definitely understand why now!
Interesting Quotes:
“Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
“You can clear out whatever obstacles are preventing you from living your most creative life, with the simple understanding that whatever is bad for you is probably also bad for your work.”
“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner—continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you—is a fine art, in and of itself.”
“Debt will always be the abattoir of creative dreams.”
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Book Description:
"The Way of the Essentialist isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done. It is not a time management strategy, or a productivity technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution towards the things that really matter.
By forcing us to apply a more selective criteria for what is Essential, the disciplined pursuit of less empowers us to reclaim control of our own choices about where to spend our precious time and energy – instead of giving others the implicit permission to choose for us."
My Take:
This is a great book to read as you prepare your business and/or life for the new year. It helps you put the important things into perspective. It may not be full of information you didn't know, but it will inspire action and clarity.
Interesting Quotes:
“Remember that if you don’t prioritize your life someone else will.”
“Essentialists see trade-offs as an inherent part of life, not as an inherently negative part of life. Instead of asking, “What do I have to give up?” they ask, “What do I want to go big on?”
“What if we stopped celebrating being busy as a measurement of importance? What if instead we celebrated how much time we had spent listening, pondering, meditating, and enjoying time with the most important people in our lives?”
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
Book Description:
"'I've been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she works. I don't know the color of her eyes or what they look like when she's scared. But I will.'
One night, Mia Dennett enters a bar to meet her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when he doesn't show, she unwisely leaves with an enigmatic stranger. At first Colin Thatcher seems like a safe one-night stand. But following Colin home will turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life. "
My Take:
Recommended for anyone who liked books like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. The suspense kept me interested and wanting to know more. I wouldn't say it was as good as Gone Girl, but I can see the similarities and it's still well written.
Interesting Quotes:
“I know how betrayal and disillusionment feel, when someone who could give you the world refuses even a tiny piece of it.”
Paperweight by Meg Haston
Book Description:
"Seventeen-year-old Stevie is trapped. In her life. And now in an eating-disorder treatment center on the dusty outskirts of the New Mexico desert.
Life in the center is regimented and intrusive, a nightmare come true. Nurses and therapists watch Stevie at mealtime, accompany her to the bathroom, and challenge her to eat the foods she’s worked so hard to avoid.
Her dad has signed her up for sixty days of treatment. But what no one knows is that Stevie doesn't plan to stay that long. There are only twenty-seven days until the anniversary of her brother Josh’s death—the death she caused. And if Stevie gets her way, there are only twenty-seven days until she too will end her life."
My Take:
This is a young adult novel dealing with anorexia nervosa, grief, and control. It was clear the author did a good job researching the topics and powerfully portraying the emotions. I would warn that it could be triggering for anyone who is dealing with or has dealt with anorexia.
Interesting Quotes:
“But we are a group of girls so overwhelmed by our mere existence that it's almost paralyzing, the idea of dealing with the "big picture" issues. It's the reason we got this way to begin with. The reason a single caloric unit takes on such importance, the reason the pound becomes our currency of worth. These are things we can manage.”
“Yes, the illness took away. It clawed at family and time and the very beating of our hearts. But it gave, too. For me, it was the only way I could move through life blurry, without having to see things as they really were. It would have been too much that way, having to stare at my life head-on.”
Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagán
Book Description:
"Libby Miller has always been an unwavering optimist—but when her husband drops a bomb on their marriage the same day a doctor delivers devastating news, she realizes her rose-colored glasses have actually been blinding her.
With nothing left to lose, she abandons her life in Chicago for the clear waters and bright beaches of the Caribbean for what might be her last hurrah. Despite her new sunny locale, her plans go awry when she finds that she can’t quite outrun the past or bring herself to face an unknowable future. Every day of tropical bliss may be an invitation to disaster, but with her twin brother on her trail and a new relationship on the horizon, Libby is determined to forget about fate. Will she risk it all to live—and love—a little longer?
From critically acclaimed author Camille Pagán comes a hilarious and hopeful story about a woman choosing between a “perfect” life and actually living."
My Take:
I chose this as my free October Amazon Prime selection and was very surprised at how much I liked it (gave it 4/5 stars). The novel managed to be hilarious and light while dealing with heavy topics like disease, divorce and our over-busy society. It has an Eat, Pray, Love feel to it.
Interesting Quotes:
“It’s permanence that distinguishes grief from other emotional pain. The unfixable nature of never—that’s what makes it so terrible to bear.”
“...to see the night sky clearly, you can’t overfocus; it’s the stars outside of your direct vision that come in brightest.”
Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider
Book Description:
"At seventeen, overachieving Lane finds himself at Latham House, a sanatorium for teens suffering from an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, Latham is a place of endless rules and confusing rituals, where it's easier to fail breakfast than it is to flunk French.
There, Lane encounters a girl he knew years ago. Instead of the shy loner he remembers, Sadie has transformed. At Latham, she is sarcastic, fearless, and utterly compelling. Her friends, a group of eccentric troublemakers, fascinate Lane, who has never stepped out of bounds his whole life. And as he gradually becomes one of them, Sadie shows him their secrets: how to steal internet, how to sneak into town, and how to disable the med sensors they must wear at all times.
But there are consequences to having secrets, particularly at Latham House. And as Lane and Sadie begin to fall in love and their group begins to fall sicker, their insular world threatens to come crashing down.
Told in alternating points of view, Extraordinary Means is a darkly funny story about doomed friendships, first love, and the rare miracle of second chances."
My Take:
I was really hesitant because a lot of people were comparing this book to The Fault in Our Stars and even Looking for Alaska. John Green is my favorite author, so I get worried about anything that could seem like an impostor. But I'm glad I didn't let that stop me. Yes, it IS similar to those two novels, but in a great way. I have a soft spot for quirky young adult literature I guess. I definitely recommend it.
Interesting Quotes:
“There's difference between being dead and dying. We're all dying. Some of us die for ninety years, and some of us die for nineteen. But each morning everyone on this planet wakes up one day closer to their death. Everyone. So living and dying are actually different words for the same thing, if you think about it.”
“That's all you can do in this world, no matter how strong the current beats against you, or how heavy your burden, or how tragic your love story. You keep going.”
“Being temporary doesn't make something matter any less, because the point isn't for how long, the point is that it happened.
What's on your list to read next?
A few months ago I saw a Facebook ad for this lovely little health tracker I had never heard of before. I clicked through to the site and sent it to my sister, gushing about how cool it looked.
I already owned a Fitbit Flex that I had worn every day for about a year and a half, so I was hesitant to buy a second tracker.
I contacted Bellabeat to see if I could test out the product, and to my delight, they agreed! The following review is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. The only compensation I received was the health tracker and accessories.
The LEAF brings a new level of quality to your life. A beautifully designed health tracker that helps you monitor your activity, sleep quality, stress levels, and understands your menstrual cycle. It helps you improve specific aspects of your daily routine so you can feel your absolute best.
You are unique in every way. The LEAF understands what makes you tick and gives you personalized insights for you to feel energized and ready to own your life. The LEAF is designed to allow you to be creative in the way you wear it. Wear it as a necklace or bracelet with LEAF accessories or items you already own. You can also clip the LEAF to any clothing item as a stylish accent. You choose what fits your style best in any given occasion.
We shape the LEAF the same way nature shapes the curves of every single leaf on every tree. Made of 100% American wood, each LEAF is unique, just like the person wearing it. Its advanced technology is hidden inside a 100% American wooden housing, giving it a soft natural appeal that isn’t found in other wearables.
Favorite aspects:
How I wear it:
I clip it to my clothing whenever I'm sleeping or exercising, then usually wear the bracelet other times. The necklace is easier, but I love how the bracelet looks.
Activity Tracking:
For the first two days I wore both my Fitbit and LEAF to compare how the steps are tracked. They matched up pretty closely, so I'd say the LEAF is accurate. There is a bit of a difference depending on whether you wear it clipped to clothing vs. as a bracelet, but Bellabeat has recently updated the app so you can choose how it was worn.
The app was also recently updated to track activity (similar to the "active minutes" for Fitbit). There are limited activities you can input as well.
Health Tracking:
The LEAF automatically tracks your sleep (whereas you have to turn that part on for FitBit). It's almost always accurate too, but if not, you can adjust it.
I've never really tracked my cycle before, so that aspect was interesting. The app shows an estimate of when you're ovulating. I take an oral contraceptive, however, so I don't believe this aspect applies to me.
I'll be honest, I haven't used the breathing exercises, but I think it's a great feature. It will also buzz if you are inactive for too long.
There are many more features I haven't mentioned, so be sure to check out the website.
**To be clear, I would recommend both the band the LEAF. It just depends on the functionality you're looking for. The LEAF has more support for your mental well-being, while the FitBit has more support for weight loss.
The LEAF is relatively new, so I expect even more great things to be available in the app during 2016.
My contact at Bellabeat has also hinted at a few surprises for the holiday season, so I'm excited to find out what those are! At $119, it would make a perfect gift.
These lovely trackers have a waiting list, so I recommend heading over to the website and signing up!
In case you're new to Stitch Fix*, here's a quick run-down on how it works: Not all of my fixes have been great, but I continue to get them because the pieces I DO keep I find myself wearing the most. It helped me realize that I tend to wear the same few items over and over– the ones I invested a little more money in. I have a bad tendency to buy quantity over quality when it comes to clothing, so I have tons of cute cheap clothes that fall apart in less than a year.
With Stitch Fix, it’s like having a personal stylist and shopper. You get to choose the price range for each item, how often you want your fix and add specific notes for the fix. For example, for several fixes I've requested dresses for specific occasions.
Your fix also comes with photo ideas for how to wear the items (with clothes you may already own.)
For this fix I requested some options for an upcoming wedding I'm attending in Denver, CO. I mentioned the time frame and weather.
My stylist's note was perfect. She described how I could use the different pieces while I'm at the wedding or nighttime events. I'm really happy with this fix!
1. Brixon Ivy James Laser Cut Dress in Cobalt - Kept
I really liked this dress, but when it came down to it, I didn't need another LBD for the price and it was a little big. I didn't get a good shot of the detailing, but there was lace on parts the dress as well.
3. Freeway Callaway Textured Dress in Off-White - Kept
I love this dress. It fit really well (maybe a little short) but overall it was perfect.
4. Le Lis Leavy Lace Sleeve Knit Top in Dark Gray - Returned
I loved the material in the middle of the sweater. It was super soft and smooth, but I just couldn't get into the sleeves. I like lace, but I wasn't into the colors.
5. Renne C Huebert Space Dye Open Cardigan in Gray - Kept
This was a little more than I like to spend on sweaters, but the material was so nice and I can see dressing it up or down, so I went with it. I've already worn it twice, so it was a good choice!
Interested in having your very own personal stylist send clothes to your doorstep? Try Stitch Fix here.* It's been a lot of fun so far!
What do you do to make sure you get a good fix from Stitch Fix?
In case you’re new to Stitch Fix*, here’s a quick run-down on how it works: Not all of my fixes have been great, but I continue to get them because the pieces I DO keep I find myself wearing the most. It helped me realize that I tend to wear the same few items over and over– the ones I invested a little more money in. I have a bad tendency to buy quantity over quality when it comes to clothing, so I have tons of cute cheap clothes that fall apart in less than a year.
With Stitch Fix, it’s like having a personal stylist and shopper. You get to choose the price range for each item, how often you want your fix and add specific notes for the fix. For example, for several fixes I’ve requested dresses for specific occasions.
Your fix also comes with photo ideas for how to wear the items (with clothes you may already own.)
Stitch Fix noticed a re-promotion of my second review on Twitter and kindly reached out to see how they could make my next (fifth) Fix better. They were so kind and attentive. However, I was disappointed in this Fix to the point where I'm wondering where I'm going wrong with my notes, reviews, pins and descriptions. I requested "tanks for summer, a top in light blue, and maybe a summer dress." I didn't really get any of those things.
I took a look at my Stitch Fix profile and changed my shirt fitting from "mostly loose" to "mostly fitted." This is a hard one because I do prefer loose shirts, but I still want them to have shape. So we'll see what happens with my next Fix.
Also, my DSLR camera battery is dead and I'm waiting for a new charger, so please excuse the quality of the photos! When you receive a Stitch Fix, you only have three days to decide and return any unwanted items. My best friend already made fun of my facial expression in these pictures, so do I post them online? Absolutely. Enjoy!
1. Fun2Fun Torrance Lace Detailed Sleeveless Blouse in Black - Keeper
This shirt is silky and nice for going out or could be covered with a sweater for the office (when I'm actually in an office, which is rare). It's loose, but still maintains a little bit of a shape so that I don't look like a giant rectangle.
2. 41Hawthorn McAdams Beaded Neckline Blouse in Off-White - Return
I liked the bead work on this and the colors, but the tank was way too loose and was not flattering at all.
3. Sweet Rain Amsterdam Short Sleeve Cardigan in Light Pink - Return
I'm just not sure what the point of this sweater is. The shape was weird, unflattering, and I have no idea what I'd wear it with.
4. Papermoon Taluca Printed Pencil Skirt in Blue - Return
I loved the colors and the material, but wasn't sold on the shape. Plus, I don't go into an office very often.
5. Octavia Henry Birds on Branch Infinity Scarf in Black- Keeper
I've complimented a friend on this exact scarf and I pinned it on Pinterest, so this was definitely a keeper!
Interested in having your very own personal stylist send clothes to your doorstep? Try Stitch Fix here.* It's been a lot of fun so far, even if I haven't loved every piece.
What do you do to make sure you get a good fix from Stitch Fix? Have you had any major fails?
I didn't have the best of luck in my last two Stitch Fix boxes*, but I have an event coming up for a client, so I gave it another shot. I loved this fix! I didn't keep everything, but it was still much better than the last two. In the note to my stylist I mentioned that I have a big event coming up in April, so I'd like a few nice pieces to wear. The dress she chose was amazing, and even the more casual pieces can be dressed up for dinners and evening activities. I generally don't like to buy new clothes just for an event, but I'm working on building my intentional wardrobe and needed at least one more dress. I have to dress up for eight days, and this event happens every year, so I know I'll get use out of anything I buy.
I love the styling card they include. Not only does it help me with the pieces they send, but it gives me ideas for other outfits with things I may already own. Again, I received navy blue and an orange-ish/dark salmon colored piece, so I guess Stitch Fix is telling me those are my colors!
1. Zad - Azaria Circle Bib and Stone Necklace: It's pretty, and it looked good with the navy blue dress, but it's just not my style. Sent back.
2. 41Hawthorn- Dita Sleeveless Ponte Dress in Navy Blue: I love this dress! Not only does it fit perfectly, but it's super soft and comfortable. Definitely a keeper.! I will probably pair it with nude heels for my event in April.
3. 41Hawthorn- 3/4 Sleeve Popover Blouse in Orange-ish/Dark Salmon: I asked for another shirt shaped like this white one, and this is very close. I love how it can be dressed up or down. It'll be perfect for evening activities during my event, and I know I'll be wearing it all the time in general.
4. Colourworks- Mallory Ruffle Back Open Cardigan: This was really cute and super soft, but I couldn't pay $68 for it. Plus, I already have a similar sweater. I did consider it though! If it were cheaper I probably would have gone for it.
5. Pixley- Torin French Terry Stripe Blazer: I liked the idea of this, but it just didn't work. It was too short or something. It's nice that it could be dressed up or down and is different than anything I own, but I didn't end up keeping it because it didn't look flattering.
Interested in having your very own personal stylist send clothes to your doorstep? Try Stitch Fix here. It's been a lot of fun so far, even if I haven't loved every piece.
If you use Stitch Fix, do you ever request pieces for a specific event? If you haven't used Stitch Fix, do you buy new clothes for an event?
I'm already telling everyone to read this book and thinking of people I can send it to because it's the perfect introduction to meditation. I was able to get my ebook copy from the library, so keep that in mind too.
I devoured this book in about 3 days. First, Dan Harris is hilarious. He's self-deprecating, honest and extremely curious, which makes for a great story. To get an idea of how he writes, here's an example of a chapter title: "Chapter 10: The Self-Interested Case for Not Being a Dick."
I've been getting more and more interested in meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhism over the past few years, but there's still a part of me that resists the stereotypical Buddhist, hippie type vision people have. Dan Harris summarized exactly how I felt about it when I couldn't put it into words. He explains that Buddhism started more as a philosophy than a religion, and although he has embraced parts of it, he approaches it all in a modern way. His whole experience really hit home with me and made a lot of sense.
The numerous scientific studies included in 10% Happier also add a level of evidence that I think will help more people get behind the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. He mentions MRI scans showing that meditators develop more gray matter in their brains.
I also liked that he researched and interviewed a variety of mindfulness "experts," including Ekhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra. It made me rethink my admiration for Chopra a little bit, but I guess I never really knew that much about him anyway.
"Nightline anchor Dan Harris embarks on an unexpected, hilarious, and deeply skeptical odyssey through the strange worlds of spirituality and self-help, and discovers a way to get happier that is truly achievable.
After having a nationally televised panic attack on Good Morning America, Dan Harris knew he had to make some changes. A lifelong nonbeliever, he found himself on a bizarre adventure, involving a disgraced pastor, a mysterious self-help guru, and a gaggle of brain scientists. Eventually, Harris realized that the source of his problems was the very thing he always thought was his greatest asset: the incessant, insatiable voice in his head, which had both propelled him through the ranks of a hyper-competitive business and also led him to make the profoundly stupid decisions that provoked his on-air freak-out.
We all have a voice in our head. It’s what has us losing our temper unnecessarily, checking our email compulsively, eating when we’re not hungry, and fixating on the past and the future at the expense of the present. Most of us would assume we’re stuck with this voice – that there’s nothing we can do to rein it in – but Harris stumbled upon an effective way to do just that. It’s a far cry from the miracle cures peddled by the self-help swamis he met; instead, it’s something he always assumed to be either impossible or useless: meditation. After learning about research that suggests meditation can do everything from lower your blood pressure to essentially rewire your brain, Harris took a deep dive into the underreported world of CEOs, scientists, and even marines who are now using it for increased calm, focus, and happiness.
10% Happier takes readers on a ride from the outer reaches of neuroscience to the inner sanctum of network news to the bizarre fringes of America’s spiritual scene, and leaves them with a takeaway that could actually change their lives."
➡️ "The ego is constantly comparing itself to others. It has us measuring our self-worth against the looks, wealth, and social status of everyone else. ... The ego thrives on drama. It keeps our old resentments and grievances alive through compulsive thought. ... Perhaps the most powerful Tollean insight into the ego was that is it obsessed with the past and the future, at the expense of the present. We 'live almost exclusively through memory and anticipation.;"
➡️ "Buddhism's secret sauce went by a hopelessly anodyne name: 'mindfulness.' In a nutshell, mindfulness is the ability to recognize what is happening in your mind right now- anger, jealousy, sadness, the pain of a stubbed toe, whatever- without getting carried away by it."
➡️ "The final step- "non-identification"- meant seeing that just because I was feeling angry or jealous or fearful, that did not render me a permanently angry or jealous person. These were just passing states of mind."
➡️ "It's so obvious to me now: the slipping away is the whole point. Once you've achieved choiceless awareness, you see so clearly how fleeting everything is."
➡️"Even if we were handed everything we wanted, would it really make us sustainably happy? ... There's actually a term for this- "hedonic adaptation." When good things happen, we bake them very quickly into our baseline expectations, and yet the primordial void goes unfulfilled."
I highlighted a lot from the book, but I won't include them all. Read it for yourself!
You might also be interested in my review of Happy: A Documentary.
If you've read this book, I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'd also love to know what you're reading right now.
The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau has been on my to-read list for quite awhile. I was hesitant because I already have a business, but it re-awakened some inspiration and new ideas. So whether you just have a fledgling idea or are running your business successfully, you can get something out of this book.
Amazon summarizes the book as, "In preparing to write this book, Chris identified 1,500 individuals who have built businesses earning $50,000 or more from a modest investment (in many cases, $100 or less), and from that group he’s chosen to focus on the 50 most intriguing case studies. In nearly all cases, people with no special skills discovered aspects of their personal passions that could be monetized, and were able to restructure their lives in ways that gave them greater freedom and fulfillment." Read the full summary here: The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future
Overall, I liked how realistic and approachable the ideas and cases Chris describes are. He mentions numerous times that no special skills are needed, but I'm not sure I agree. Being able to see outside the box and develop creative solutions to problems isn't ordinary. However, it's not something you need to go to school for or get special certification. The people who make the best entrepreneurs are often "accidental entrepreneurs" who started with an idea or are following their passion, rather than setting out to make money and deciding on the idea later.
Themes that stood out:
The book kept me interested the whole time and had me writing down ideas to apply to my own business. I definitely recommend it for anyone with a blog, small business, or idea to start either of those.
What's the best business book you've read this year?
November's pick from the Glitter Collective's book club was Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
My Take:
Overall, it was a decent business book. It was written in 2012, so some social media suggestions are already a little outdated, but that's just how it goes.
After
I got about 10% of the way through, I left a message on our group board asking whether anyone had finished it. I was really struggling to get into it and didn't want to waste my time. No one had, so I decided to keep going. I had a 4.5 hour plane ride ahead of me, so why not. The beginning was repetitive, simplistic and he spent too much time trying to sell us on him rather than his ideas. He really wanted to convince everyone that he was popular enough to be writing this book.
I realized that part of the problem is that I have a degree in marketing and have been working in the world of content marketing and social media for at least 6 years. For anyone new to blogging and social media, the book wouldn't be as repetitive. So don't let me scare you off!
Once I got at least halfway through, it got much better. There were helpful tool suggestions and ideas for twitter. I'd say this is a great book for anyone in the beginning stages. He explains why the first impression of your website is so important, different elements you should include, and ways to use social media effectively.
Points I Don't Agree With:
Good Blogging Tips:
Like I said, overall it was a good book, but it will be especially useful to those who are newer to the world of blogging and content marketing. Just be careful of outdated tools and advice.
I'd love to hear what you thought of the book! Let me know in the comments.
I've been eying the new release, #GIRLBOSS
I checked the ebook out of the library the same night I joined the book club and devoured it by the next evening. It's a fast read that kept me entertained and inspired. It made me think of the basic drive we all share as entrepreneurs. It's so much more than building businesses and selling ideas. It's that feeling of flow or getting in the zone when working on a new project. That unstoppable desire to bring your ideas to life.
There were a few general themes that stuck out to me. She talks about being confident, competing with yourself rather than others, saving your money and being open to outcomes you may not have foreseen (or been aiming for). Sophia mentions that it's often not about the clothing, but about how you wear it. If you're comfortable and confident, others will be able to tell. I love how she mentions numerous times that focusing your attention on other people, your competition or just negativity in general won't help you. I love this quote, "There’s no karmic law that dictates your business will succeed if others fail, so why not just wish them well and get on with it?” As bloggers, it's important to remember that those who you could consider your "competition" are really better as friends and co-workers.
Have you read #GIRLBOSS? Have you read any other business books lately that you'd recommend?
*Disclaimer- the links in this post are affiliate links through Amazon. However, I was not asked to review this book and will not be compensated by anyone involved with the book.
If you read my post on the "Throw Out 100 Things Challenge," you know I got rid of quite a big of clutter recently (especially clothing). I've also posted about my goal to focus on quality vs. quantity when it comes to buying new clothes. While I'm working on simplifying my apartment, I don't like to actually throw anything away if I can help it. I've donated 3 big boxes to Goodwill lately and have a feeling I'll be doing another round of simplifying soon.
There are a few websites out there like Thredup.com.
**This is not a sponsored post and is not in conjunction with ThredUp in any way. It's just an honest review or a method I tried.
What are your favorite ways to recycle clothing or other unwanted goods?
My third Stitch Fix came on my birthday. I was nervous because my 2nd fix was disappointing, but I also couldn't help but be excited.
I had left a long, rambling comment for my next stylist. I included what I didn't like about the last fix (shirts weren't flattering) and ideas for this fix. I wanted teal skinny jeans and a sweater with patch elbows that I had seen other Stitch Fixers receive. I had also found this studded shirt on Pinterest, so I added it to my Style Board.
This fix was pretty good! Here's what I got:
1 + 2. White blouse with copper/gold studs + teal skinny jeggings: I love this shirt! I usually don't like gold details, but these were more like a matte gold or light coppery type color. It also had a nice shape to it because it still dipped in at the waist a little. The teal jeans were very cute but a little too tight.
3. Purple dot sleeveless lattice blouse: I probably wouldn't have chosen this on my own, but it was actually really cute. It fit okay, but was a little shapeless. It was also over $70, so I didn't keep it.
4. Orange + navy striped racerback tank: I guess navy blue is my color, because Stitch Fix always sends me some navy. They also send me orange or salmon every time. So, I'll keep that in mind. The shape of this tank was horrible, though. I didn't get a good side view, but the front is shorter than the back and it has no shape.
5. Sweater/blouse combo short sleeved shirt: I loved the colors of this shirt! It was definitely unique, and I would have kept it if the shape was a little better. I like loose shirts, but I need a little more shape to it or I look like a big rectangle.
I ended up only keeping the studded white blouse. I would have kept the teal skinny jeans if they had fit, but that's okay. I'll either find a pair somewhere else or go without, because let's face it, teal skinny jeans aren't exactly a necessity.
Lessons from this fix: Stop asking for loose fitting shirts. I'm generally disappointed, so I will need to find a better way to describe what I want. I'm still not sure which styles are best on me, either. I was hoping to have a better idea of how to shop for my body shape by this point, but I'm only slightly closer. My body is long and lean, so I need to wear things that accentuate /create more curves. The white shirt worked better because it has a curved shape to it.
Side note- I really need to get a nice camera and a tripod so I can take my own photos. I feel bad asking my fiance to do it, so I rush and then they turn out crummy. These are truly terrible photos, sorry!
Interested in having your very own personal stylist send clothes to your doorstep? Try Stitch Fix here*. It's been a lot of fun so far, even if I haven't loved every piece.
How do you shop for your body shape?
In case you’re new to Stitch Fix*, here’s a quick run-down on how it works: Not all of my fixes have been great, but I continue to get them because the pieces I DO keep I find myself wearing the most. It helped me realize that I tend to wear the same few items over and over– the ones I invested a little more money in. I have a bad tendency to buy quantity over quality when it comes to clothing, so I have tons of cute cheap clothes that fall apart in less than a year.
With Stitch Fix, it’s like having a personal stylist and shopper. You get to choose the price range for each item, how often you want your fix and add specific notes for the fix. For example, for several fixes I’ve requested dresses for specific occasions.
Your fix also comes with photo ideas for how to wear the items (with clothes you may already own.)
I recently received my second fix from Stitch Fix and was pretty disappointed. I had given them as many details as possible, such as "no gold detail" on the purse and to send a pair of shorts that weren't too short. I'm not sure if there was a miscommunication or what, but I didn't like anything I received. My stylist regurgitated my requests in her note, like "no gold detail," but yet the purses still had gold detail...
I sent everything back. Since I spent $20 for the styling fee, I could have gotten at least one item for next to nothing, but I knew I wouldn't use anything. They sent an email apologizing and made some recommendations, like to update my Pinterest style board.
From reading other reviews and listening to friends describe their experiences, it sounds like the fixes get better the more you try them. That makes sense. This was only my second fix, so there wasn't much to go on. So despite being disappointed, I'll definitely be getting more! I already wear the items from my first fix all the time.
Here's what I received for my second Stitch Fix:
Salmon/pinkish top with long white shorts. They took my request for shorts that weren't "too short" a little too seriously. They fit great, but weren't what I was looking for. The shirt was okay, but I wasn't in love with it.
I guess navy and that salmon color are what Stitch Fix recommends for me. The shirt was different than I would ever pick, but I think I would have kept it if it wasn't so boxy. It looked worse in person than it does in that picture.
My style card and the two purses I received. The white one is okay but still not my style.
I still love my first box from Stitch Fix and will be trying a third fix at some point. Here are some outfits I've created with the items from my first box:
Pinkish skinny jeans with a purple top and my floral rain boots + that navy lace dress with a maroon sweater.
Interested in trying Stitch Fix? Check it out here* and sign up with my referral code.View my third fix from Stitch Fix here. It's much better!
If you work from home, do you opt for comfortable clothes or do you still get fully dressed? What are your favorite trends and colors this spring/summer?
This is not a paid review, and I have no affiliation with Stitch Fix. However, if you sign up under my link, I will receive a $25 credit when you receive your first fix. Spread the love!
I've been obsessing over the Stitch Fix* boxes on bloggers sites for about a year. I've been hesitant since I work at home, and therefore my clothing variety has pretty much diminished. Let's be real- casual has taken on a new meaning.
However, it's also helped me realize that I tend to wear the same few items over and over- the ones I invested a little more money in. I have a bad tendency to buy quantity over quality when it comes to clothing, so I have tons of cute cheap clothes that fall apart in less than a year.
With Stitch Fix, it's like having a personal stylist and shopper. You get to choose the price range for each item, how often you want your fix and add specific notes for the fix. For example, for my first fix, I requested a handbag. Your fix also comes with photo ideas for how to wear the items (with clothes you may already own.)
Top Collage: Navy, lace dress with brown belt and deep-V back. I wasn't planning to get this one because of the price, but my fiance talked me into it.
Bottom Collage: Striped dolman-sleeve top. I don't usually do stripes and wasn't sure about the fit of this, but the quality was nice and I figured I'd try something different. I also haven't tried colored skinny jeans, but these were very comfortable!
My stylist must have taken a lot of hints from my Style Pinterest board. I definitely recommend you set up a style board or even a specific Stitch Fix board on Pinterest!
Top Row: White top with braided detail. I liked the braided detail but the fit was terrible. My fiance said I looked like a blob. Bottom Row: Vegan, lead-free handbag. It's okay, but I don't like such bright gold detail, and I'm not a big fan of that shade of brown.
++++++++++++
Overall I'm really happy with my experience. I feel like I can shop more intentionally because I give my stylist detailed directions, choose my price ranges and choose when to schedule a fix. I can also try each item on with things I already own. No more grabbing things just because they're on sale only to end up not wearing them or having them fall apart. Not to mention the experience is fun, and I don't have to spend time looking for the items!
I’m an SEO + content marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in the industry.
I work with passionate, purpose-driven business owners and marketing directors who are tired of trying to do All The Things and spreading their efforts too thin. They want to know what's working, what's not working, and where they should really be spending their time and money.
But I'll be honest- I'm not here for the people chasing vanity metrics. My philosophy is grounded in people-first marketing and what I've dubbed #SEOwithSoul. I don't believe in hacks and "beating algorithms" as a long term strategy.
Read more about me here.
