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Nikki by example - Just a girl trying to lead by example
  • Home
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  • Motherhood
  • Travel
  • Extras
    • DIY
    • Food
    • Music
  • About Nikki
    • Our DIY Wedding
Fashion

Stitch Fix

NCsquared Life
February 4, 2014 by Nikki 1 Comment

It seems that delivery services are all the rage these days. From CSAs (community supported agriculture) that deliver fresh produce to Bark Boxes that deliver doggie goodies, it seems that there is a delivery service for everything now, including clothes. Nick signed up for Trunk Club, a clothing service for men where a stylist picks out clothing and ships it to you to try on at home and then you send back what you don’t want and only pay for what you keep. He’s received about 4 boxes now and it’s been a lot of fun. The anticipation  of what your stylist has chosen for you is one of the best parts. I decided to give it a try with a similar women’s service called Stitch Fix. I’ve seen several fashion bloggers participate so I figured it would be worth a try.

My box arrived on Friday and contained 5 items: three tops, a cardigan, and a pair of jeans.

Stitch Fix items | NCsquared Life

I tried on everything and pretty much loved it all! I was very skeptical about the fit of most of the clothes, but I noted in my style profile that I have a short torso and often times it’s difficult to find tops that fit well. Two of the tops fit great and two were only a smidge too big, which is about par for the course for me. It was also interesting that everything they sent was some shade of blue (and, of course, the one gray item). I decided to keep two of the tops and the pair of pants (reviewed below).

 

Under Skies Claremont Printed Stripe Short Sleeve Top – $58

Stitch Fix item | NCsquared Life

Stitch Fix item | NCsquared Life

Cute buttons on the back

I love the stripe and paisley patterns on this top, and the color is great. I’m not sure I would have picked it out if I had been shopping for myself because of the loose fit, but I’m looking forward to trying new things that would normally be out of my comfort zone. Like I said, the fit of this top is loose, which is new for me, but I’m excited to start wearing it.

 

Collective Concepts Valencia V-Neck 3/4 Sleeve Blouse – $68

Stitch Fix item  | NCsquared Life

Stitch Fix item  | NCsquared Life

This blouse is asymmetrical (shorter in the front, longer in the back) which I find is good for us gals with short torsos.

This blouse is very much my taste. I love the cut, the fit, and the color. I would definitely pick this out if I saw it hanging on the rack. It has a flowy fit, which I’ve been wanting to incorporate more of into my wardrobe.

 

 Kensie Jeans Mary-Kate High Rise Skinny Jean – $88

Stitich Fix item | NCsquared Life

Stitich Fix item | NCsquared Life

These jeans are super dark, rise high, and are super skinny. I wasn’t sure how I would feel when I pulled them out of the box but as soon as I tried them on, I loved them. I’ve tried the Rockstar skinny jeans from Old Navy and, even though I wear their other jeans, theRockstars looked terrible, which I think is because of their low rise. These high-right jeans are actually really slimming, as they seem to flatten my tummy and hide my love handles. And they’re really comfortable. This might be my favorite item from the whole box!

Stitch Fix items | NCsquared Life

So, there you have it, my first experience with Stitch Fix. Overall, I was really pleased with the items and the prices aren’t terrible. It’s definitely more expensive than picking up a few tops at Target so I’ll have to limit myself on how many times I order a box, but it was fun and I’d recommend it.

Happy shopping!

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Reading time: 3 min
Fashion

Sunday Brunch, Downtown

Sunday Brunch Downtown | NCsquared Life
February 3, 2014 by Nikki 5 Comments

Sunday Brunch Downtown | NCsquared Life

We went to brunch again! This time we went to one of our other favorite brunch spots, Scratch Bakery, and then took some cute photos downtown.

I’ve worn this dress/cardigan/boot combo before but today I added some fleece-lined tights and a huge comfy scarf. It was a beautiful day with a slight chill in the air so the scarf was necessary.  This is probably one of my favorite dresses. It’s pretty, comfortable, and really versatile since I can wear it in all seasons. And brunch is an occasion that just feels better in a cute dress.

Sunday Brunch Downtown | NCsquared Life

Sunday Brunch Downtown | NCsquared Life

Sunday Brunch Downtown | NCsquared Life

Sunday Brunch Downtown | NCsquared Life

And here’s the fun one:

Sunday Brunch Downtown | NCsquared Life

Also, in case you were wondering, Scratch was featured on Unique Sweets on the Cooking Channel, and for good reason. It’s delicious! Nick and I had coffee, livermush sandwiches and a grapefruit brûlée. Yum.

Scratch Bakery, Durham NC | NCsquared Life

Scratch Bakery, Durham NC | NCsquared Life

 
 
UPDATE #1: I’ve linked up with Bethany of Perfectly Coutured so be sure to head over there to check out all of the other amazing fashion bloggers who are linking up!
 
UPDATE #2: I’ve also linked up with Penniliess Socialite so check out those bloggers as well:
Dress: ModCloth
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Scarf: Banana Republic
Tights: gift
Boots: Steve Madden
Handbag: Franco Sarto via Ross
Sunglasses and Earrings: Target
Denim Jacket: Gap
 
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Reading time: 1 min
Life•Music

Sunday Morning Serenade

Snowy Sunrise | NCsquared Life
February 2, 2014 by Nikki No Comments

I’ve been listening to Shakira on repeat again this week, first in English and then in Spanish, but I figured I would give you all a break! This week’s song is ‘Hurricane’ by MS MR. I first heard it on Spotify radio but now I’m hearing it on mainstream radio, which is exciting. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of my freshman year of college and I can’t figure out why, but there’s something about the way it sounds that takes me back.

This Week’s Top 5:

1. Snow. Snow, snow, snowy snow! This week it snowed while I was at home and classes were cancelled so I didn’t have to worry about driving back and forth for class like I did the week before. I got to stay home and snuggle up with my furbabies and drink coffee and be warm. I also got to wear and photograph a casual snow outfit.

2. Dinner Parties.  A few weeks ago we attended a dinner party. This week we hosted a small dinner party for our neighbors. It’s almost creepy how similar we are to our neighbors. We live on the same street (duh!), we have two dogs that we love and spoil very much, we even have the same wedding anniversary, among many other things. So dinner was a blast!

3. Tiramisu. I don’t normally like tiramisu because I don’t like soggy bread and that’s what it is to me. But Nick decided to make some for our dinner party and, of course, it was delicious. His layering was perfect because the soggiest cookies were on the bottom and easy to eat around. I’ll only eat his tiramisu from now on!

4. Yoga. It always makes me feel better. I don’t go nearly as often as I should. I’m shooting for three times a week and usually only make it once, if I make it at all. I attend the Body Flow class at my gym and it’s never before 9 AM so I really have no excuse. I’m gonna have to get on that.

5. Good News. Good news is always exciting. This week Nick got good news about his job, my friend got good news about her law school applications, and I got good news when class was cancelled because of the snow (see what I did there?!).

Photo (s) of the Week:

This week you get two photos! And to all of you out there that are stuck in a snowy wonderland every winter, I apologize for all of the snowiness you’re about to see. We southerners don’t get snow very often so some of us get really excited when it comes (or, at least, this one does!)

Snowy Sunrise | NCsquared Life

Snowy Sunrise

The morning after the snow, I took this photo in our back yard. I love how you can see the peak of sun coming through the trees, so blissful. These are my favorite types of photos to take and see – the sun shining through trees. It was cold and bright, snowy and quiet. It was just perfect. I’m glad I get to share this moment with you!

Snowy Country Lane | NCsquared Life

Snowy Country Lane

My parents took this photo at their house this week, which is in a more moutainous region than mine, so they get a little more snow. I think this is a beautiful photo, with the falling snow and the pop of red from the poinsettia decorations. I bet my dad didn’t realize how artistic he was being when we took it!

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Reading time: 2 min
Fashion

A Pop of Yellow

January 31, 2014 by Nikki 1 Comment

Pop of Yellow | NCsquared Life

Yep, same pants again today. Since yesterday was a snow day, we didn’t leave the house meaning I can wear these pants again. Okay, let’s be real, even if I did leave and people saw me, I’d still rewear them. At least it cuts down on laundry.

I find that I’m drawn to neutrals so I wanted to give this outfit a pop of color.  I purchased this clutch from Etsy as a wedding gift to myself and then purchased five more (in varying colors and patterns) as bridesmaids’ gifts for my wedding party. They don’t hold much, and I wish there was small pocket on the inside, but I love it just the same. I picked this one out specifically because I thought it would give my outfits a bright pop of color, and I was right.

Pop of Yellow | NCsquared Life

Pop of Yellow | NCsquared Life

I also think fuchsia or hot pink would look really good with these rock gray pants; maybe that will be my next purchase. I almost didn’t get these pants because I wasn’t sure I would be able to wear them with much, but I’ve come up with so many outfits in my mind with them that I’ve had to write them all down so I could create them without leaving any out!

Pops of Yellow | NCsquared Life

Pop of Yellow | NCsquared Life

Pop of Yellow | NCsquared Life

Pop of Yellow | NCsquared Life

And here’s a fun one:

Pop of Yellow | NCsquared Life

 Top: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Gap
Pants: Banana Republic
Shoes: Old Navy
Clutch: Etsy
Necklace: Planet, LLC 
Sunglasses: Target
 
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Reading time: 1 min
Fashion

Casual Snow Day

January 30, 2014 by Nikki 1 Comment

Casual Snow Day | NCsquared Life

I get very excited when it snows. I have visions of building snow people, sledding, and starting snowball fights with the neighborhood kids. The reality is that I walk around for a while until my toes get cold, and then I go inside and have mug of hot cocoa and watch TV. Last night I had plans of taking pretty snow pictures with my new camera; needless to say none of these things actually happened today!

I used the colors in my rain boots as inspiration for this outfit. When it’s cold out, I automatically think of this thick cable knit sweater because it’s really warm. I also purchased this knit infinity scarf recently and figured pairing the two would keep me toasty, and I was right. Plus, the colors are in the boots!

Casual Snow Day | NCsquared Life

Casual Snow Day | NCsquared Life

Casual Snow Day | NCsquared Life

Casual Snow Day | NCsquared Life

I needed a completer piece that would tie it all together but keep it comfy and casual. The majority of my blazers are too formal so I went with my denim jacket. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be warm enough with just a sweater and jacket, but surprisingly, it was! I tested it by taking Mia for a walk, and trust me, she takes her sweet time. Then we took some photos and played around in the back yard. Only my toes got cold! Rain boots aren’t insulated and my socks weren’t thick enough, but they kept my feet dry and that’s good enough for me!

Casual Snow Day | NCsquared Life

Casual Snow Day | NCsquared Life

Casual Snow Day | NCsquared Life

Today I’m linking up with Bethany of Perfectly Coutured and Meghan of Everyday Fashion and Finance so be sure to head over there to check out all of the other amazing fashion bloggers who are linking up!
Sweater: Old Navy
Denim Jacket: Gap
Scarf: Banana Republic
Pants: Banana Republic
Rain Boots: Coach via Belk (birthday gift)
Gloves: Gift
Hat: Target
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Reading time: 1 min
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About Me

Hi, I’m Nikki. This is where I blog about my life and personal style. I’m a wife and mom, public health professional, sushi lover, wine enthusiast, and coffee snob. Welcome to my little corner of the world where I try to lead by example!

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