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Every so often, we chat fashion at Carrots. I hope it feels like going shopping with a friend, but not having to try on jeans….or leave your couch.
So here’s the drill. I share a new box of Stitch Fix items, tell ya my thoughts, get my husband Daniel’s take, and tell you what I kept and what I sent back.
(I’m not gonna go into the details of the personal styling service Stitch Fix here, but if you want to know more you can check out my posts about whether Stitch Fix is worth it, how it compares to other styling services like Golden Tote. Here’s all you need to know: five items chosen just for you by your stylist arrive in a box to your doorstep. You try ‘em on and send back what you don’t want.)
My trusty photographer couldn’t wait to see what was in my latest box of Stitch Fix! If there’s one thing that really thrills this guy, it’s fashion. So here we go!
Shirt: Stitch Fix, Skirt: Stitch Fix, Sandals: Target, Scarf: Deborah and Co.
Item #1: Iris Striped A-Line Skirt: 41 Hawthorne. Now that I finally have some shorts that I don’t hate, I asked my SF stylist to set me up with some skirts because I only have ONE skirt that fits and it’s dressy so I needed a more casual skirt to get me through the summer. I did NOT think I’d like this one at first but once I tried it on….I kinda loved it.
So Stitch Fix wins again for sending me something I love that I would never had picked off the rack. It’s not my usual style but I’ve worn it five times since last week so……it’s a keeper. And it has POCKETS.
Daniel’s Take: “It reminds me of the beach. Not just something you’d WEAR to the beach but the beach itself. ”
Skirt: Stitch Fix, Shirt: Target, gifted, Sandals: Target, Necklace: vintage, gifted
Item #2: Jordie Abstract Chevron Print Maxi Skirt: Renee C. I’m kicking myself a little bit for not keeping this one. I did like it and appreciate that it isn’t remarkably snug on the bum like most maxis I’ve tried on. But here’s the thing, it took me several attempts to finally find a shirt that looked right with it. Because I’m so short wearing a tucked in shirt is really the only way to make a maxi look right, but since I had exactly one shirt I could wear this with, I decided that although the print is awesome and it’s a lovely skirt, I wouldn’t actually end up wearing it.
Daniel’s Take: “It’s got an angry southwesty thing going on.”
Skirt: Stitch Fix, Shirt: Target, gifted, Sandals: Target, Necklace: vintage, gifted
Item #3: Jordie Ikat Print Maxi Skirt: Renee C. Same problem with not having tops that work except for this one. But I didn’t love this print as much as I did the other maxi so this one definitely wasn’t in the running. And something about what the pattern does to the hips is just….not the best.
See what I mean about the print? I don’t know. Just not my thing.
Daniel’s Take: “For some reason it reminds me of the opening sequence of Saved by the Bell.”
Top: Stitch Fix, Bracelet: c/o FaithBeads
Item #4: Bernice Embroidered Bib Blouse: Pixley. So I halfway love this top. I love embroidery.
From the front it’s great, but from the side, it’s unfortunate.
It just looks like a maternity shirt, amirite?!
Daniel’s Take: “It’s like a Russian serf’s undergarment.”
Top: Stitch Fix, Jeans: Stitch Fix, Shoes: Target, Necklace: Stitch Fix, Bag: Connected in Hope
Item #5: Sam Hi-Lo Short Sleeve Tee: Market & Spruce. Super comfy, love the material. But I already have a grey shirt from Stitch Fix and one I got second-hand from Twice, so I couldn’t justify it.
Daniel’s Take: “Yeah it’s just a…..grey shirt. I don’t know. I mean…what else could I possibly say about it?”
And that’s it, folks!
So I ended up just keeping the first skirt. I think I’m just not a maxi skirt kinda girl. I can’t ever figure out what to do with shirts and I just need to give up and realize I’m too short. And what kind of occasion would I wear one? The beach? Because I go to the beach approximately never since Daniel and I both hate sand and sunburns. We’re the worst Floridians.
Ok, maxis. Love ’em or hate ’em? Am I missing something? What am I doing wrong? I want to feel breezy and summery when I wear one like all the cool kids but I just end up feeling short and like I need to fix my shirt which is inevitably coming untucked.
And to my approximately 10 male readers, none of whom probably read this post, you’ve got a couple of days before Mother’s Day to get your wife set up with a Stitch Fix gift card. Then YOU can be the one to offer helpful commentary on the fashion choices.
Disclosure: Links to Stitch Fix are affiliate links which means if a sale is made, I will receive a small percentage at no additional cost to you, of course! Thank ya, kindly.
Maxi skirts don’t work on me either! I think it is something about the tucking (tucking is tricky for me because my midsection is my widest point), but also they just make me feel like I’m trying too hard, like I’m wearing a bridesmaid dress on a Tuesday. I have a good friend who ROCKS the maxi skirt, and I think it’s because she’s really petite and she can tuck effectively and she even ties her shirts in cute little knots above the skirts I just don’t have the trim little waist to pull that off. I thought the second skirt did look really good on you, but you’re right, if you only have one top to wear with it, what’s the point?
I am not super tall either, but I love maxis. I cant seem to find regular length skirts that aren’t too short, so maxis are safe. I think you looked lovely in both, but if you won’t wear em, what’s the point?
Jezebel had a huge anti-maxi piece up this week, so at least you are not alone and also topically on trend!!
I love my maxi-skirts. I do have a hard time finding shirts to wear with them. I have 1 maybe 2 that go with the 3 skirts I have. I find them a little too hot in the summer, but they are good for spring and fall. I also wear them in the winter with leggings underneath.
Now maxi dresses I think look so comfy but in reality I look like I am being swallowed by a dress.
I absolutely Love the first maxi on you! I think the pattern is striking and original, and it’s just so flattering – you look stunning! Even if you only have one top that works… you could wear the outfit at least once a week! And such a versatile skirt – can be dressed up, but can get away with being worn for everyday – in a ‘you are a glam mama’ kind of way! Think you should beg for it back!
Thanks for your Wonderful blog, I just love it.
I agree! The first maxi was really fun and flattering. I love the colors and patterns!
My guess from looking at your pictures is that it is tiny bit too long. I wear my maxi skirts lower on my waist than it looks like you did. I wonder if you can hem it? Of course that is a lot of trouble for a skirt you aren’t sure you want to wear.
To be honest, I didn’t know maxis were still a thing. I’m glad! They are so comfy.
The first skirt is fun too, but I am like a moth to the flame with stripes. Half the clothes in my closet are striped. The pockets are a huge plus!
The maternity/russian peasant underwear top is so cute from the front.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m a short is too (5’2″) but I’ve found ways to make maxi skirts and dresses work and I love them! I blogged about it a while back (I’ll tweet you the link), but you may need to find a juniors-sized skirt so the length is right – those two are just a little too long to work on you. There’s a black one at GAP that goes on sale periodically and is really perfect!
I thought you looked SO cute in that first maxi! I love them, just figured that out last summer. I usually just wear a cheap Target maternity tank tucked in to them (and no, I’m not pregnant, but they are the most comfy…also I decided why not multitask?!)
Ugh–agreed! I don’t like tucking a shirt into ANY skirt. If you prefer tucking, keep your eyes open for a WIDE, cincher-style belt. It will keep your shirt tucked, make your waist look TEENSY (if you get it in black–seriously, it’s like a magic wand), and worn with a gorgeous maxi, you’ll feel like you stepped into Jane Austen.
And while you shop for that perfect accessory, I’d suggest wearing one of your cute peasant tops un-tucked over your maxi, then use a splashy scarf or ‘statement’ belt just below your natural waistline–voila! trompe l’oeil height.
One final note and I’ll take a seat: both of the maxis pictured here seem to be made of jersey, and not terribly well (patterns don’t match up at the seams, run parallel to the hems, etc.)–thus, the displeasing ‘vibe’ and unflattering rear view. A fitted maxi with a zip will make you feel professional and powerful , and even a good cotton gauze circle skirt will have you floating thru summer like a fairy queen. Seriously, I am a tomboy thru and thru but I if I must wear a skirt, I’d choose a maxi–plenty of coverage, no heels required. And I do love Jane Austen. lol!
I love maxis but they don’t love me (5’2 and a little chubby around the middle from 3 babies in 5 years) and I can never figure how what to wear them with! With that said I LOVED the first maxi on you! You need to get it back!
I am 4’10” and understand exactly how hard it is to find things that work. For tops, I default to a company called Half-Tees, which offers modest tops or under-layers. I wear the full-length tee (which I have in multiple colors) as a modest layer or on its own. It can be tucked in or left out, and the thick band at the bottom makes it stay in place.
http://www.halftee.com/collections/the-original-layering-shirt/products/full-length-layering-shirts-halftee?variant=401787193
Daniel’a comments: saved by the bell, Russian serfs, the gray shirt…just made my day! And by the way, I think I was exactly with you on everything. That first maxi skirt does look pretty great…
Agreed – the _SBTB_ comment made my morning – nicely done, Daniel!
I think Daniels comments are one of the high lights of the fashion post. Hi-lar-ious!
And seeing you look so cute in your mini fashion show, Hayley.
I love maxi skirts!!!…..on other people. Def not me. They always look just so comfy, so I finally bought one and thought, “this is it, I TOO will be comfy all the time wearing this.”
I tried it on, and proceeded to give it to my roommate, who *actually* loves it. I’m such a phony.
I love maxis for church! Especially when I was nursing! I like knowing that my bottom half is fully covered, and I usually wear them with a simple tee. I’m only 5’2″, so I have the length issue, as well, and usually have to pull the maxi up pretty high in order to not drag it, which means I can’t tuck in my shirt. I just got a maxi dress by Eloges from Zulily that I ADORE! I’m going to wear to the Vatican when we go to Rome this summer, because it covers everything properly and is nice and cool.
I never thought I could pull off maxis because I am average height (5’7″) and curvy. And then I actually tried one on and my life was changed. They are so comfortable and perfect for wearing to work, church, or just around town. I usually wear basic tees with mine – just leave them untucked – then the length of the tee isn’t too long and you can just foof it a bit at the front over the waistband. Yes, some maxi skirts are too tight on the bum – but that just means it isn’t the right one
I also love how you can get crazy with your prints with maxis skirts – the crazier, the better!
I love love love LOVE the first maxi with the chevron. Um, I kinda want to find it for myself. Can you ask Stitch Fix where I can get it?
I hear you! I want to love maxi skirts and own one that I do like a lot, but my issue is that I’m tall with long legs and wide hips. They usually just end up looking awkward on me. Now knee-length skirts…I love them! The one you received with the pockets is so cute!
Here’s a thought – why not try a maxi dress instead of a maxi skirt? Still get the benefit of the freedom of a maxi skirt (i.e. don’t have to worry about shaving my legs!) but then you also don’t have to worry about what kind of top works with it.
I wear a lot of Maxi dresses in the warmer months, just because they are SO comfy and make me look put together even when I don’t FEEL put together. But I don’t have any maxi skirts.
And Daniel’s commentary is HYSTERICAL. So typical guy
I find maxi skirts difficult, too, because of tucking and moving belt lines (if you wear a belt). Mostly, I am just in denial that they look good with my mom tum. Maybe you would like a maxi dress better. Maybe *I* would, lol! I kept a black cardigan with my last Fix. I liked the other items but didn’t love them.
Maxi DRESSES I am all about. Skirts? Meh. I have the same issue. But for a different reason. Since I’m so busty, tucking in the shirts makes me feel super uncomfortable because I feel like it’s making my boobs stand out that much more. I hear you! It’s a tough dance.
Exactly. I feel like this could have been my comment.
I’m not even 5′ and used to think maxis looked ridiculous on me. And then I found some petite sized ones! Totally makes a difference!
I love maxi skirts, but they’re definitely not for everyone. Patterned ones especially can be tough to match shirts with. My rule of thumb for patterned maxis (and just patterned skirts in general) is to pair them with solid t shirts. Can’t go wrong with a pack of white undershirts. It’s also pretty easy to find solid tees in thrift stores. One or two shirts that match one color in the pattern are magical! And if they’re a little long? Belt the t-shirt over the skirt to create a waistline where you want or tie a knot in the hip of the tee like it’s the 90’s again. Those were the days …
I don’t really like maxi skirts either though I want to love them. For me though I think it has to do with my legs feeling really constrained in them. But in general I think they look fine on me. I much prefer jeans or shorts or skirts, but have started wearing some maxi skirts recently because they work easily for maternity.
I love the print of the first maxi skirt! Too bad it didn’t work better for you!
Yeah, I think maxi skirts would be so great… but I’m too short. They make me look like an oompa loompa. No joke. I’m all about black jersey skirts (that have the hem just below the knee). It’s like wearing pajamas to work.
I really like the striped skirt! It looks really cute on you and can easily dress it up or down for any occasion April through September. And maxi skirts are fabulous! They are comfortable, can we worn year round, allow you to wear a dress w/o shaving, and modest even when squatting down to child level. Rather than tucking in a tee, try a button-down shirt knotted at the waist.
Oh I live in maxis (I seriously labored and birthed my son while wearing a max skirt) but I don’t tuck my shirts in…I just wear a more fitted tee or tank. Maybe I’m doing it wrong? I love them , though.
You know you have a problem when you scroll through to take a quick glance at the outfits and see Daniel’s responses…what is wrong with me?!
I love maxis. So do my kids. They like to play inside/under them while I’m wearing them. And then my husband gets horrified and freaks out at them (all boys). And then I laugh at the whole thing, bc I’m like, meh. Basically, I’m a horrible wife
And ditto with some of the other short ladies – I like maxis, and though it’s a bit tricky to find tops that look good with them, it’s even harder to find other-length skirts that look halfway decent!!!
I’m petite too and had written off maxis without really trying them, but I recently got one as a hand-me-down from a friend’s closet. Turns out I love it, but I know I feel more confident about the snugger spots because I’m pregnant– just becomes part of “showing,” and no fuss about a waist. =) We’ll see what I think this fall or next summer once I try it again in regular dimensions. I think the baby bump is also a cheat on choosing a top– maternity tees and tanks are supposed to cover one’s middle, so I don’t have to think about how to style it, really. The maxi is navy and white, and a white top looks nice and makes it easy to add more colorful accessories. I’m sure it would be trickier if the fabric pattern had more (or more specific) colors.
Skirts with pockets are the BEST. Same with dresses. When you are a mom, you always end up with random things your kids hand you (rock, gum wrapper, Lego minifigure hair) and it is so nice to have a place to dump them right on the spot. (It’s not so cool when you forget to empty the pockets before doing laundry, alas.)
I’m a shorty too, about 5’1″, (i think in metric), & I find I’m a bit swamped in maxi dresses. I do have two very floaty ones I wear on hot summer days.
I’m totally with you on the pockets. I make a reasonable percentage of my clothes & try to put pockets in everything. They are so handy.
Even on my Audrey Hepburn style skirts i wore to my eldests valedictory dinner in November & my cousins wedding last March. Perfect for a hanky & lip gloss.
I’m very tall. Like so tall I have to worry if skirts are long enough. But i love them! Its dressy yoga pants. And that’s howi think about them. Totally acceptable all pregnancy. Don’t have to worry about veins or hairy leg patches. And for a conference…they are dressy and cozy. Sorry they don’t work for you. What a bummer.
Wow. That print really does evoke the Saved by the Bell opening sequence. Daniel nailed its essence beautifully.
And I wear Maxis constantly, but I think chicks who are a bit on the tall side can pull them off a little better. I like them because I have telephone-pole legs, and I feel less self-conscious in them. Plus, they’re great for wiping tiny fingers and noses. I know it’s gross, but things get hectic around here and my standards crumble by the time I’m clearing breakfast. (:
Bummer on the embroidered top. It started off so well, and, as you say, is unfortunate from the side. However, it provided us with 2 excellent opportunities:
1. Daniel’s “Russian serf undergarment” comment
2. A photo that makes me realize just how much I LOVE your tattoo.
I love maxis! They are cute and stylish while still being modest. I am also short (5’3″) so it took me some time to find a maxi that was the right length without having to be pulled up over my chest! In terms of shirts that work, I have a bunch of basic $5 tees from Old Navy/Gap/Loft etc that I tuck into the skirts and accessorize with a long necklace (like you did). If it’s a bit cooler out, I tuck in a tank top and pair with a jean jacket or my endless supply of cardigans.
I also like this length — still comfy but long enough to be on the floor with the kiddos without flashing anyone: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=910360002&vid=8&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldnavy.com%2Fproducts%2Ffoldover-skirt.jsp
Ultimately, it’s all about how you feel in them. I think both skirts looked super cute on you and IF you love them it might be worth investing in a few cheap T’s … but otherwise, wear what makes you feel comfortable and feminine!
I love the maxis on you! I had the same dilemma! But got over it and last summer maxis became my early pregnancy go-to. Forget trying to tuck in the shirt; throw on a great cami or semi-fitted tank and top it all of with a jean jacket or lightweight cardigan. It was such a cute but easy fix!!
Maxis? Um, when I first saw the conversation, I thought you were talking about maxi pads! I guess I am not up on the fashion lingo. Now I know. Just actually bought one of those loooong skirts (I am short-ish, depending on what you think short means), and the skirt (JCP), worked out really nice, flats and all. I mean, women used to wear long skirts long ago, why shouldn’t I be able to pull it off too?
All fashion posts should have commentary by Daniel from now on. I think you made great choices! I also don’t have a maxi skirt because I can’t quite figure out the shirt thing, but Rosie at A Blog for My Mom always makes them look fantastic.