Given how fashion-challenged I am, packing for our trip to LA/Malibu was a bit intimidating. To keep me from stressing out, I enlisted the help of StitchFix, an online styling service that chooses pieces for you based on an easy survey you fill out. For $20, they send you a fun box of five custom-picked items for you to try on at home, with all your favorite wardrobe staples, to see what works for you. Then you choose your favorites to keep, sending back the rest (free shipping both ways!). I wish I would have taken pics of my box as I was unpacking it, but I was too excited to see what I had received. I had asked specifically for pieces that would work for a Malibu beach wedding weekend, and they totally delivered. I love that I didn't have to commit to 3 months or 12 months, you can get just one fix if you're skeptical like I was, to see if it works for you.

So my fix had a pair of silver earrings, which, while cute, weren't very unique. I already owned a pair like them, so I immediately knew I'd pass on them. The other items I received were a cute cream-colored boxy sweater, beautiful red silk shorts with a sash tie belt, and an elegant brick red pleated halter cocktail dress (which I would have kept had I not already had a dress to wear to the wedding - it was super cute!).

I loved how they included a styling card with each piece, showing you how to pull items in your existing wardrobe to put together outfits. My only critique of these helpful cards was that they were attached to the pieces at the tag, which made it challenging to look at it while you were wearing the piece. (I sent them this feedback when I filled out my return questionnaire describing how I liked each of the five pieces, another awesome feature of StitchFix which helps them make your next fix even better.)

I did really like all of the pieces in my box, but since I'm on a bit of a budget, I ended up only keeping one item: the blue ikat print tunic. I was able to find items in my closet that worked well with it - I could dress it up or down. So in terms of building my wardrobe, I felt this piece was the best choice.

Here I am in Malibu wearing the tunic with my black leggings and black ballet flats. I will be wearing it again this weekend with jeans, boots and a cream-colored sweater. Love the versatility!

Thank you StitchFix for such a fun shopping experience! If you're interested in trying them out, go here to fill out the request for an invite. It only took a week for mine to arrive and then I was off to fill out their online Style Profile so that I could receive my first fix! I'm already getting excited about requesting my next box - right in time for my 15-yr high school reunion. :)

xoxo