tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72049588848665316872024-03-14T05:56:49.119-07:00Andromedan CheeseWord Vomit on Being a Nerd, Caffeine Addict, and Cat Slave.Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-90436895708916285282015-05-07T15:22:00.003-07:002015-05-07T15:22:43.524-07:00April 2015 Stitch FixI'm a little bit late, but here's my 15th Stitch Fix box!<br />
<br />
If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, check out my <a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-stitch-fix.html">intro</a> post.<br />
<br />
This month, my <b>note</b> to my stylist was: <a href="http://email.stitchfix.com/pub/cc?_ri_=X0Gzc2X%3DWQpglLjHJlYQGg56Y3tPIJy7TzgJ9zbUt0BO8IjU0BgzgiUTsRVXtpKX%3DWYTCY&_ei_=EgtKcseOhwNy1-ITR0Yo-YFmtGZgmAih01mT6KkX3qxhjliyc0EXXEKnK59UyYCncfIzdoDMLd3LLXnTxHjmRtKijlc." style="color: #5a565a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">"I really loved the bright colors and prints from my last <span class="highlight" id="0.4460751046897382" name="searchHitInReadingPane">fix</span>!
My wardrobe is currently lacking in those two areas, so I would like
more of those types of pieces. I'm also getting into the nautical theme
as the weather starts to warm up!" </a><br />
<br />
Shan wrote that she was "definitely going to keep an eye out for some nautical themed pieces" (which means no nautical pieces were in inventory), but for the rest of the box, I got:<br />
<br />
<u><b>Abbi Reversible Skirt:</b></u><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwtHtFND85VHm81JCo3pt1cOR4ljT5y1NFe5yYnGl9RDC6woxtbR-dxVjLhovfItI4kQxE5XU05vQ5Go5iwyT74nIvFGtJ4Q_OdfTy-jzF2ag1Xk8lNTevzzOTmsrap2LHRhstdYPOqM/s1600/2015-04-26+08.59.06+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwtHtFND85VHm81JCo3pt1cOR4ljT5y1NFe5yYnGl9RDC6woxtbR-dxVjLhovfItI4kQxE5XU05vQ5Go5iwyT74nIvFGtJ4Q_OdfTy-jzF2ag1Xk8lNTevzzOTmsrap2LHRhstdYPOqM/s640/2015-04-26+08.59.06+copy.jpg" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Side</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSdcqPMhdyFekwayyo3fkbxiTw3NipjCfMArllZMOCm8y5X6m7rD7r5Jgso_wTDCBSu5Ews1mePJSwQtX5U2jdKQ4U8GC9LOW42svRJ1ek7osSbZek_PFLaIEIfiLIK-7pw8644GMI9U/s1600/2015-04-26+09.03.53+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSdcqPMhdyFekwayyo3fkbxiTw3NipjCfMArllZMOCm8y5X6m7rD7r5Jgso_wTDCBSu5Ews1mePJSwQtX5U2jdKQ4U8GC9LOW42svRJ1ek7osSbZek_PFLaIEIfiLIK-7pw8644GMI9U/s640/2015-04-26+09.03.53+copy.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You guys... this is a reversible skirt! 2 in 1! I really love the idea of this - getting more use out of one piece of clothing.<br />
<br />
This skirt is also a-line (which is flattering for my body type), hits right above my knee, and is very, very soft. I also like the pattern on the first side. <br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Elaine 3/4 Sleeve Pleat Waist Dress: </b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wuGMVqOxaTMyJgpvU_xEALUwEI2EGi1M6OouYi2l8ILO3ZBCTn9tcpOHy7012o9ojUtVecAlyON2INY0dRf-Qa5wipJ46rDSg0BXOlrTKi3Y9OVdckaIcRBe26SDVuoN0-Kthnc-LEs/s1600/2015-04-26+08.35.08.BLUE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wuGMVqOxaTMyJgpvU_xEALUwEI2EGi1M6OouYi2l8ILO3ZBCTn9tcpOHy7012o9ojUtVecAlyON2INY0dRf-Qa5wipJ46rDSg0BXOlrTKi3Y9OVdckaIcRBe26SDVuoN0-Kthnc-LEs/s640/2015-04-26+08.35.08.BLUE.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<br />
I've actually received this dress before in maroon (see <a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-stitch-fix.html">here</a>). While I was kind of disappointed to get the same thing, I like the style of this dress and I looooooove the teal green color. I could have been persuaded to buy this again. However, it came with a broken zipper.<br />
<br />
Again.<br />
<br />
Yup, the last time I got this dress, the zipper was broken. In fact, in my previous post, I was doing the exact same thing I'm doing here: holding the dress together. My mother fixed the first dress, but because of the way the dress is sewn, it was hard to fix perfectly. Needless to say, the dress itself is prone to zipper breakage, and there was no way I'd pay for another version (even though I adore the teal green color much more than the maroon).<br />
<br />
Sadness.<br />
<br />
Verdict: RETURNED.<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Ashlee Floral Print Swiss Dot Blouse: </b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIM0PIaMnOBPBBO4Dp-P6VHeAj755NDoP-dLPzd9lFeiDX1SbsrCNpyQbCNZChc9cd6lIvgqgiCMf5U5au8b0eyfBcEiTIkwgSI1aOrrYUt8JN3X12cBwcWwznJWlH6Pb7VfiTNg7c30/s1600/2015-04-26+08.50.26+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIM0PIaMnOBPBBO4Dp-P6VHeAj755NDoP-dLPzd9lFeiDX1SbsrCNpyQbCNZChc9cd6lIvgqgiCMf5U5au8b0eyfBcEiTIkwgSI1aOrrYUt8JN3X12cBwcWwznJWlH6Pb7VfiTNg7c30/s640/2015-04-26+08.50.26+copy.jpg" width="354" /></a></div>
<br />
I really like this floral blouse. I told my stylist I wanted some prints, and this has subtle polka dots mixed with the flowers. While I was unsure how I felt about grey this time of year, I feel like it worked with the brighter colors in the flowers. It also fit perfectly and was light and airy.<br />
<br />
Phil thought it looked like a grandma shirt, but... eh, I like it and that's what matters. <br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Montezuma Split Neck Blouse:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7GBdJJ3JtHUQz0R5Q0hqA5CCp9s_o1bsUtHcUfluonLt5Yn_Kbbcx7iKJ8rK1FOpjDkrfZK5Lyt3i6vtvSN4I8dLjlXZgDMpKMd2Ws6MAlPMEwKJFWrdbj-LvjlHDvEEXh7HF2YPNps/s1600/2015-04-26+08.45.48+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7GBdJJ3JtHUQz0R5Q0hqA5CCp9s_o1bsUtHcUfluonLt5Yn_Kbbcx7iKJ8rK1FOpjDkrfZK5Lyt3i6vtvSN4I8dLjlXZgDMpKMd2Ws6MAlPMEwKJFWrdbj-LvjlHDvEEXh7HF2YPNps/s640/2015-04-26+08.45.48+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sigh... I wanted to like this shirt. I really did. I like the bright color, the subtle heart print, and the lightness of the fabric, but... it looked terrible on me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxozzeH02kBdLbabMy_Q3Aeqfg4rp0idQYIngjhw1gDxtvnxMdsDO2C76TeIIMv_BpdqENYFH7N3LFjC3Xt87OLMvjvq0UgzyONbx1RD_niHNOAMqvkN637PQyvKIE-QG_udML-S-EdFw/s1600/2015-04-26+08.45.11+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxozzeH02kBdLbabMy_Q3Aeqfg4rp0idQYIngjhw1gDxtvnxMdsDO2C76TeIIMv_BpdqENYFH7N3LFjC3Xt87OLMvjvq0UgzyONbx1RD_niHNOAMqvkN637PQyvKIE-QG_udML-S-EdFw/s640/2015-04-26+08.45.11+copy.jpg" width="344" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dem arms though...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My arms! Eeew! Something about the sleeves did not work with my body type. It looked almost as if this would be a short sleeved shirt, which is the sleeve type I like best, but it ended up being a cross between short sleeves and sleeveless. It was as if the large arm holes were made for a sleeveless shirt, but they added a large hem to make a "sleeve."<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if this was intended to be a looser shirt for someone with smaller shoulders, but it looked almost trailer trash on me. :( I could see it looking amazing for someone much more slender than me though (dang you curves....). <br />
<br />
Verdict: RETURNED. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Kathy Striped Fit And Flare Dress:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGwS7VNdqZXvxfnLMh2wfR1LtUDaLgtgQ7JUXMMd5XqDEOYCtNDMe1kqLdchCPZR9XDogSwEfy23hMNn58b9OMvQPa4l7T3ED1RbaaBNkUh5BDgRyb9rgwoi8Bt9QIxRw6Qx9yJacF1U/s1600/2015-04-26+08.39.48+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGwS7VNdqZXvxfnLMh2wfR1LtUDaLgtgQ7JUXMMd5XqDEOYCtNDMe1kqLdchCPZR9XDogSwEfy23hMNn58b9OMvQPa4l7T3ED1RbaaBNkUh5BDgRyb9rgwoi8Bt9QIxRw6Qx9yJacF1U/s640/2015-04-26+08.39.48+copy.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This dress was... ok. I liked receiving something with stripes, and something about this makes me think I could get a French vibe going on. I also really like fit and flare dresses.<br />
<br />
But it just didn't seem to click with me. I don't like puffy sleeves (I feel like I need to minimize my shoulders - not maximize them), and the fabric seemed heavy for the summer. Had I kept another piece, I might have been persuaded to keep this one. <br />
<br />
Interestingly, I know someone who has this dress, and it looks amazing on her. It's funny how things look different on different bodies, but that's the challenge in fashion, right?<br />
<br />
Verdict: RETURNED. <br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Conclusion:</b></u><br />
As far as following my requests, my stylist, once again, picked out pieces that were related to those requests. I asked for bright colors, and 3/5 pieces were colorful. I also asked for prints, and 4/5 of the pieces had prints. While I was expecting more color, I can definitely see why Shan picked out the pieces she did (and that I may not have been very clear about wanting bright colors in every piece, ha ha!). I imagine it must be hard to style someone you've never met and who has never described their style in more than... say... 2-3 sentences each month. <br />
<br />
I will, unfortunately, have to take a small break from Stitch Fix from May-August. I'm leaving to work at a law firm in San Francisco, and I'm not sure where I'll be getting mail and how much I can bring back. If I find it's relatively easy to get Fixes, I'll contact them and reinstate my subscription for those months, but... the thought of not getting Fixes is so sad!<br />
<br />
I have one more box for this month (May) that Stitch Fix has kindly expedited for me. Stitch Fix's Customer Service made it super easy to put my subscription on hold and expedite a box. I really appreciate great Customer Service in a company, and I have nothing but good things to say about Stitch Fix's Customer Service.<br />
<br />
Until next time, school's out for the summer! Enjoy it!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-65533406113754403402015-03-28T19:47:00.003-07:002015-03-28T19:47:29.075-07:00Your Bijoux Box March 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc78dtemvl2rpl9_StAjRozu-foDAW6FewgmlQfbTm7v_7SsD1J3F65MSATWf_lJBvFGgxcsp5pXl0hapGdLURpveSpZ_IU4I5XBFDFbVkawZpsh7GDgDaqaDJYkywwPmidgFC4nrRII/s1600/2015-03-22+00.00.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc78dtemvl2rpl9_StAjRozu-foDAW6FewgmlQfbTm7v_7SsD1J3F65MSATWf_lJBvFGgxcsp5pXl0hapGdLURpveSpZ_IU4I5XBFDFbVkawZpsh7GDgDaqaDJYkywwPmidgFC4nrRII/s1600/2015-03-22+00.00.46.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In my search for everyday jewelry, I ran across a subscription service called Your Bijoux Box. This box costs $35/month and includes three pieces of "hand curated jewelry." See their <a href="http://yourbijouxbox.com/faqs-2/">FAQ page</a> for more information. <br />
<br />
This box is different from Wantable's Accessories Box. Instead of Wantable's customization, the three pieces are chosen by stylists who keep their eye on current trends. Consequently, you get no say in the process. However, if you like their taste, then this box may be for you.<br />
<br />
(Fyi, if you're unsure about the style of the pieces, Your Bijoux Box posts past boxes on their <a href="http://yourbijouxbox.com/">website</a> and their <a href="https://instagram.com/yourbijouxbox/">Instagram</a> pages).<br />
<br />
I looked at their past boxes and was intrigued. I signed up for their March box and got:<br />
<br />
<u><b>Avril Chain:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ayoDK0toL4ZktcyAARpsssQEFHXwJX0qA0w7MbO4MSkMRzyUu7RQ_WqDjU41mMs8eK5mbwhC9UAzk1PLM-jWgpP9gvxQf4VvE_aEL_mn7is0_Mlk6F1e1SS8F3kepzpquXmR9fKhypo/s1600/2015-03-21+23.54.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ayoDK0toL4ZktcyAARpsssQEFHXwJX0qA0w7MbO4MSkMRzyUu7RQ_WqDjU41mMs8eK5mbwhC9UAzk1PLM-jWgpP9gvxQf4VvE_aEL_mn7is0_Mlk6F1e1SS8F3kepzpquXmR9fKhypo/s1600/2015-03-21+23.54.19.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a><br />
<br />
This is a long chain necklace that I can see paired with maxi dresses or white T-shirts. I love gold and blue together. While this isn't something I'm really excited about, I can see myself wearing it throughout the spring and summer months.<br />
<br />
The quality is what I would expect from a box that cost $35. I'm happy to say that I wore it around Boston for a couple of hours and I didn't break out in a rash. Therefore, this necklace is nickel-allergy safe!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Elyse Emerald Necklace:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCqKsMetzci_luAeirvQkiYTQC24OCK9Bcz3WqmDqYVaq0iKZCY52w4S6l_D_ZefanyY7c8K6D9GH8VqnpK9KtNvVXj7hjp7NTryMdCug1kVty4F0O_vebSOjVEsNx70nUMa2BlGK17Y/s1600/2015-03-21+23.51.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCqKsMetzci_luAeirvQkiYTQC24OCK9Bcz3WqmDqYVaq0iKZCY52w4S6l_D_ZefanyY7c8K6D9GH8VqnpK9KtNvVXj7hjp7NTryMdCug1kVty4F0O_vebSOjVEsNx70nUMa2BlGK17Y/s1600/2015-03-21+23.51.38.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finally, FINALLY got my statement necklace! This is shiny and brightly colored, which is really all that I was looking for. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weight seems good and the "stones" look like they'll stay on the necklace. There's nothing more irritating than a statement necklace that loses its stones (looking at you H&M flower necklace....). I hate to compare, but the quality of this necklace is in my opinion much higher than the statement necklace I received in my Wantable box.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bonus: it's green! I got this necklace right in time for St. Patrick's Day. In different lighting, the top bars on the necklace look either yellow or light green. Somehow this makes the necklace pair well with almost any color of green shirt, which makes it surprisingly versatile. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><b>Etoile Necklace:</b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpKidy0mWksFOGX4HgQZpw7tszulO3_Qb2dJSS8pGuHm6LJ5bN6wUIwUpxQtn5294dol9M5lehYEsmnimZjfUukJRrhLvB4z6T1NIDsaTBowJ7svW2oGiMFmfrJhB8VdE-5YJ3LFBHUo/s1600/2015-03-21+23.55.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpKidy0mWksFOGX4HgQZpw7tszulO3_Qb2dJSS8pGuHm6LJ5bN6wUIwUpxQtn5294dol9M5lehYEsmnimZjfUukJRrhLvB4z6T1NIDsaTBowJ7svW2oGiMFmfrJhB8VdE-5YJ3LFBHUo/s1600/2015-03-21+23.55.58.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a fun delicate necklace. It reminds me of a star, which ultimately reminds me of my Astronomy roots. I also really like the alternating detail on the gold chain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><b>Add on: Spring Posey Collar</b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqLMX91oEvy5SANlWxJU3wVedo3jkGD7Utfgdb1WvgQFMr9ysqxOPzFFWYghpHXte_YV6Jv5mvVHNshoMXL25Xj9MFLvynuOl1RbqJaTh6deyVFCpKH2Zdaf6ZQHnZll3q3_eXticoVg/s1600/2015-03-21+23.57.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqLMX91oEvy5SANlWxJU3wVedo3jkGD7Utfgdb1WvgQFMr9ysqxOPzFFWYghpHXte_YV6Jv5mvVHNshoMXL25Xj9MFLvynuOl1RbqJaTh6deyVFCpKH2Zdaf6ZQHnZll3q3_eXticoVg/s1600/2015-03-21+23.57.25.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I couldn't help it, but I bought this necklace as an add-on. One of the benefits about being a subscriber is that you can purchase pieces that non-members can't. This was one of the pieces that I fell in love with.<br />
<br />
The prices of add-on pieces vary. This one was $18, although other pieces have been listed as low as $10.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Conclusion:</b></u><br />
I enjoyed this subscription and will continue to subscribe. My taste in jewelry seems to run fairly close to the stylists for this box, and I feel the quality is very good for the price of the box.<br />
<br />
And, to be honest, I just bought another add-on for April's box so.... be on the lookout for next month's box! :)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-20898514063767945562015-03-27T20:37:00.000-07:002015-03-27T20:37:08.273-07:00March 2015 Stitch FixIt's my favorite time of the month... my Stitch Fix arrived!<br />
<br />
If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, check out my <a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-stitch-fix.html">intro</a> post. Here's my past fixes (that I've put up on this blog):<br />
<br />
<a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-stitch-fix.html">December 2014</a><br />
<a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2015/01/january-2015-stitch-fix.html">January 2015</a><br />
<a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2015/02/januaryfebruary-2015-stitch-fix.html">January/February 2015</a><br />
<a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2015/02/february-2015-stitch-fix.html">February 2015</a><br />
<br />
I thought it would be fun to include my note to my stylist. I'm always impressed by how closely Shan follows my requests. For this month, I asked for:<br />
<br />
<b>Note:</b> "Spring, spring... I desperately want spring to arrive in New England. I would love, above all, for florals in my next Fix.
I also love white, lace, and bright colors like coral and turquoise
this time of year. I also have law prom coming up on April 18th. If you
have anything formal (it's a ball), I'd appreciate it in this box even
if the price is higher than normal."<br />
<br />
And I got...<br />
<br />
<u><b>Isaac Floral Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi44U-OjNXPYhh2JuFUsLG5Nl_NDxTfuQqzj8axVOrGXxreVQ2LrTB9V4unolPqDkqxmFxfYqiE8QhD2U62gNI9op7ZRrHzwyvabUpwla8XIkEP1kkaD2iJvwRjCIMpk8KhyphenhyphenzPo0P26A/s1600/2015-03-27+07.30.00.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi44U-OjNXPYhh2JuFUsLG5Nl_NDxTfuQqzj8axVOrGXxreVQ2LrTB9V4unolPqDkqxmFxfYqiE8QhD2U62gNI9op7ZRrHzwyvabUpwla8XIkEP1kkaD2iJvwRjCIMpk8KhyphenhyphenzPo0P26A/s1600/2015-03-27+07.30.00.2.jpg" height="640" width="362" /></a></div>
<br />
The first thing I pulled out of my box was this floral blouse. This is perfection for spring! I've been looking for a floral print on a white/cream background, but have had a hard time tracking something similar down.<br />
<br />
The only problems with this shirt is the tab sleeves (I find tab sleeves commonly look sloppy on me) and the size. Even though my size in tops is set to "small" on my Style Profile, I ended getting mediums for all my shirts! I'm not sure how the mix-up happened, although I did recently increase my size for dresses and outerwear.<br />
<br />
I emailed customer service and asked if they had this top in my size in stock. Luckily, they had this shirt and will send me an exchange.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT (after exchange)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Moni Geo Print & Camisole Blouse:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEw_CBjq64_Nq5RPJiwUhrHMzBaXOkZBtWXSms70GApLE0rGeiU9y-ho0WejgL2IwNYm-n5J6ZNBP1yonuHX4ub8Ok1YSkZ0i5697Z3qvr34653rd_u8WHemLyN-NrBD33f_IB3WyekJ4/s1600/2015-03-27+07.28.43.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEw_CBjq64_Nq5RPJiwUhrHMzBaXOkZBtWXSms70GApLE0rGeiU9y-ho0WejgL2IwNYm-n5J6ZNBP1yonuHX4ub8Ok1YSkZ0i5697Z3qvr34653rd_u8WHemLyN-NrBD33f_IB3WyekJ4/s1600/2015-03-27+07.28.43.2.jpg" height="640" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />
This top certainly satisfies my request for "bright colors." I actually like the pattern and hope to incorporate more patterns into my wardrobe. This is a shirt I've actually received before in black, but I requested this shirt in more colors/patterns because I love the style. It's a shirt I could wear with leggings/jeggings since it covers the bum.<br />
<br />
Again, however, this shirt was too large. Luckily Stitch Fix also had this in stock in my size, and so they'll be exchanging this top too.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT (after exchange)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Alessandria Crochet Bib Lace Top:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvddBhWptX2uP40BwHZB8yhQyz7bcPXvN63vO35AY7cYEWLYPZOtBHXBRiR-BFsnWzYDtkgUxK9ibrEloyOwP6mcXYFs-ucwd4RXMlSE8jz1FAgTqWoEBIlth9FECjfTfRUSP1Sk0ulY/s1600/2015-03-27+07.31.37.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvddBhWptX2uP40BwHZB8yhQyz7bcPXvN63vO35AY7cYEWLYPZOtBHXBRiR-BFsnWzYDtkgUxK9ibrEloyOwP6mcXYFs-ucwd4RXMlSE8jz1FAgTqWoEBIlth9FECjfTfRUSP1Sk0ulY/s1600/2015-03-27+07.31.37.2.jpg" height="640" width="344" /></a></div>
<br />
I asked for "white, lace", and this top certainly fits that request. I have mixed feelings about this top. While it's light and airy, which is perfect for spring, I'm not really a peasant top sort of girl (although I'm not sure if this actually <i>is</i> a peasant top - I'm pretty ignorant about fashion). I'm also not crazy about the sleeves that cinch in at the wrists.<br />
<br />
However, I can't help but wonder if I'm not giving this top a chance. Like the other shirts, this was too large for me. Since I couldn't return an exchanged item, I decided to let this one go.<br />
<br />
Verdict: SENT BACK<br />
<br />
<u><b>Addie V-Neck Dress:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU6pw1v8ZcwEfztz6bkMb7GMXn8hKumQPxnFIbiBmy_pYSw_3f0LtFdzw0R7tzVQRNr7jWMFKyIxXf7Hx5iQJRV-T6Bd0l2uVSobiMhnrZM6rusQ0_sfkvL1jlAIvEzMutRMQMR_id0k/s1600/2015-03-27+07.44.30.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU6pw1v8ZcwEfztz6bkMb7GMXn8hKumQPxnFIbiBmy_pYSw_3f0LtFdzw0R7tzVQRNr7jWMFKyIxXf7Hx5iQJRV-T6Bd0l2uVSobiMhnrZM6rusQ0_sfkvL1jlAIvEzMutRMQMR_id0k/s1600/2015-03-27+07.44.30.2.jpg" height="640" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the dress that was sent to me for Barrister's Ball. I was certain the dress would be unflattering on me when I pulled it out of the box.<br />
<br />
To my surprise, I think it looks pretty good on me. I'm hesitant about sleeveless dresses, since I feel my arms are a little chubby. However, I don't have a LBD and I feel like this could be worn on date nights. Therefore, because of its versatility, I'm keeping it.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Tamar Lace Detail Sweater:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iEkBR1gue1p7rpvNaSe_k-JrxJuIpDsrHIq_H4bI97ZHgJ_QHWoY9o90wWSsCHCxiLQiIIpgC3YG7C3r8TeJzoToumXiB01wgBqURplV48y2GcgVe_oI_Oh5PLhiy5puOgIsRmUbwes/s1600/2015-03-27+07.27.04.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iEkBR1gue1p7rpvNaSe_k-JrxJuIpDsrHIq_H4bI97ZHgJ_QHWoY9o90wWSsCHCxiLQiIIpgC3YG7C3r8TeJzoToumXiB01wgBqURplV48y2GcgVe_oI_Oh5PLhiy5puOgIsRmUbwes/s1600/2015-03-27+07.27.04.2.jpg" height="640" width="356" /></a></div>
<br />
My last item was a sweatshirt with lace insets. The lace insets are present in both the front and the back.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzI-oiXoPKxnSF42Kd91XLQcc4Cyg3u5nsCF1LnkDvg_y_RLGE5ch14CRdWNrEhoT6Odv_2paLwmFpPw8SpPFFqk1EaJCfkrV6v27MkQH8uq4mHgmblPboAOex7cHKQjAmNOiMKnI8eY/s1600/2015-03-27+07.27.41.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzI-oiXoPKxnSF42Kd91XLQcc4Cyg3u5nsCF1LnkDvg_y_RLGE5ch14CRdWNrEhoT6Odv_2paLwmFpPw8SpPFFqk1EaJCfkrV6v27MkQH8uq4mHgmblPboAOex7cHKQjAmNOiMKnI8eY/s1600/2015-03-27+07.27.41.2.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a><br />
<br />
I like the idea of this, but it just didn't fit my style. I'm generally not a fan of sweatshirts because I feel like they're too boxy. This one was no exception.<br />
<br />
Verdict: SENT BACK<br />
<br />
<u><b>Conclusion:</b></u><br />
Barring the sizing problem, I felt like the customization of this fix was very good. I asked for "florals" and "white, lace, and bright colors." I also asked for a dress for Barristers Ball. In response, Shan sent me a floral blouse, a colorful top, two tops with lace, and a dress. She pretty much hit every request I threw at her this fix!<br />
<br />
I would also like to give a shout out to Stitch Fix's customer service. They responded to my email within the same day I sent it and were courteous throughout the entire process. I'll report back on the exchange process, but I really appreciate good customer service!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-60962471298941640552015-02-26T21:11:00.001-08:002015-02-26T21:11:11.109-08:00February 2015 Stitch FixGuess what arrived on my doorstep yesterday? My Stitch Fix!<br />
<br />
I'm actually kind of shocked that I'm writing this so quickly. I usually find it hard to squeeze in the time to write reviews, but this week is my winter break (which means freeeeedom to write whatever I want!).<br />
<br />
If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, check out my <a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-stitch-fix.html">intro</a> post. Here's my past fixes (that I've put up on this blog):<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-stitch-fix.html">December 2014</a><br />
<a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2015/01/january-2015-stitch-fix.html">January 2015</a><br />
<a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2015/02/januaryfebruary-2015-stitch-fix.html">January/February 2015</a><br />
<br />
This month I asked my stylist for jackets and casual dresses. Here's what Shan sent me:<br />
<br />
<u><b>Roosevelt Moto Jacket:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjl6PxbQL0ibbTrkcewr1yZ1H7E3xZhg-cOpWbqXy4CSXb2VJm4uO5YeWSv_8UzZwcNsPa1KEDNHgdu35Jb8KgnAHwU-I7jmaUZt_HSJwKI_D-D2wlDalqEruNuThnMjXMocIBH5gZhtc/s1600/2015-02-26+07.27.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjl6PxbQL0ibbTrkcewr1yZ1H7E3xZhg-cOpWbqXy4CSXb2VJm4uO5YeWSv_8UzZwcNsPa1KEDNHgdu35Jb8KgnAHwU-I7jmaUZt_HSJwKI_D-D2wlDalqEruNuThnMjXMocIBH5gZhtc/s1600/2015-02-26+07.27.40.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the first jacket I pulled out of the box. I paired it with a scarf I received in my <a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2015/02/januaryfebruary-2015-stitch-fix.html">last fix</a>, jeans, and a white T-shirt.<br />
<br />
I've always had trouble styling jackets. I moved to New Hampshire from the hot desert of Tucson, Arizona, so currently I'm wearing jackets that are warm but shapeless. Ultimately I'll always choose warmth over style (sorry, it's COLD here!), but I'll be able to expand my outerwear choices when it starts to warm up a little. <br />
<br />
I like the style of this. It gives a little edge that makes my basic outfit look more put together than it really is. However, this jacket is too small. I can zip it up, but only if I hold my breath. The sleeves are also squeezing my arms, making it very uncomfortable. For these reasons, I had to send it back.<br />
<br />
Verdict: SENT BACK<br />
<br />
<u><b>Rhonda Knit Back Faux Leather Jacket: </b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHBjZHMfhPG9WxPPivsMevJqn-ncMsjLtthnOOO-F_yRuUkNiW1JmT5wnX-QCkEslRzhGMnhfwuMFLeISEUnOc2uJdDxeJqkqrmzdl6Mp3IqaWNrI-bzmcXHY1eB4vOeH_D8lv9Tabb8/s1600/2015-02-26+07.34.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHBjZHMfhPG9WxPPivsMevJqn-ncMsjLtthnOOO-F_yRuUkNiW1JmT5wnX-QCkEslRzhGMnhfwuMFLeISEUnOc2uJdDxeJqkqrmzdl6Mp3IqaWNrI-bzmcXHY1eB4vOeH_D8lv9Tabb8/s1600/2015-02-26+07.34.42.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the second jacket I pulled out, and its leather! This is actually a grey - rather than black - leather jacket, which makes it a little different from most other leather jackets. It's also soft and pliant. I've been thinking about getting a leather jacket for a while now because it's something everyone should have in their wardrobe.<br />
<br />
Also, I've been watching a lot of Supernatural and Gordan Ramsey shows lately, and those shows both rock leather jackets. What can I say? I like to dress like my heroes. :)<br />
<br />
I actually really kind of love the look. Like the moto jacket above, it makes my plain outfit look more put together than it really is. <br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT<br />
<br />
<u><b>Christy Layered Bauble Necklace:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxPLmPZFeA0KmMp33RSIq36FmOBDJSQLv4ecwBGmWd4ZzdhSQOjr_hzeNsMbE1vpEw92lUkymeuxhdg_r4c-OMqHzGis6c58M9CyHxVqixInIbJ6QaA_IK3EfcgDF_52v97GWHhVrMhw/s1600/2015-02-26+00.40.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxPLmPZFeA0KmMp33RSIq36FmOBDJSQLv4ecwBGmWd4ZzdhSQOjr_hzeNsMbE1vpEw92lUkymeuxhdg_r4c-OMqHzGis6c58M9CyHxVqixInIbJ6QaA_IK3EfcgDF_52v97GWHhVrMhw/s1600/2015-02-26+00.40.25.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I pinned this on my Pinterest board. I'm glad my stylist was able to pick up on this and include it in my box. I <i>love</i> mint green for spring.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT<br />
<br />
<u><b>Melinda Textured Dress:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf5JEDq1RsNW1LwY3dDksEgqDsfcUU8lzScNPc0_MfA17ao35QMVcRIXwOGsbFNIhLpmNgK3sJRgzNREaL9ESe81AQoHOgdGmEyyCV_qAtxSRo1012JZd4qE3KvBoKqh0UGKidEYk3gM/s1600/2015-02-26+07.57.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf5JEDq1RsNW1LwY3dDksEgqDsfcUU8lzScNPc0_MfA17ao35QMVcRIXwOGsbFNIhLpmNgK3sJRgzNREaL9ESe81AQoHOgdGmEyyCV_qAtxSRo1012JZd4qE3KvBoKqh0UGKidEYk3gM/s1600/2015-02-26+07.57.01.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Like the jackets, Stitch Fix sent me two dresses. When I first pulled this out of the box, I thought it looked boring. Like... Really? Grey? Yawn...<br />
<br />
But I liked the fabric and the cut of the dress, so I took my stylist's advice and paired it with the mint green statement necklace and a contrasting belt. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB9-D7Ou2ZUrGJVBPE6OgMWvf1rkJnWWs36C-6G3Hs9nWIvONjGNpr89SPpwpus9tuic7T0ZQnBMrZIFpcceAACpPp-Wnfexh_IFlAbHPTwLi63v2g7W9VE2L8QtY37MvYgx0pzrUl_c/s1600/2015-02-26+08.00.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB9-D7Ou2ZUrGJVBPE6OgMWvf1rkJnWWs36C-6G3Hs9nWIvONjGNpr89SPpwpus9tuic7T0ZQnBMrZIFpcceAACpPp-Wnfexh_IFlAbHPTwLi63v2g7W9VE2L8QtY37MvYgx0pzrUl_c/s1600/2015-02-26+08.00.14.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And voila, it made a huge difference! Stylists really do know what they're talking about, ha ha! I ended up really liking this dress.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT<br />
<br />
<u><b>Petrova Textured Pleat Skirt Dress:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDy9YKyBIJY35yDAPbT8hzp2MDJFFm66984JSvkwx8cTlLiSZg_0lJQpEtlGeiD1SGdkcjGfBep0uYF-7RqlxrrSfuzkLvBgP-Uwep1kScgAwwRpwCeNnMxzF_mG5OJwjZSlSb3uEo8iY/s1600/2015-02-26+08.07.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDy9YKyBIJY35yDAPbT8hzp2MDJFFm66984JSvkwx8cTlLiSZg_0lJQpEtlGeiD1SGdkcjGfBep0uYF-7RqlxrrSfuzkLvBgP-Uwep1kScgAwwRpwCeNnMxzF_mG5OJwjZSlSb3uEo8iY/s1600/2015-02-26+08.07.31.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This dress is actually a gorgeous color of green (I adore this color sooooo much - too bad my camera had trouble picking it up). It's also made of a nice fabric with some weight to it.<br />
<br />
However, I don't think this style of dress is flattering on my figure. My boyfriend simply looked at me and said "no" when I put this on. Apparently, he says, I look like "someone from the Wizard of Oz." While I wouldn't go as far as Phil, I do think that perhaps the skirt is too full or the top part of the dress doesn't flatter my bust or... I don't know. I think it does make me look short(er).<br />
<br />
The skirt is pretty swingy though, which makes it fun. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes97s6GzWRE9D2C94VdofppomcOSp-1WAD6pkQbRtWXx9ZCn2qvmNHow-5qG3Pf-QWPzTSZQOCx0bnf6GkpA3WRv3twG3hByHbB-34230uLggQ6vXP3v9yOilw6f7p6XXLUPJEWwvOk0/s1600/2015-02-26+08.07.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes97s6GzWRE9D2C94VdofppomcOSp-1WAD6pkQbRtWXx9ZCn2qvmNHow-5qG3Pf-QWPzTSZQOCx0bnf6GkpA3WRv3twG3hByHbB-34230uLggQ6vXP3v9yOilw6f7p6XXLUPJEWwvOk0/s1600/2015-02-26+08.07.42.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, I had a lot of trouble zipping this up. It's not because the dress is too small - the zipper just gets caught easily as I pull it up. I'd need another person to help me into this dress... For these reasons, I had to send it back.<br />
<br />
Verdict: SENT BACK<br />
<br />
<u><b>Conclusion:</b></u><br />
<br />
I'm always struck by how well Stitch Fix follows my requests and Pinterest board. I asked for jackets and dresses, and I got two(!) of each. While I'm not entirely sure the dresses are as casual as I would have liked, they're machine washable (which is a HUGE plus) and can be worn as everyday wear in my law classes. <br />
<br />
And I'm more than slightly excited to sport the leather. :)<br />
<br />
Thanks Shan!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-24504332103468800592015-02-26T16:00:00.001-08:002015-02-26T16:00:47.027-08:00February 2015 Wantable Accessories Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1kA5dcaDgxYfCShvimyUzmdbXq6xIMEOS6BtYqNNbIDmbuQ7-S3Pw0wl1RlvkZIUXI3urieXoBwxkm2ceKT7zEP1bgUDBulWRlDGHQvHffcgiW0CpVnJ9NQ0HWGQNILjFf5Sw4mHLds/s1600/2015-02-26+00.34.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1kA5dcaDgxYfCShvimyUzmdbXq6xIMEOS6BtYqNNbIDmbuQ7-S3Pw0wl1RlvkZIUXI3urieXoBwxkm2ceKT7zEP1bgUDBulWRlDGHQvHffcgiW0CpVnJ9NQ0HWGQNILjFf5Sw4mHLds/s1600/2015-02-26+00.34.33.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This month I decided to try the Wantable Accessories subscription service. This box costs $36/month (or $40 for one box) and includes accessories like jewelry, sunglasses, watches, scarves, and hair accessories. While you can't pick the items you'll receive, you are able to customize it somewhat by filling in a questionnaire that specifies what you "love," "like," and "dislike." You'll never receive products in your "dislike" section. <br />
<br />
I came across this box late last year. A bunch of Youtubers started posting Wantable Accessories unboxing videos, and although they varied on whether the items were their style, they seemed to consistently applaud the quality of the items. They also seemed inordinately excited about the quality of the black bags the items came in. <br />
<br />
All in all, everyone said this was a great deal, because they typically got items worth much more than they paid for the box.<br />
<br />
What can I say? I caved in. I love jewelry, and I love the statement jewelry trend.<br />
<br />
However, I was apprehensive to get this box for a number of reasons. First, I'm allergic to anything nickel or lead based, which is what cheaper jewelry is typically made of. My skin is very sensitive and will break out in a rash if I wear these metals. Moreover, earrings in those metals can make the pierced holes in my ears bleed. Not cute. Second, I have a high standard for jewelry. While my parents are and have been mainly employed as scientists, they did dabble in the jewelry business for a number of years. I've spent many days manning our jewelry booth at gem and mineral shows, hearing my father cut gems, seeing my mother select strands of real pearls, and I've been to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (the largest in the world) many, many times. My family also personally knows a lot of talented jewelers.<br />
<br />
Now, I know Wantable wouldn't be able to send high end jewelry for only $36. I'm not out of touch with reality. I had been wanting to try the statement trend for a while and was looking to find statement pieces that, although they were costume jewelry, didn't look too cheap/cheesey. <br />
<br />
So I signed up for a box and limited my "loves" and "likes" to statement pieces, sunglasses, and scarves. According to Wantable, the retail value of my box was $80. Here's what I got...<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><u>Emily Necklace: Retail Value $24</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxi5dc3srC4GEQlmYBJmL0ewWFUJDQ1XEnPWeSzYpYlDOBcFHTDj05Nqe4FrbJeSUNNCNUb0SX_d1pP3dGIZZ-muYDbeZbHPAXIO_atunv6s0XjL3pIUxg5f_yXMjRmrQar4jbtHDIh54/s1600/2015-02-26+00.24.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxi5dc3srC4GEQlmYBJmL0ewWFUJDQ1XEnPWeSzYpYlDOBcFHTDj05Nqe4FrbJeSUNNCNUb0SX_d1pP3dGIZZ-muYDbeZbHPAXIO_atunv6s0XjL3pIUxg5f_yXMjRmrQar4jbtHDIh54/s1600/2015-02-26+00.24.37.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This was my favorite piece out of the box. I like wearing longer necklaces with lightweight sweaters, and this one has some sparkle. It's my style.<br />
<br />
However, I don't like the color of the chain. In this picture, the lighting makes the chain look more gold than it really is. In real life, this is more of a brown bronze color and is quite dull. However, while I wouldn't pay $24 for this necklace, the quality is around that price point (I'd pay $10-15 for it). Close enough - I'm happy.<br />
<br />
I wore this around for a day and I didn't break out in a rash. So... win!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sasha Earrings Gold: Retail Value $18</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PnjxmqNPadB3IW5euhUQehjxXDip1xYQI8qNhXLfvr_WhjbOhaf8MIeaoUqU8ua5QqwqdHhjCITIA2Bc0Xszgl_MngMfvBJabd7PFzbV-O2fp78GdsahWRrN6B0GEg76Q3dj-LdP-Kw/s1600/2015-02-26+00.27.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PnjxmqNPadB3IW5euhUQehjxXDip1xYQI8qNhXLfvr_WhjbOhaf8MIeaoUqU8ua5QqwqdHhjCITIA2Bc0Xszgl_MngMfvBJabd7PFzbV-O2fp78GdsahWRrN6B0GEg76Q3dj-LdP-Kw/s1600/2015-02-26+00.27.26.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I usually like more classic style earrings, but I was open to these. However, the plastic is a bit duller than I expected for earrings that cost $18. I don't know, these are made of plastic and probably glass or plastic rhinestones, which are pretty cheap and easy to make reflective or shiny. In artificial light (which is all I get in law school), the main plastic "gems" don't reflect any light at all or have any vibrancy of color. So I'd actually pay $5-7 for these.<br />
<br />
To make matters worse, there's a plastic backing, which usually signals that I'm going to be allergic to the earrings (because plastic backings usually go on the cheapest of earrings). Sure enough, after I put these in my ear, my ear holes started to itch. I know that feeling. It usually ends in bleeding ears. I took them off right away.<br />
<br />
So these, unfortunately, are earrings I cannot wear. :( If I get another box, I'll have to put earrings in the "dislike" section.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Macy Sunglasses Gold: Retail Value $14</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-9wCqqyD8Duswf4KLEAcD_wTVKsL5cVr96cATW95jOTub1r6QnOImujFEpo7-QjCiRGng072ddeNCjsOVEV5MmB4Xsg6r-V9NMALAC2bsRGWU0wSqOEsacoVUlDd4pQIfp1zL_gbR1U/s1600/2015-02-26+00.22.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-9wCqqyD8Duswf4KLEAcD_wTVKsL5cVr96cATW95jOTub1r6QnOImujFEpo7-QjCiRGng072ddeNCjsOVEV5MmB4Xsg6r-V9NMALAC2bsRGWU0wSqOEsacoVUlDd4pQIfp1zL_gbR1U/s1600/2015-02-26+00.22.55.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQlpMyXH7KHwFmqWW7wCv3HCnZn2ykgSymHPX8iKOQ25KS3MMJcjWBNHz3yrW2kO9QpUoWPRjXniyAyoF7u72rlKFsrqeX8OVpc58og26UiwQThqzLDNewgqPuR6APRTUTZxWAa2vGd8/s1600/2015-02-26+00.23.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQlpMyXH7KHwFmqWW7wCv3HCnZn2ykgSymHPX8iKOQ25KS3MMJcjWBNHz3yrW2kO9QpUoWPRjXniyAyoF7u72rlKFsrqeX8OVpc58og26UiwQThqzLDNewgqPuR6APRTUTZxWAa2vGd8/s1600/2015-02-26+00.23.15.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These are just not my style. They're a bit old lady for me. And they dwarf. my. face.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EMSlbt99dGFn1BC6HdQw109o3neIJTQujt0CY7a4XWOBcyieSJxS_jrq652QQsf46gRZ8IceYnr9_Bjj6rFfT0kB1nV8GLuj8ioXtC0d72ZWlJGvd99mTksWIxy1ZnEgXxEGKQaqZdg/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EMSlbt99dGFn1BC6HdQw109o3neIJTQujt0CY7a4XWOBcyieSJxS_jrq652QQsf46gRZ8IceYnr9_Bjj6rFfT0kB1nV8GLuj8ioXtC0d72ZWlJGvd99mTksWIxy1ZnEgXxEGKQaqZdg/s1600/glasses.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahahaha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If I did like them, I'd probably pay $5-10 for them. <br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Gracie Necklace: Retail Value $24</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ki7Flhjj2q7K3KKzvRdxRmBgeKn1r19Did3D8PAXz9gGyH6kg_qoWqsfQIMyMoxOwO9ieU-fZ76i7WmdR_bVRkrXjbN3TCA7-sC-r4dpZ-9iEeIdmGeukJS7OcGapcpbsIWLnVLsgr8/s1600/2015-02-26+00.29.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ki7Flhjj2q7K3KKzvRdxRmBgeKn1r19Did3D8PAXz9gGyH6kg_qoWqsfQIMyMoxOwO9ieU-fZ76i7WmdR_bVRkrXjbN3TCA7-sC-r4dpZ-9iEeIdmGeukJS7OcGapcpbsIWLnVLsgr8/s1600/2015-02-26+00.29.00.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I ordered a Wantable box just to get more statement necklaces. This was the piece I was waiting for...<br />
<br />
But, again, it feels so cheap. The plastic is dull, the chain is that dull brown bronze color, and the plastic wasn't even glued carefully. I would never pay $24 for this. Maybe $10 tops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Y5-c74vVcC_cz4kdT_awQ0b6uH3V4o3eJO2RzHnhzmfCk1ByfscMD_deXrTBqtKJpF_6o1c9E4bAZZMqe4kFOhJ0XtDZr9HHgSoO4oOXgS8x_YspL8Jy8xqnmt6LEHBgQTlZQscShV8/s1600/2015-02-26+00.30.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Y5-c74vVcC_cz4kdT_awQ0b6uH3V4o3eJO2RzHnhzmfCk1ByfscMD_deXrTBqtKJpF_6o1c9E4bAZZMqe4kFOhJ0XtDZr9HHgSoO4oOXgS8x_YspL8Jy8xqnmt6LEHBgQTlZQscShV8/s1600/2015-02-26+00.30.58.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know... was I expecting too much? I don't understand how everyone and their dog raves about the quality of the jewelry. It's nothing special to me. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Concluding Thoughts:</b></u><br />
<br />
Except for the sunglasses, this box was my style. Most of the pieces fit within my "loves" section, and I didn't receive anything in my "dislike" section. The customization is very good in that respect. <br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
But was this box worth the price? Yes, I think it is, but you get what you pay for. <br />
<br />
I think I was hoping that somehow Wantable, buying items in bulk and not acting so much as a retail store, would be able to pass on their savings to us. But like many things in life, there is no such thing as a free lunch.<br />
<br />
And I'm not sure where the Youtubers are coming from. Perhaps they buy their jewelry from Forever 21? The quality definitely beats Forever 21, but that's... not really hard to do. Also, the travel jewelry bags did not live up to the hype (not that I care about them... but I sometimes wonder if Youtubers follow the same script and just repeat what other Youtubers say). <br />
<br />
I've placed my March box on hold. I may give Wantable another chance, but I'm trying another jewelry service for around the same price. It'll be interesting to compare the two boxes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-70617574629705627302015-02-02T11:54:00.002-08:002015-02-02T11:54:49.981-08:00Hot ChocolateToday is a snow day in New England!<br />
<br />
I still get unreasonably excited about snow days. I think it's because I come from the southwest, where snow is rare.<br />
<br />
But the best thing about snow is that it's an excuse to drink hot chocolate and cuddle under some blankets. Stay warm everyone!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe6BaCwh5L-V8X5dtburB9mM-PG_eQGGafcdhqZyg3SRYybE8xDzj9kq22zVNUMBzpb3ms0BjqOThp_TygP_f-PQD9A1KuSoS6RGiJGAIpUH_iLhoqCXa6zEUKmjgaF9xluvK3rJmLA8/s1600/2015-02-01+22.24.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe6BaCwh5L-V8X5dtburB9mM-PG_eQGGafcdhqZyg3SRYybE8xDzj9kq22zVNUMBzpb3ms0BjqOThp_TygP_f-PQD9A1KuSoS6RGiJGAIpUH_iLhoqCXa6zEUKmjgaF9xluvK3rJmLA8/s1600/2015-02-01+22.24.22.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFj1OcI2F3VUJL5Hc6Uz5ogOxvxD8FEbDHKcT7jm6uUScm7ClgQZyKBebdDhStgibkMwORfw18keIhMOrXJG0RpuWEoBs1fRqMg571qPY68nuMhwTkfn5ZQH4H228fHbVH5J-aqICwadw/s1600/2015-02-01+22.25.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFj1OcI2F3VUJL5Hc6Uz5ogOxvxD8FEbDHKcT7jm6uUScm7ClgQZyKBebdDhStgibkMwORfw18keIhMOrXJG0RpuWEoBs1fRqMg571qPY68nuMhwTkfn5ZQH4H228fHbVH5J-aqICwadw/s1600/2015-02-01+22.25.42.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-85259526496945641472015-02-01T17:04:00.000-08:002015-02-01T21:30:08.832-08:00January/February 2015 Stitch Fix Stitch Fix #12... I've been with this company for a year now, and I can't imagine cancelling my subscription anytime soon!<br />
<br />
If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, check out my <a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-stitch-fix.html">intro</a> post. Here's my past fixes (that I've put up on this blog):<br />
<br />
<a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-stitch-fix.html">December 2014</a><br />
<a href="http://andromedancheese.blogspot.com/2015/01/january-2015-stitch-fix.html">January 2015</a><br />
<br />
In case you're wondering why my title is between two months, it's because I received this Stitch Fix a couple days ago. I have a monthly subscription, but they like my shipments to arrive on Thursdays, which means they come in just under a month.<br />
<br />
I guess that just makes this month extra special. :)<br />
<br />
So, for my end of the month Stitch Fix, I received:<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Queensland Dolman Jersey Top:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4s-miCX5Fa9CSjqBhVANdu14UP7Ju2GoJwSMRpBfTG89GA8BI6VYqsYoAJUib7SS6e-7lM9lyPn4TPs2nmfKe-v-uGYkLm7Q3T7XbYC4BDjzRCoQjzdFT3latTmzPu3z4feYp6w2BMc/s1600/2015-02-01+01.16.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4s-miCX5Fa9CSjqBhVANdu14UP7Ju2GoJwSMRpBfTG89GA8BI6VYqsYoAJUib7SS6e-7lM9lyPn4TPs2nmfKe-v-uGYkLm7Q3T7XbYC4BDjzRCoQjzdFT3latTmzPu3z4feYp6w2BMc/s1600/2015-02-01+01.16.52.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
Ahhhh... Stitch Fix dolman tops are so comfortable! This one is no exception. I feel like I'm in my PJs when I wear these, but I think they dress things up nicely. <br />
<br />
Also, I love wearing darker colors in winter. I know a lot of people like to "brighten" their mood by wearing brighter colors, but me... I'm all about seasons. I love winter. Even though it's frigid outside and New England was hit by major snowstorms recently, I think winter is one of the most beautiful seasons. Unlike the frenetic energy of reproducing and growing in the spring and summer, winter is when the world outside slows down to sleep. Winter is when the world becomes peaceful... all wrapped in a sparkling layer of ice. It may be a cruel beauty, but I can enjoy it inside, cuddled under a blanket and sipping hot cocoa. <br />
<br />
So yes, I like celebrating winter and its darker colors. Winter is, imho, one of the most under appreciated seasons. <br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT<br />
<br />
<u><b>Farrow Lace Panel Top:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQWVRRsmE7uBuducFCwDpTdT3hwcj_76D-34FIb8lSNatge-k56w02i6R_mjC7WMRkY8xTGMCsN_m0CO1jchU5ldOeCSBGut3oxX4rg1F7NvJCB7N6dCsLZmoOKmRTJdcUrFmEsVd_Kk/s1600/2015-02-01+01.33.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQWVRRsmE7uBuducFCwDpTdT3hwcj_76D-34FIb8lSNatge-k56w02i6R_mjC7WMRkY8xTGMCsN_m0CO1jchU5ldOeCSBGut3oxX4rg1F7NvJCB7N6dCsLZmoOKmRTJdcUrFmEsVd_Kk/s1600/2015-02-01+01.33.55.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
This is actually my favorite piece in this box. I love cream/white tops and I love lace. This combines them all.<br />
<br />
However, fellow Stitch Fixers, this is not a sweater. It's a thin fabric, and you'll have to wear something underneath. I don't mind this, since New England reacts to cold weather by cranking up the heating way too much. In fact, I asked Stitch Fix for help in dealing with the temperature extremes between the cold outside air and overly heated building interiors. This is a really nice base layer for that purpose.<br />
<br />
And the details are just gorgeous...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvQY3Aln4TJitkPqvxJJCa2l4KkeNYBxCXgeGazvYk258rdtwN8mRPAfGdNvRaE0fGHZ36w5FUK-LDRH38_x5ZTk0shNN_rN8qFaYmhdJr4cnPQ2dAFiw1qUletqOCZ7G6YwxwHOgdVg/s1600/2015-02-01+01.35.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvQY3Aln4TJitkPqvxJJCa2l4KkeNYBxCXgeGazvYk258rdtwN8mRPAfGdNvRaE0fGHZ36w5FUK-LDRH38_x5ZTk0shNN_rN8qFaYmhdJr4cnPQ2dAFiw1qUletqOCZ7G6YwxwHOgdVg/s1600/2015-02-01+01.35.46.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Criss cross back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhY9Ctrk4ysbGE_vrtwB7hzjhHGZmndZXUQxcgjctVeetQXtTgwevKjL0pWaINAxoszprFRBsgzpbj9qo27tU2kJUPmSiM4MVcZAVRh2kfxS32Wg2D-hS4PlBXpDsfV3n7Tph8zZa-bk/s1600/2015-02-01+01.36.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhY9Ctrk4ysbGE_vrtwB7hzjhHGZmndZXUQxcgjctVeetQXtTgwevKjL0pWaINAxoszprFRBsgzpbj9qo27tU2kJUPmSiM4MVcZAVRh2kfxS32Wg2D-hS4PlBXpDsfV3n7Tph8zZa-bk/s1600/2015-02-01+01.36.56.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side lace detail. Excuse the cat food bag. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Verdict: KEPT<br />
<br />
<u><b>Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7jWvG53_Z9YuCc2AFfAjB-oSJlSil95i3HQlK3ljQnVhGAUtyfxjukYhwkh_6Qk673NN-qmgB7sEk07rChlWv7i8zp3BDUYhk2gMA-N1beI6GBL9PfiMM4_iMyf4ioixy9hSCwD2gNo/s1600/2015-02-01+01.19.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7jWvG53_Z9YuCc2AFfAjB-oSJlSil95i3HQlK3ljQnVhGAUtyfxjukYhwkh_6Qk673NN-qmgB7sEk07rChlWv7i8zp3BDUYhk2gMA-N1beI6GBL9PfiMM4_iMyf4ioixy9hSCwD2gNo/s1600/2015-02-01+01.19.53.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
I think this top looks more flattering in person. It's a top that I've seen a lot of other Stitch Fixers get, but I hadn't received one until now. I'm so happy I did, because it's a cute top. I've been obsessed with pleating for some reason recently, and the front of this top has pleating. I also asked for 3/4 sleeve tops, so thanks for listening to me Stitch Fix!<br />
<br />
You can also make this work for work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaG395MPptCm9cgV3-giQ77pN54xSb8eeuBNZyKNSzVxwt9ILhLxq6iHvDsgBsOwh2WhYXw1OPAcUp1cSPECwJZ9M3meDVEUKW00cJqmHC_9_VHRU9CBtt32YHDDMOsEzb5iARd_Oo0Q/s1600/2015-02-01+01.23.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaG395MPptCm9cgV3-giQ77pN54xSb8eeuBNZyKNSzVxwt9ILhLxq6iHvDsgBsOwh2WhYXw1OPAcUp1cSPECwJZ9M3meDVEUKW00cJqmHC_9_VHRU9CBtt32YHDDMOsEzb5iARd_Oo0Q/s1600/2015-02-01+01.23.13.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Verdict: KEPT<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Maureen Twisted Seam Elbow Patch Sweater:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-REe5Cd9LTAEsXDdL7U5hI5IyMoH3RIdMrAErvlD5wdC3jqghTYaxLvJzAd3XwDtCnH7R-rusjg0o8XwVjZN24Vr9tBMf6OCVJ5oFTwLA4E-49S0oPKYUrPo0mhyns6v7V1E86Px_78/s1600/2015-02-01+01.31.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-REe5Cd9LTAEsXDdL7U5hI5IyMoH3RIdMrAErvlD5wdC3jqghTYaxLvJzAd3XwDtCnH7R-rusjg0o8XwVjZN24Vr9tBMf6OCVJ5oFTwLA4E-49S0oPKYUrPo0mhyns6v7V1E86Px_78/s1600/2015-02-01+01.31.24.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO4Ec-yKUlOH1Z1Gwhyphenhyphen4CUPSloofhV5m3i92RUeIj8Ro3Q9SDjAm7CAVM_pwzLeYQ1lEnQrc6qFAL2pojRqmxTwL0PbHbpNzpFzD0k1zEQR9sANLqBdt2nIugC-S1s1bdTzpHfVUP3Zg/s1600/2015-02-01+01.31.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO4Ec-yKUlOH1Z1Gwhyphenhyphen4CUPSloofhV5m3i92RUeIj8Ro3Q9SDjAm7CAVM_pwzLeYQ1lEnQrc6qFAL2pojRqmxTwL0PbHbpNzpFzD0k1zEQR9sANLqBdt2nIugC-S1s1bdTzpHfVUP3Zg/s1600/2015-02-01+01.31.30.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
This is also a sweater that I think looks better in person. I'm not entirely sure it flatters me, but my boyfriend said I looked fine in it, so it's probably ok. It's totally my style - my boyfriend is not a fan of elbow patches, but I like them for some reason. I also love the fabric on this sweater, and it's, most importantly, very soft and comfortable.<br />
<br />
This was the only piece in my box that I was unsure of, but I ended up keeping this to get the 25% discount. Don't worry though. It'll get worn!<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Tina Checkered Infinity Scarf:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8jnZPQqZZoljR_3VYS4qfmi6uG3qWaPTKPCu7GpRpBnq-wMEO1QMg3dg_9N95tiqxmXRCVtOBzqXgLzh7VZw-_cXhXEnQtCmPOMk7VKaGL6yLeDsB2oGwow83HPScKjRnpoYCME42Ng/s1600/2015-02-01+01.32.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8jnZPQqZZoljR_3VYS4qfmi6uG3qWaPTKPCu7GpRpBnq-wMEO1QMg3dg_9N95tiqxmXRCVtOBzqXgLzh7VZw-_cXhXEnQtCmPOMk7VKaGL6yLeDsB2oGwow83HPScKjRnpoYCME42Ng/s1600/2015-02-01+01.32.00.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
This scarf is oh. so. soft. It's also warm. And soft! Did I mention it's soft?!<br />
<br />
I love the plaid, I love the colors, and I love infinity scarves. This one was mine as soon as I took it out of the box.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT<br />
<br />
<u><b>Conclusion:</b></u><br />
Wow Stitch Fix! Once again, I'm keeping the whole box. My stylist seems to know my style, even though I'm not sure I <i>had </i>a style before I started Stitch Fix. After a year of providing feedback and pinning things on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/stephaniemoats/stitch-fix-inspiration/">Pinterest</a> board, Stitch Fix has helped me find my personal image as well as some great pieces. And that's a gift I can take shopping with me! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-55758729122749265022015-02-01T13:14:00.002-08:002015-02-11T12:45:15.755-08:00January 2015 Birchbox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RnEm2h3HnoScZx4AacGlHNR3i8WnK9yNFTaO8TW8xIRyLU1hl3XPiZMwHmX9IGQKCZwehTGDPNAhgyqLhvFszNtiI0J0CYmKbEhr3anfno-rg5Ipy1lCLzf5ZRiI8mt5RP3Fz_PISro/s1600/2015-01-19+08.52.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RnEm2h3HnoScZx4AacGlHNR3i8WnK9yNFTaO8TW8xIRyLU1hl3XPiZMwHmX9IGQKCZwehTGDPNAhgyqLhvFszNtiI0J0CYmKbEhr3anfno-rg5Ipy1lCLzf5ZRiI8mt5RP3Fz_PISro/s1600/2015-01-19+08.52.28.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Let's do this, Birchbox!<br />
<br />
This month I decided to try a new subscription service. There's plenty of beauty subscription boxes out there, but I chose Birchbox because of all the boxes I know of, this one is reasonably priced and focuses on skincare. I'm just not someone who uses a lot of makeup, so something like Wantable, Ipsy, or Boxycharm is, sadly, probably not for me.<br />
<br />
For those of you who don't know, Birchbox sends about 5 samples of beauty related products to try for $10/month. <br />
<br />
You fill out a questionnaire detailing your skin type and what you're looking for in skin care products. For me, I have oily skin and still deal with acne. However, I'm in my mid-20's, so I'm starting to shop around for products that will slow down the inevitable aging process like exfoliants, vitamin C products, peptide products, and good sunscreens.<br />
<br />
These types of products can be expensive, however, so trying them through Birchbox without having to buy the full product seems like a fun way to "shop" around.<br />
<br />
I'm also lazy. So not having to put on pants and drive to a store? WIN. <br />
<br />
This month, I received:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yuSK9_033U2rL3CmjNq5rsvdWazOs2jV043isytlKYKGFKVeXs2wtIzc-I3gVTXHIaRHjkw9H76k4kf24eNOIN8DGP3pBcH4nPWgxtXIM8JSZ951FNV9O_OlWBrZl8myWHuOAPxcGkk/s1600/2015-01-19+08.49.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yuSK9_033U2rL3CmjNq5rsvdWazOs2jV043isytlKYKGFKVeXs2wtIzc-I3gVTXHIaRHjkw9H76k4kf24eNOIN8DGP3pBcH4nPWgxtXIM8JSZ951FNV9O_OlWBrZl8myWHuOAPxcGkk/s1600/2015-01-19+08.49.54.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><b>Vasanti Cosmetics Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator:</b></u><br />
This is supposed to mimic the effect of microdermabrasian. I'm not sure what microdermabrasian is, but if it's supposed to be a physical exfoliant, it does the job well.<br />
<br />
Sensitive skin types might not like this product. The beads in this are large enough to potentially irritate the skin. But on my skin it feels quite nice.<br />
<br />
I don't have sensitive skin (although I would hesitate to use this every day myself), so I <i>like</i> a physical exfoliant in addition to my chemical exfoliants to slough off dead skin. I like to use this in the morning after an overnight application of tretinoin (the generic version of Retin-A). <br />
<br />
Overall, I think this is a nice product.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Harvey Prince Sincerely Perfume:</b></u><br />
I feel a bit apprehensive about reviewing a scent. Scent is such a personal thing. It triggers memories unique to each person, and scents smell differently from person to person because we all have different body chemistries. Therefore, I'm not sure perfume reviews are all that helpful.<br />
<br />
On me, this scent faded rapidly (a problem I have with perfume in general), and I felt this was just a little too sweet and flowery for my taste. <br />
<br />
But this scent is different from most of the generic flowery scents out there, so I could see someone really liking this one. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm:</b></u><br />
I've never tried a BB cream before. It's been all the rage for the past couple of years, and I think the market now has... like... what, CC creams now? DD creams? ZZ creams? BB creams tend to make fantastic claims, but I've always viewed those claims with skepticism.<br />
<br />
I still think most BB claims are crap, but I love this one. This Korean BB cream has 45+ SPF and has a nice, neutral beige-y tint. I naturally have a yellowish tint to my skin since I'm part Japanese, so I was surprised to find a tint that didn't make me look sick. Also, while the cream has a slight tint, it doesn't have the full coverage a foundation does. For some people, this is a negative. But for me, I personally <i>hate</i> the feel of foundation. This is the closest to a "foundation" that I'm willing to use on my face.<br />
<br />
So, between the high SPF and slight beige coverage, I'm a convert! I've already bought the full size of this product. <br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner in Jaipur Gold:</b></u><br />
This is a nice creamy eyeliner. Very, very creamy. The feel is wonderful.<br />
<br />
It mostly stays on well all day. But sometimes it tends to bleed from my lower lash line. While it's not my favorite color (it's kind of like a cross between bronze and olive green), it's overall a good quality eyeliner. I may consider buying it in black later on, although I really don't like eyeliners that bleed into those little lines around my lower eyes. It makes me look like a drug addict, and I haven't figured out how to stop that from happening. <br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Whish Three Wishes Body Butter in Lavender:</b></u><br />
This lotion is pleasant and non-greasy. The scent is also a true lavender scent (as in, it doesn't smell unnatural). I've been using it, although, to be honest, I'm not a lotion person. I have oily skin naturally, so I've spent most of my life minimizing the moisture content of my skin.<br />
<br />
It's nice though, and a lotion needs to be non-greasy for me to use it. I'll keep this in the back of my mind should I ever need to use lotion in the future. <br />
<br />
So, that was the entirety of my Birchbox. I thought it was fun to try new brands, and I've found a product that I've already added to my everyday routine. Will I keep this subscription? Absolutely.<br />
<br />
Check <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/shop/">Birchbox</a> out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-56436362828695516582015-01-26T19:15:00.001-08:002015-01-26T19:15:12.233-08:00Happy Birthday Chita!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0dKuDt5gcFjl-Nda_J1-tGBFSALus7HWJWvW_P9J91rSFktto-0xDS5-TAedIEAyUOnsLrPmYxC6jSOhwlhYwohYhECBbjK-5vNVQy9yFruXFLxoq_-LXqgOx_9qylnDO-BAbhebB7s/s1600/Money_Happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0dKuDt5gcFjl-Nda_J1-tGBFSALus7HWJWvW_P9J91rSFktto-0xDS5-TAedIEAyUOnsLrPmYxC6jSOhwlhYwohYhECBbjK-5vNVQy9yFruXFLxoq_-LXqgOx_9qylnDO-BAbhebB7s/s1600/Money_Happiness.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Chita turns 8 years old today!<br />
<br />
Am I a crazy cat lady? Yes. Yes I am.<br />
<br />
But at the same time, it's always Chita and me against the world. She's got my back, and I've got hers. Happy birthday Chita! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nemYw8Zy_bXeO6LH9B5AS6eC-mSA9pmPvt__ZvrqPMmlJscIE9V3R0rozAWbNOF8rZtEKPaf0XoWOsZkZ46Nw3bzXiSb2ZOfH6K_3ZWOe4yeIOChSaqlNUUwS30Bw02sK91EkNdJ6tc/s1600/Chita_PACC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nemYw8Zy_bXeO6LH9B5AS6eC-mSA9pmPvt__ZvrqPMmlJscIE9V3R0rozAWbNOF8rZtEKPaf0XoWOsZkZ46Nw3bzXiSb2ZOfH6K_3ZWOe4yeIOChSaqlNUUwS30Bw02sK91EkNdJ6tc/s1600/Chita_PACC.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chita at the shelter. I'm pretty proud of myself for tracking this down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuPbg65NrNShDYG09W_0By_dWZVsZswrHUiH0_vchCowPgjrCB1iaLBc7-gHixR1m45P1dLOSgXosEPm5UlUeSE83gUI81kZ-3LsvNT9jRBjtZBwaJCMpaJ5IGW5n1t5iyRAQy7yYJnU/s1600/Smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuPbg65NrNShDYG09W_0By_dWZVsZswrHUiH0_vchCowPgjrCB1iaLBc7-gHixR1m45P1dLOSgXosEPm5UlUeSE83gUI81kZ-3LsvNT9jRBjtZBwaJCMpaJ5IGW5n1t5iyRAQy7yYJnU/s1600/Smiling.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chita the week we brought her home. If this isn't an expression of happiness, then I don't know what is.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwheY9HziPHRlTRsE1IWa8RGAG4zMB_PE7VpyHuSMv2JGlSlGReYa_Gywq5LAUFWS1HImcxdWFR6Un8D7SvBCDHGM3-SJimGZv0ujDz5uo3-cBlSg9NuaFrELACy6dV97m8Pw5HTO5Qo/s1600/face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwheY9HziPHRlTRsE1IWa8RGAG4zMB_PE7VpyHuSMv2JGlSlGReYa_Gywq5LAUFWS1HImcxdWFR6Un8D7SvBCDHGM3-SJimGZv0ujDz5uo3-cBlSg9NuaFrELACy6dV97m8Pw5HTO5Qo/s1600/face.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daaaawwwww</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cGgo-9rAAE9EfOvEWFsGj601ryWMA-fOeHM-kFYOO1KJ3UmRnRj3-yiVjQ3c-SMFZYUoXdTs3fplxkMoJSy2sY1xQucpXxGdfbB80F7WgcGRVe3MEJcKgwt0uHQhYaBdhKK1mlsHM-U/s1600/Trouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cGgo-9rAAE9EfOvEWFsGj601ryWMA-fOeHM-kFYOO1KJ3UmRnRj3-yiVjQ3c-SMFZYUoXdTs3fplxkMoJSy2sY1xQucpXxGdfbB80F7WgcGRVe3MEJcKgwt0uHQhYaBdhKK1mlsHM-U/s1600/Trouble.jpg" height="426" width="640" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trouble-maker cat!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpoClwrAtknewPUzSo2-ZV6wadHxUHnZP050qey9ygPwdcLLO2JJrCXJpOXsLk4-ek_D44OXgiqAErpZVbt8KXMpHzI9y47qFx9Pl6bfxhtiAp_paNeortUXszRZo37RZet5ewBJ_8U8/s1600/Sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpoClwrAtknewPUzSo2-ZV6wadHxUHnZP050qey9ygPwdcLLO2JJrCXJpOXsLk4-ek_D44OXgiqAErpZVbt8KXMpHzI9y47qFx9Pl6bfxhtiAp_paNeortUXszRZo37RZet5ewBJ_8U8/s1600/Sleeping.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this picture while I was working on my Master's Thesis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CnTR-X7_UuV1A8V6kDQtP32p898SR5GcZ_f7epbOKAOp6SXVMq2cco7mZGAFZjcH7QdjqQhZTSCDQgOCuWQrkVwc5AfumWH1Hc8N6oEhZs7VadqfbJUidHhSe6ZX71pYaWbXKBrZqdg/s1600/2015-01-26+07.41.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CnTR-X7_UuV1A8V6kDQtP32p898SR5GcZ_f7epbOKAOp6SXVMq2cco7mZGAFZjcH7QdjqQhZTSCDQgOCuWQrkVwc5AfumWH1Hc8N6oEhZs7VadqfbJUidHhSe6ZX71pYaWbXKBrZqdg/s1600/2015-01-26+07.41.38.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And today! Her 8th birthday. She looks pretty pleased with herself, ha ha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-22049073897344184502015-01-17T20:47:00.002-08:002015-01-17T21:10:02.120-08:00January 2015 Stitch Fixt's that time of the month... I received my January Stitch Fix!<br />
<br />
For
those of you who don't know, Stitch Fix is a service that sends you 5
items of clothing and/or accessories picked out by a stylist. I's a
great service for people who (1) can't style themselves; (2) hate
shopping; and
(3) are clueless about dressing for different occasions. All three of
those apply to me.<br />
<br />
Stitch Fix costs about $20 a month, although that's applied to the cost
of the clothing item(s) you choose to keep. You get a 25% total discount
if you keep the whole box. For more information, see <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/faq#general-information">Stitch Fix's general information</a>.<br />
<br />
This month, though, someone insisted on spying on me. She makes an appearance in some of my photos. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1Xvgz2Dz1owLNNCkGga03-73MTHwfaf-LFSJoFncodFHLyk7HSCPiHV7e9W-5ybTFA3lOb7I8-xea3SH3rCuOYYllyAoUUNime-YScrFJxaYCoqCW2ObPUM819l0_qIp8jeizXOi5PE/s1600/2015-01-17+07.26.15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1Xvgz2Dz1owLNNCkGga03-73MTHwfaf-LFSJoFncodFHLyk7HSCPiHV7e9W-5ybTFA3lOb7I8-xea3SH3rCuOYYllyAoUUNime-YScrFJxaYCoqCW2ObPUM819l0_qIp8jeizXOi5PE/s1600/2015-01-17+07.26.15.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creeper-cat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, for January I got...<br />
<br />
<b><u>1. Tania Lapis Pendant Necklace</u></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfi0EmxNuTDYk3AMqvslXQlVkq_AtPC5gpAM3we9bcOLgDDD9IvWPyWSAP_JQFQGPM3OTkVJPG95QHETi9wuGzFPtMHRaggHEliiyLHbl_L-PbS7zmBViWYo1ynCJtPVjsRD1KSJIPSQ/s1600/2015-01-17+07.22.27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfi0EmxNuTDYk3AMqvslXQlVkq_AtPC5gpAM3we9bcOLgDDD9IvWPyWSAP_JQFQGPM3OTkVJPG95QHETi9wuGzFPtMHRaggHEliiyLHbl_L-PbS7zmBViWYo1ynCJtPVjsRD1KSJIPSQ/s1600/2015-01-17+07.22.27.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitty... personifying the ennui she feels.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I asked my stylist for a longer necklace, although
this wasn't exactly what I had in mind. I was thinking of something more
delicate. However, I like statement pieces, and I think it goes with a
lot of my wardrobe. I can also see myself wearing this during the summer
with a plain white T-shirt and shorts. Although this wasn't quite what I
was expecting, I find that I do like it a lot. <br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHtRVdKZ6Xjsd9BecA-Af1ImOupRW7mqqFACaZ3dLDHrWpkeM78_pLIRdwAyA9j_r7jxoGBDzEw7TWJf749X8FGQPbyuT68SS8VdpBf7QOKuyXPH8cCnGldKUKCHENje0D5-a3tcVdtE/s1600/2015-01-17+07.36.23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHtRVdKZ6Xjsd9BecA-Af1ImOupRW7mqqFACaZ3dLDHrWpkeM78_pLIRdwAyA9j_r7jxoGBDzEw7TWJf749X8FGQPbyuT68SS8VdpBf7QOKuyXPH8cCnGldKUKCHENje0D5-a3tcVdtE/s1600/2015-01-17+07.36.23.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of Tania Lapis Pendant Necklace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>2. Corinna Striped Dolman Top</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFaT-QhnkgvGY7CL0Qd3AfWZoXLGfjTAE30zbSAPPi_IEQrC_6no-vqAoBp0sEPTiWaWBmRQsyc-ddGCGpW1lZS76J-5pdd1pveMDDJ808a-ybGzJBjq_88JFgTdq4G9UvEcWvI7WTDA/s1600/2015-01-17+07.23.47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFaT-QhnkgvGY7CL0Qd3AfWZoXLGfjTAE30zbSAPPi_IEQrC_6no-vqAoBp0sEPTiWaWBmRQsyc-ddGCGpW1lZS76J-5pdd1pveMDDJ808a-ybGzJBjq_88JFgTdq4G9UvEcWvI7WTDA/s1600/2015-01-17+07.23.47.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
This
was probably my least favorite piece in the box, but the reason why was
unfortunate and probably unforeseeable. I asked my stylist for
something I could wear with leggings. Well, she listed to my request,
and sent me this dolman top that has quite a bit of length to it.<br />
<br />
Now,
I usually love the dolman tops that Stitch Fix sends me. This dolman
top, however, falls below my crotch untucked, has a rounded hem, and
(unlike most dolman tops) doesn't cinch in lower down. On my short
stature, all of this combines to make me look like a squat dwarf. :) Not
flattering! So... I'm wearing this tucked in the front and untucked in
the back. Luckily, like most Stitch Fix tops, this top is ultra soft and
comfortable.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT. (Normally I would have
sent this back because it doesn't flatter me without being tucked in.
But with the 25% discount for all 5 items, it was cheaper to keep this).<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>3. Mandy Lace Detailed Short Sleeve Blouse</b></u><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQt0Quai5nXufz_r1GcxRPTTIGj-9QY82G7Z-iOPucMOF132-q_kySwglsiZO4CbLfStsa2nQkjSE_r87QcNLtiYxaFPg58QpndTglXcwgG7hu-2XnHzicnSN3k6JiZzq2v37tUZPhFCQ/s1600/2015-01-17+07.26.47.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQt0Quai5nXufz_r1GcxRPTTIGj-9QY82G7Z-iOPucMOF132-q_kySwglsiZO4CbLfStsa2nQkjSE_r87QcNLtiYxaFPg58QpndTglXcwgG7hu-2XnHzicnSN3k6JiZzq2v37tUZPhFCQ/s1600/2015-01-17+07.26.47.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I adore this top. The black lace detailing at the top is beautiful. It's... it's perfection! <br />
<br />
Fyi, I requested this top on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/stephaniemoats/stitch-fix-inspiration/">Pinterest Board</a>.
I squealed when I saw that my stylist had seen that and had sent me
this top in my box. In my experience, I've found that Stitch Fix
stylists are pretty good at selecting pieces that are similar to my
Pinterest board, so make sure you have one if you're subscribed to this
service.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT. <br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>4. Jordanne A-line Skirt</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7wLM6dbVs48Wtj-kquXUQFuSXhSsJqD3SF2IC2Y2jKgFgY3khSFJF0qcjG85ifGMdHQs6WHtHevGfJFT7oyY3ZJCLnMC-mcjx-wTtepZ9UCqIpsJRB2Wyv61Xcc3opLS9Z3oMmkRICE/s1600/2015-01-17+07.28.32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7wLM6dbVs48Wtj-kquXUQFuSXhSsJqD3SF2IC2Y2jKgFgY3khSFJF0qcjG85ifGMdHQs6WHtHevGfJFT7oyY3ZJCLnMC-mcjx-wTtepZ9UCqIpsJRB2Wyv61Xcc3opLS9Z3oMmkRICE/s1600/2015-01-17+07.28.32.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
A-line
skirts are so flattering for my body type. When I peaked at my box
before it arrived, I thought I was going to get a grey colored skirt
since most Stitch Fix reviews had that color. Imagine my surprise when I
found out it was dark green!<br />
<br />
And you know what? I LOVE
the different color. It's still conservative and work appropriate, but
it also brings a pop of color into my otherwise grey and black work
wardrobe.<br />
<br />
And best of all, it's lined and comfortable. <br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT.<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>5. Rebekah Contrast Detail Blazer</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQsRitTQX2csS9_Tg6xzPYL194bJqOnwvGW4FrkVTdt697PdwDH0YI6sSmLRZ25RQoycYPw3z-Yq7PU3-xqe-d0oqlJSTWBm-A-GgRpZjTemBitWwoqw_jgFhyphenhyphen9bgUfgrBpYMARBvKcQ/s1600/2015-01-17+07.30.42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQsRitTQX2csS9_Tg6xzPYL194bJqOnwvGW4FrkVTdt697PdwDH0YI6sSmLRZ25RQoycYPw3z-Yq7PU3-xqe-d0oqlJSTWBm-A-GgRpZjTemBitWwoqw_jgFhyphenhyphen9bgUfgrBpYMARBvKcQ/s1600/2015-01-17+07.30.42.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Last
but not least, Stitch Fix sent me a blazer! I forgot to take a picture
of the inside, but the lining has polka dots which, in my opinion, are
adorable. However, the most amazing part of this blazer is that the
sleeves aren't too long. They're the perfect bracelet length that allows
me to show off my watch.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Conclusion </b></u><br />
<br />
This was yet another box where I bought all five pieces. Stitch Fix is killing it!<br />
<br />
I
immediately cut off the tags of three of the pieces (the blazer, white
blouse, and skirt), and the other two were definitely pieces I like and
will wear. While it's unfortunate that the dolman top in this box
doesn't quite flatter my short stature without being tucked in, I've
learned a lesson that longer tops may not be the best tops for me.<br />
<br />
Do you agree with my decisions? Do you also subscribe to Stitch Fix? Let me know!<br />
<br />
(Also, if you're curious about trying Stitch Fix, here is my <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3536845">referral link</a>).<br />
<br />
<u><b>Extra</b></u><br />
<br />
I couldn't resist, but the pumps I was wearing with my jeans are my new favorite shoes:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuM-_SSiwOycMycqkRp8gntDoGikO1aXK1yT_cFg0WCNa_PmVs3a7ikhM2cWzJPWCYgsEposgmevYRXX8n7dXT14MBXl3IiUpRG4efSV2MDnbBor5MSbU2C1PkXxmfB0-maEPqVEDFHI/s1600/2015-01-17+07.46.22.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuM-_SSiwOycMycqkRp8gntDoGikO1aXK1yT_cFg0WCNa_PmVs3a7ikhM2cWzJPWCYgsEposgmevYRXX8n7dXT14MBXl3IiUpRG4efSV2MDnbBor5MSbU2C1PkXxmfB0-maEPqVEDFHI/s1600/2015-01-17+07.46.22.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I
bought them on sale at Lord and Taylor over the winter break, and these
are the first shoes I have owned where I feel like a million bucks when
I wear them. They're suede and color blocked in navy and cobalt blue.
I'm kind of in love with them.<br />
<br />
Dear god, I'm such a girl...<br />
<br />
Anyhow,
to end this post, I end with a photo bomb. My cat is the queen at photo
bombing, and let's be honest... she's way cuter than I am. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaNiR0MbDk0RGoX2fFuZvyB71oMWHy7lqUR28X6iJcqKDi5lmpBvL_5p_1F6wUXN8u6F3vTeiCgQK2a331qYSGhbs1B8svaBeiyfxDSRj7QeDZQRkEUOt642NLPrziBwPJ0-W9U3jlT8/s1600/2015-01-17+07.46.17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaNiR0MbDk0RGoX2fFuZvyB71oMWHy7lqUR28X6iJcqKDi5lmpBvL_5p_1F6wUXN8u6F3vTeiCgQK2a331qYSGhbs1B8svaBeiyfxDSRj7QeDZQRkEUOt642NLPrziBwPJ0-W9U3jlT8/s1600/2015-01-17+07.46.17.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Meow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-12852526441711196352014-12-06T19:42:00.000-08:002015-01-17T21:21:22.046-08:00December 2014 Stitch FixThis past week, I received my monthly Stitch Fix box!<br />
<br />
For those of you who don't know, Stitch Fix is a service that sends you 5 items of clothing and/or accessories picked out by a stylist. I started this service because (1) I can't style myself; (2) I hate shopping; and (3) I'm clueless about dressing professionally.<br />
<br />
Stitch Fix costs about $20 a month, although that's applied to the cost of the clothing item(s) you choose to keep. You get a 25% total discount if you keep the whole box. For more information, see <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/faq#general-information">Stitch Fix's general information</a>.<br />
<br />
Ever since I switched to law, I realized that I was hopeless when it came to dressing professionally. I came from a science background: my parents were scientists, my friends were scientists, and my role models were scientists. In science, dressing professionally meant you wore jeans with no holes in them.<br />
<br />
Law was a whole new ball game.<br />
<br />
Thus, my obsession with Stitch Fix was born.<br />
<br />
So, without further ado, let's see what they sent me this month!<br />
<br />
<u><b>1. Jago Short Sleeve Studded Sweater Dress</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDtWZTR-fhOf4SYj2mlmvI07IAyuN7KxhXXoi2BPVhN3iDRpk_XoAucGNsR5EPWTHhFOK7RETf-95RAMbrM99KPMSK8-kdFZ_uHap_0Zdr3cHLrZP6ANOR-eTqNBtFjdjGXYPYoNC_DA/s1600/2014-12-06+07.34.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDtWZTR-fhOf4SYj2mlmvI07IAyuN7KxhXXoi2BPVhN3iDRpk_XoAucGNsR5EPWTHhFOK7RETf-95RAMbrM99KPMSK8-kdFZ_uHap_0Zdr3cHLrZP6ANOR-eTqNBtFjdjGXYPYoNC_DA/s1600/2014-12-06+07.34.31.jpg" height="640" width="425" /> </a></div>
<br />
This navy blue sweater dress is very comfortable. It has small studs throughout that add a little sparkle, which I think will be perfect for holiday parties. The top also has some nice subtle cutout detailing. Also, although this dress is a sweater dress, it's not especially warm or thick, which means I could probably wear it in any season. Overall, because of the comfort, I love this dress. <br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<b><u>2. Elaine 3/4 Pleat Waist Dress</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbm6GZqClL8bFjIIvnpI3m99sKeqYCmd5aRHvaEaRSxtqe1bgIwkvIWQINxZTzvsxOgIu0odTL6TV4Wyy8XqXeNMBgxaivWGF5i11uB6IJz07g1lS9YdYxLQkMv4Prfm6BPHJhrDhCew/s1600/2014-12-06+07.37.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbm6GZqClL8bFjIIvnpI3m99sKeqYCmd5aRHvaEaRSxtqe1bgIwkvIWQINxZTzvsxOgIu0odTL6TV4Wyy8XqXeNMBgxaivWGF5i11uB6IJz07g1lS9YdYxLQkMv4Prfm6BPHJhrDhCew/s1600/2014-12-06+07.37.28.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This burgundy dress is really flattering for my body type. I love the cinched in waist, and the color is gorgeous for this time of year. And... it has pockets! This dress is also great for both work (throw on a blazer!) and after-work hours. The only bummer with this dress is that the zipper was broken. :( I'm actually holding the dress together in the picture, ha ha! Luckily, my mother knows how to fix zippers.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT.<br />
<br />
<u><b>3. McQue Solid Lace Sleeve Blouse</b></u><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmg3B3m2mGicWAP3qTyiUf9Gj2o55KtnBp0_zdWakQ5GsqNSyrWQJsvg8CUvZ0cZhEyAyrBJP1gqZfvq5653E8hWag21yL8Q2CshzPhnMtL5aJKxOsJzoIFzxt03cqxkhTocgytKg4cE/s1600/2014-12-06+07.10.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmg3B3m2mGicWAP3qTyiUf9Gj2o55KtnBp0_zdWakQ5GsqNSyrWQJsvg8CUvZ0cZhEyAyrBJP1gqZfvq5653E8hWag21yL8Q2CshzPhnMtL5aJKxOsJzoIFzxt03cqxkhTocgytKg4cE/s1600/2014-12-06+07.10.26.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casual, with jeans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcEsr5EEzD6nSFJNr574Xo__U-eU0Lcby20v1MdzZL-gv15YQ7htxUxF6AhJJq9nd20uWbr0YWqnNssP_QxXbpI8aavtZGZKRzcJ5k2mPeKoIvGGcXuBSiV6sf4HdaTrIQJKrlExfb6Y/s1600/2014-12-06+07.29.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcEsr5EEzD6nSFJNr574Xo__U-eU0Lcby20v1MdzZL-gv15YQ7htxUxF6AhJJq9nd20uWbr0YWqnNssP_QxXbpI8aavtZGZKRzcJ5k2mPeKoIvGGcXuBSiV6sf4HdaTrIQJKrlExfb6Y/s1600/2014-12-06+07.29.32.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Business Casual</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQETDTzaOm3g_houxwuB9gNR0cqlixki8BzqqVU_K61NfKzgGbA_4XYLS4EAAdTFVAqsrTwGEbZkCxXNH8m_TGZlG7uHgZpjQosKzC7c0xZkRNjrTrwGPg8gbz0VVhjSWIQ1i4ZJdDxY4/s1600/2014-12-06+07.29.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQETDTzaOm3g_houxwuB9gNR0cqlixki8BzqqVU_K61NfKzgGbA_4XYLS4EAAdTFVAqsrTwGEbZkCxXNH8m_TGZlG7uHgZpjQosKzC7c0xZkRNjrTrwGPg8gbz0VVhjSWIQ1i4ZJdDxY4/s1600/2014-12-06+07.29.47.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of lace sleeves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I pinned this top, and boy do I love it! It's navy blue (a color I love), fits wonderfully, and has lace sleeves! Lace sleeves! I wore this last night on a date with Phil.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT.<br />
<br />
<b><u>4. Bethany Lace Bib Half-Button Blouse</u></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLCaUS7_88VumjI7q0eFOjF9oAGIj6l4PjOE0U6N3sBzJYEIPfFzjIA4DYN9UgeJ_7E3aXuARuvohk0N4rQVjF4nfJUsAFNBV-86vQLglzSPrY8u2rcAvu5OeLVh50PU2bi8d0aEkGEI/s1600/2014-12-06+07.11.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLCaUS7_88VumjI7q0eFOjF9oAGIj6l4PjOE0U6N3sBzJYEIPfFzjIA4DYN9UgeJ_7E3aXuARuvohk0N4rQVjF4nfJUsAFNBV-86vQLglzSPrY8u2rcAvu5OeLVh50PU2bi8d0aEkGEI/s1600/2014-12-06+07.11.59.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casual</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1D7vqycIFX9TE0vemZ_nzdpNYtlH_ZVj8XNWdJkBIWd7ZXug727cNbu1YPSmRGDdZr6inOzGbBJVHss0Qap6k1AuDRFQ-QC0zBqSlEprR3TrzLpFgpJ5RxKIBSvUwviLtuDyPqNVYH0/s1600/2014-12-06+07.25.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1D7vqycIFX9TE0vemZ_nzdpNYtlH_ZVj8XNWdJkBIWd7ZXug727cNbu1YPSmRGDdZr6inOzGbBJVHss0Qap6k1AuDRFQ-QC0zBqSlEprR3TrzLpFgpJ5RxKIBSvUwviLtuDyPqNVYH0/s1600/2014-12-06+07.25.14.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Business Casual</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM6d8uKzdS2HjfZiR-BZKgfB1HRpKoS6Vrp2z2rvkgi_5ROKKA3jMWgstvs2zXAm_pEjXWcN20gb2IlVQ7r6E44oLh1HohNwWXSaWhy72jpLnuybPlMz3K6Gv4QWm0B4ou4vuq7o52m4/s1600/2014-12-06+07.12.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM6d8uKzdS2HjfZiR-BZKgfB1HRpKoS6Vrp2z2rvkgi_5ROKKA3jMWgstvs2zXAm_pEjXWcN20gb2IlVQ7r6E44oLh1HohNwWXSaWhy72jpLnuybPlMz3K6Gv4QWm0B4ou4vuq7o52m4/s1600/2014-12-06+07.12.37.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lace detailing on back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not going to lie, when I first pulled this out of the box, I thought "grandma shirt." But the special thing about Stitch Fix is that you have to try everything on before passing judgment. I ended up really liking this shirt. I think it's better suited for work attire than casual, although I'll have to figure out how to disguise my bra straps better before I'm comfortable wearing it in a formal environment. I love the color (so versatile and crisp!) and how it's just <i>slightly</i> see through. I think luxury when I wear this shirt. <br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing the blouse with the navy pencil skirt (and matching blazer, of course!) for my oral argument on Monday.<br />
<br />
Verdict: KEPT.<br />
<br />
<u><b>5. Ivy Feather Print Blouse</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixd5a3ZbSys0o_NFL3A-MVhfrK_mWQWQSWKpG2zHVZAuueP-T8gUrTiPlK7_YwMn1SDxijlZ-EeUO18Wlyf_VeqMs5kuDzZd8NAUBwfJDlGCylIAvW__YpHukHz8p0lHeCNLl6SXgOP5Y/s1600/2014-12-06+07.13.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixd5a3ZbSys0o_NFL3A-MVhfrK_mWQWQSWKpG2zHVZAuueP-T8gUrTiPlK7_YwMn1SDxijlZ-EeUO18Wlyf_VeqMs5kuDzZd8NAUBwfJDlGCylIAvW__YpHukHz8p0lHeCNLl6SXgOP5Y/s1600/2014-12-06+07.13.45.jpg" height="640" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And last but not least, this shirt was also one that I didn't think favorably of when I pulled it out. The feather print made me think that this shirt was "so San Francisco," in that it reminded me of hippies in the 70's. However, when I put it on, I liked it as well. It's a comfortable and flowy shirt, although a bit oversized, and deep down I'm a sucker for anything with birds. (I used to have a big birdfeeder at my old apartment in Tucson, and I kind of miss it). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, I'm attracted to this shirt <i>because</i> it reminds me of San Francisco. I'll be working at a firm in San Francisco this summer, so it'll be nice to have something fun to wear while I'm there!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Verdict: KEPT. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, yup... I kept the WHOLE BOX! My stylist knocked it out of the park on this one. I got a bunch of pieces that I love and are great for both work and weekend wear. What more could a girl ask for? Thanks Stitch Fix!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What do you think? Are there pieces you disagree with me on? Also, if you're interested in Stitch Fix, here's my referral link to give it a try!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3536845">Referral</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10499034024855365401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-83406593208703940142013-07-22T15:09:00.002-07:002015-02-11T13:05:39.694-08:00Money, Superstition, and Vaccines<i>It was a place of death.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>It was a place where women went to die for their sins.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>It started with a fever in the maternity wards. That fever was
accompanied by severe headaches, nausea, and bilious vomiting. The back,
hips, and pelvic area were wracked with pain. Defecation was
immediate and uncontrolled. Urination painful. Women's bellies
swelled to enormous sizes.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>After the fever ran for a
few days, the disease acquired a more putrid form. Death was quick and painful. At the time, it was the single most common form
of maternal mortality.</i><br />
<br />
It is now very rare
to die from this infection. Prevention was rather simple. The single
most important factor for preventing this disease? Doctors in the maternity ward needed to <i>wash their hands</i> before examining patients.<br />
<br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">
But in the 1800's, they refused to wash them. European
doctors and clergy were convinced that childbed fever was God's
punishment to women for the act of childbirth. They didn't want to think
of themselves as "dirty", even when some medical professionals like </span>Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis desperately pointed out that using antiseptic soap reduced the number of deaths by a whopping 90%.<br />
<br />
This
fever, consequently, has been forever dubbed "The Doctor's Plague".
Their adamant refusal of a truth they did not want to accept caused
countless, needless deaths.<br />
<br />
And now, in modern times, this scenario can happen again. Unfortunately, the sufferers will be our children.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Cq8CrY-jzxmxTgaZGWLXgzkUf40NizMeFSdlseXCdnJyZZSrvJn3qIq3eY676R64GrBoHcYTWuSDpPWaA3kltpjd2fDJ_ts-GHvtanzcdwauvg9w5RuhUf-3hxADuk7JYIazoo7hIoCF/s1600/Streptococcus_pyogenes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Cq8CrY-jzxmxTgaZGWLXgzkUf40NizMeFSdlseXCdnJyZZSrvJn3qIq3eY676R64GrBoHcYTWuSDpPWaA3kltpjd2fDJ_ts-GHvtanzcdwauvg9w5RuhUf-3hxADuk7JYIazoo7hIoCF/s400/Streptococcus_pyogenes.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cause of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerperal_fever">Puerperal fever</a>, aka childbed fever or "The Doctor's Plague".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There
is a movement underfoot - a movement to reject modern science. You know
them as the anti-vacciners. This movement is considered crazy and on the fringes of rational
thought. It is not supported by science. And the people heading this movement? They rely on emotional appeal and deliberate misrepresentation
of data. They do not possess medical degrees. They do not have studies
of their own. Why go to all this trouble?<br />
<br />
Because, I suspect, they want to sell you something.<br />
<br />
They
want to sell you unregulated drugs. They want to sell you books that sell because they're scandalous. They want to sell you the idea that waving a quartz
crystal over your head will cure your cancer better than chemotherapy
would. They want to take advantage of you when the doctors give you a
realistic evaluation of your health, and you lie in bed at night
trembling in fear. In doing so, they can make a very comfortable
living. Furthermore, to protect their profits, they need to make the
public distrust the very people who can expose them as the frauds they
are. <br />
<br />
There comes a point when we all need to champion
scientific reason and advancement, no matter if we are scientists or
not. There comes a point when we need to expose those who make
fraudulent claims and make baseless assertions about subjects they know
nothing about. We need to correct our friends and family. We need to
have this conversation with as many people as possible.<br />
<br />
We need to have this conversation <i>now</i>.<br />
<br />
We
are in a Golden Age, and life in the present has been the best it ever
has been. Science can do truly wonderful things. It saves countless
lives every day. Imagine how many lives it can save tomorrow. Imagine,
if superstition wins, how many lives will be needlessly, painfully lost.
Perhaps we'll return to the kind of thinking where death is
rationalized because people deserve God's punishment. <br />
<br />
In the moment we shut our eyes to science, we no longer deserve to reap its rewards.<br />
<br />
And that, my friends, is not a place you want to be.Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-74031357199480319692013-07-10T16:48:00.002-07:002013-07-10T16:48:27.218-07:00Experimenting With Almond Flour<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4lVTWoRZRKC_OSrbUzJ3a6CTvOFXUeaZNtFwhP49olffQBoWwUm5l6_d-AJ9wgtkrIWem9o2ilGUgoO4QktBlFC-mn-vKF8hrtEputb4lwHdhpcsb5DSQWoeZfI5d4zbJKL58syvx4MT/s1600/almond-flour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4lVTWoRZRKC_OSrbUzJ3a6CTvOFXUeaZNtFwhP49olffQBoWwUm5l6_d-AJ9wgtkrIWem9o2ilGUgoO4QktBlFC-mn-vKF8hrtEputb4lwHdhpcsb5DSQWoeZfI5d4zbJKL58syvx4MT/s400/almond-flour.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almond flour... photo shamelessly stolen from http://www.elanaspantry.com/why-almond-flour. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hello people...<br />
<br />
So... it's been a while since my last post. Yup, I got really behind. And busy. As much as I like blogging, school always comes first.<br />
<br />
And boy, have there been changes. Since my last post, I passed my prelims, defended my Master's Thesis, and applied to law school. <br />
<br />
Because of this, the focus of my blog has now changed from being about astronomy to something more casual. I can post whatever the heck I want now, and that's more than ok with me. I've decided to hijack this blog to post cat photos, food photos, and other things I'm generally too embarrassed to post on facebook.<br />
I mean, as much as I like my cats, I'm not overly fond as being known as a crazy cat lady.<br />
<br />
So... the first thing I want to talk about is almond flour. I bought some from Trader Joe's a while back on a whim. I baked some things with it, but now that I'm slated to move soon, I wanted to use it up. I shopped around on <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephaniemoats/boards/">Pinterest</a> and found some easy recipes that I already had the ingredients for.<br />
<br />
Now, a bit of warning. I am a newbie at cooking.<br />
<br />
And I'm not very good at it.<br />
<br />
As a high school student, I wanted nothing to do with such a "feminine" activity (you know, something about breaking out of gender roles). Now that I realize that health comes from learning how to cook, I've since reassessed my previous attitude towards cooking. However, that means I have a lot of lost time to make up for, ha ha!<br />
<br />
So the first thing I made was almond flour crackers. Here's what they looked like:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSyW4nLH-AS5Rn_8PGFy38EDJTy0lRWZ_Bx7Vwxjnw7LROaoSZZz_c9K2w2QlyYJFCC1HFsit4Ix2qiDltKu_CRnZkdZB-lgKUZ3Li126bKkw5vGyKtG1jJMxdk2HJtpUPU8Wz8RisoaK/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSyW4nLH-AS5Rn_8PGFy38EDJTy0lRWZ_Bx7Vwxjnw7LROaoSZZz_c9K2w2QlyYJFCC1HFsit4Ix2qiDltKu_CRnZkdZB-lgKUZ3Li126bKkw5vGyKtG1jJMxdk2HJtpUPU8Wz8RisoaK/s400/IMG_1226.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very own crackers! Yay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They were so easy to make! The recipe I followed is <a href="http://thesimpleveganista.blogspot.com/2012/10/rosemary-almond-crackers.html">here</a>, but I decided to use herbs I had on hand (thyme, basil, and garlic). They go great with almost anything because they have a delicate taste (if not a little nutty, but I love that!). You can put any sort of cheese or meat on them. I've put raw tomato paste on them with a drizzle of pepper.<br />
<br />
Don't ask why I like pure tomato paste. I just do.<br />
<br />
Next, I made some <a href="http://bombshellblueprint.com/2012/05/easy-almond-flour-bread-gluten-free/">almond bread</a>. However... I had a much larger pan than the recipe called for, so my bread came out weird looking (and not at ALL like how the pic in the recipe looks, ha ha!). No matter, it still tastes delicious!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGchBZoNETbSA_JDrvmikgdoj7V1OtsA6m4d8497-ghAnjXSLjrjCvLXzFk5RJp6wZoauGOPhb_lZSjSV6WSz2ESnGMoKTqKK4fhR9EJIR9LP6W3n83clWINlscbayyx0GzD2M12bJ7XhA/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGchBZoNETbSA_JDrvmikgdoj7V1OtsA6m4d8497-ghAnjXSLjrjCvLXzFk5RJp6wZoauGOPhb_lZSjSV6WSz2ESnGMoKTqKK4fhR9EJIR9LP6W3n83clWINlscbayyx0GzD2M12bJ7XhA/s400/IMG_1222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> My weirdo bread. I just eat it like a muffin... and just like a bran muffin, these things clean out your colon.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bread is so think and filling, I think of it more like a bran muffin than anything else. It's nutty, slightly sweet, and buttery (although no butter was used in making it). I did make some <a href="http://www.thelazydaisykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/12/blackberry-butter.html">blackberry butter</a> to use as a spread, which was absolutely delicious! Although, how can you go wrong with butter, honey, and blackberries? <br />
<br />
So yup! Those two recipes depleted my store of almond flour. Both taste delicious and were very easy and quick to make. I think I spent more time on clean up than on actual cooking, which is great for a lazy cook like me!<br />
<br />
Finally, I just wanted to say that these recipes are great for people cutting out gluten. I personally don't care about going gluten-free (I've never had any medical problems from eating wheat), but these recipes tasted good on their own merits. So... people with gluten sensitivities... feel free to try these! Maybe yours will turn out better looking than mine, ha ha!<br />
<br />
<br />Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-79209856442983471632012-02-11T22:33:00.000-08:002013-06-01T00:45:17.453-07:00Reason for Disapearance...Hello all,<br />
<br />
I was terribly bad at updating my blog posts... not a post since Christmas. But I assure you, I was busy. I was busy doing this... And also studying for that test thing.... called the prelim or something like that. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBCLZ3fHFAKByHR_viP3-xLhRzAzpcfddj1mJXNXDjsYJl1A7QSWAX74oCFKU8fbfy79DSocx9Ua7QB1xVKK7cqlOahfWln1X1R_gj7-8uKfntbvJBwPltyoVLUg4H976tX24pfjobuYo/s1600/395371_895264316045_7401118_39755925_551652174_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBCLZ3fHFAKByHR_viP3-xLhRzAzpcfddj1mJXNXDjsYJl1A7QSWAX74oCFKU8fbfy79DSocx9Ua7QB1xVKK7cqlOahfWln1X1R_gj7-8uKfntbvJBwPltyoVLUg4H976tX24pfjobuYo/s400/395371_895264316045_7401118_39755925_551652174_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardly working... I mean, hard at work. Yeah.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-16112917576989199062012-02-11T22:07:00.000-08:002013-05-31T14:42:35.197-07:00Merging Black Holes Pt. 3: Simulating RelativityThis is the third installment of the merging black holes posts (if you're just coming in, I suggest you read the intro post). This part will focus on some of the numerical techniques used to simulate black hole mergers. So, if you've ever been interested in how people actually simulate relativity, and what are the current limitations/problems we face, then read on! If not, well, this may be particularly boring for you, ha ha! Just skip the text and look at the pretty pictures (psst... it's what I do most of the time). Just know that when it comes to black holes, especially coalescing binary black holes, numerical relativity is complicated... much like a 12 year old girl's love life. <br />
<br />
Bad joke. Anyway, moving on...<br />
<br />
Black hole dynamics can be described reasonably well for most of its orbit. For example, analytic post-Newtonian expansions can simulate the early inspiral phase, and black hole perturbation methods can treat the late ringdown phase. However, sophisticated computational techniques are required for the late inspiral and merger phases, where, unfortunately (or fortunately?) gravitational waves are at their highest amplitudes.<br />
<br />
There are three major hurtles in simulating these highly relativistic systems, which are:<br />
<br />
1. <b>Scale:</b> The gravitational field is incredibly large around the black holes, but gravitational waves themselves are only small perturbations in the gravitational field. Simulations that cover the entire dynamic range from itty bitty waves to huge spacetime warping are extremely hard to write. In addition, simulations cannot deal with singularities themselves, which, unfortunately, is what black holes <i>are</i>. So it makes it challenging to find a numerical technique that can ignore those regions while still simulating their effects.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Non-linearity:</b> Einstein’s equations are non-linear. This means that an element of chaos is introduced into the system. In a chaotic system, vastly different outcomes will occur from similar initial conditions - this is simply what results from non-linear equations of motion. Therefore, if the initial conditions are not exactly right, the black hole merger may display vastly different characteristics than it would in reality.<br />
<br />
3. <b>Wonky spacetime:</b> current computational models need to decompose Einstein’s equations of General Relativity into equations computers can handle. Einstein’s equations very elegantly combine space and time into one quantity: spacetime. Unfortunately, computers decide to poop out on us. Why? To simulate a system that starts at a specific initial time, computational solutions demand that space and time have to be separated - to be decoupled. There is a way, however, to work around this. Einstein’s equations can be re-written using the 3+1 decomposition technique. In this technique, the equations are split up into two sets. One set describes the gravitational field at all points within a specific time, and the other set then evolves the gravitational field in time. In this way, once the initial conditions have been set, the code can evolve the merger.<br />
<br />
Briefly, there are a couple of different numerical techniques that I know of that work around all these problems: finite difference mesh, spectral or pseudo-spectral, and adaptive mesh refinement. Finite difference involves equally spaced grids along the system. The partial differential equations are solved in the middle of each grid, and then extrapolated across the boundary. The picture below is an example of this kind of technique.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqa2qcKZhJZhZuUnd4gZ5xLoq9BWRahfZI8kP0-Romm84YWMOp-Udi4bvL0tle8hyphenhyphenKV8Rqb8qEDJ_lsqbGAM-6ST_l_VyT94bIgmE18beYuolhERWu0UA5S4cfXZ5KyUlW3UyYrdMVcpc/s1600/black_hole_feeding_440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqa2qcKZhJZhZuUnd4gZ5xLoq9BWRahfZI8kP0-Romm84YWMOp-Udi4bvL0tle8hyphenhyphenKV8Rqb8qEDJ_lsqbGAM-6ST_l_VyT94bIgmE18beYuolhERWu0UA5S4cfXZ5KyUlW3UyYrdMVcpc/s400/black_hole_feeding_440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grid spacing in this rendition is constant, which is the hallmark of a finite difference simulation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The spectral and pseudo-spectral techniques expand the differential equations in a Fourier series, and the terms that pop out are used as the basis states of the simulation. This simplifies spatial and time derivatives, but also requires the extra step of actually Fourier transforming the field variables.<br />
<br />
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed;">
The last technique (adaptive mesh refinement), uses grids that change size in order to make the simulation more computationally efficient. The simulation essentially determines the number of grid points needed at a specific point in the domain such that the simulation can guarantee accuracy and efficiency. It can also change grid shape or orientation as needed. This can be particularly useful for General Relativity, which is the description of how space becomes warped in the presence of matter (in a gravitational field). This technique is the most commonly used one, although to simulate the full range of the merger, still higher level techniques must be developed.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cuk5LwglO6ZKKo2RPYQFJqdzHQY6BvEKNrBVyzHjWPh1g-4mJSXtLSMlxqy1yer9Zo-Z2eZq14I5lDs-kLdRTL6WUmEZSfiPMNxI-Z6gLLgQcYzZUb5eqOCf8t79WFcgATjwGp9fKqhx/s1600/simp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cuk5LwglO6ZKKo2RPYQFJqdzHQY6BvEKNrBVyzHjWPh1g-4mJSXtLSMlxqy1yer9Zo-Z2eZq14I5lDs-kLdRTL6WUmEZSfiPMNxI-Z6gLLgQcYzZUb5eqOCf8t79WFcgATjwGp9fKqhx/s400/simp.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, the Simpsons got it right! Notice how the grid spacing changes size near the singularity. This is why it's called adaptive mesh refinement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: red; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It should be noted that</span><span style="font-size: small;"> adding all spacial
dimensions or throwing away symmetry arguments developed instabilities after
only short integration times!</span></div>
<br />
Next time, I'll talk about what happens when these simulations are implemented. There was a surprise when black holes merged, recoil, which is strictly a consequence of Relativity (and thus reinforces my conviction that Relativity is just plain weird). Stay tuned for more weird black hole fun... I promise to write about it in a timely fashion this time.Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-62423934160048170722011-12-25T11:56:00.000-08:002011-12-25T11:59:59.281-08:00Merry Christmas!<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Many
years ago on this day, an amazing child was born. This child forever
changed the way we understood the world, and his ideas opened up an unprecedented era of enlightenment and discovery. </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> Happy birthday, Isaac Newton! </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">* Thank you, Sam Collopy, for pointing this out. *</span> </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span></h6>Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-19569862315346716622011-12-20T10:51:00.000-08:002013-05-31T14:42:04.997-07:00Merging Black Holes Pt. 2: Ripples in Spacetime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryqN6dyUmJg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
The above Youtube video shows a merging event generating gravitational waves. Now, this video shows two merging white dwarfs, but two merging black holes will do the same thing - only on a much larger scale. It seems crazy to think that this sort of event happens in the universe, but is currently invisible to us. However, in the coming years, that should change.<br />
<br />
Gravitational waves are a hot topic in modern astrophysics. They are analogous to most waves, such as water waves or electromagnetic waves (light), except that they are ripples on the background curvature of spacetime itself. <br />
<br />
So, what's the big deal with gravitational waves, aside from the fact that they're a cool physics buzzword?<br />
<br />
Well, the most exciting prospect of gravitational waves is their potential in the study of different astrophysical phenomena. For most of astronomy, electromagnetic radiation has been the sole source of probing the universe (or, photons for short... it's amazing what we can learn from light rays). Electromagnetic radiation comes from the superposition of (mostly) randomly oriented photons being emitted or absorbed from electrons, atoms, or molecules. Gravitational waves, on the other hand, are generated most strongly from large bulk motions of mass. And, even more incredibly, gravitational waves are not dampened by intervening matter. As a result, the detection of gravitational waves should open an entirely new area of astrophysics previously unseen. Perhaps, like the advent of infrared and radio astronomy, gravitational wave astronomy will usher in a new era of unprecedented scientific discovery and advancement.<br />
<br />
Interferometers like the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) are currently the most promising ways to detect gravitational waves. Simply put, like most interferometers, a laser is shot at a beamsplitter, which splits the laser beam into two directions (usually perpendicular to each other). These beams hit mirrors, and are then reflected back to a detector, where they are recombined. *Note: I have simplified the process quite dramatically - I have never been very good with instrumentation, so I'm not going to try to go into any specifics.*<br />
<br />
(Is it bad that I can't ever say laser without thinking of Dr. Evil's "laser")?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzjThIrl4nwmVl3sxWFmTBt8ySF0BBgp29BURxutVynYjHyleg2CtGOvz1BSKSh620jSdAk8pM4ImRc-I-rrI-olLFhVJnjUodRPpHBScpR9YkQh_6C8sFh0ZbIsAglNvI7HgMCiJyiDT/s1600/inter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzjThIrl4nwmVl3sxWFmTBt8ySF0BBgp29BURxutVynYjHyleg2CtGOvz1BSKSh620jSdAk8pM4ImRc-I-rrI-olLFhVJnjUodRPpHBScpR9YkQh_6C8sFh0ZbIsAglNvI7HgMCiJyiDT/s320/inter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very simple interferometer design, except for gravitational wave detectors, the movable mirror would not be moved by anything other than gravitational waves. The screen has a great example of what fringe patterns look like.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime itself, a gravitational wave passing through a point in space causes the gravitational field to increase or decrease in magnitude. As a result, if a gravitational wave hits one of the mirrors, the oscillation in gravitational strength should shift the mirror back and forth. This causes the path length for one of the mirrors to deviate from the original value, so that when the beams are later recombined at the detector, the observed fringe patterns should change in accordance with the mirror oscillations. These fringe patterns can then be used to deduce the strength of the passing gravitational wave. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3oeXFCfi7gkhICvTS-uEz0yHdQqCasCsUDqEIE_JJXHySMZ66NkN6BOJV00fs074taRIxwfC4HucJrGTAb7PnuTbqTlSfBLnzjiRrxn1q2p0JMlkL1UYEDtIs1FVi3uLlT5V6VtfHGzP/s1600/grav_waves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3oeXFCfi7gkhICvTS-uEz0yHdQqCasCsUDqEIE_JJXHySMZ66NkN6BOJV00fs074taRIxwfC4HucJrGTAb7PnuTbqTlSfBLnzjiRrxn1q2p0JMlkL1UYEDtIs1FVi3uLlT5V6VtfHGzP/s320/grav_waves.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gravitational wave schematic. The top portion shows the three phases of coalescence: the quasi-circular inspiral phase, the plunge and merger, and the ringdown. The bottom portion shows the amplitude of the emitted gravitational waves that correspond to the above merger process. (Image credit: Baumgarte and Shapiro 2011).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Black hole mergers, incidentally, are especially interesting in the study of gravitational waves. This is because gravitational waves are theorized to carry away most of the angular momentum and energy from these systems, which causes the merging black holes to coalesce. The above figure (that I scanned, sorry for the poor quality, ha ha!) shows a schematic of the phases of a black hole merger, and how those phases relate to gravitational wave strength. The top portion shows a cartoon of the merger, including the early quasi-circular inspiral phase, the plunge and merger phase, and the final ringdown stage. The bottom part shows the wave amplitude (or, strength) versus time. For two black holes approaching each other in the early inspiral phase, the emission of gravitational radiation causes the orbits to circularize and decay. Gravitational waves at this point will be at relatively low levels. But during the late inspiral phase, when the binary is in tight, circular orbits, and during the actual merger, gravitational waves should be at their strongest. This is where LIGO and LISA will be able to detect gravitational waves.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, even though the very early and late stages of coalescence has been simulated fairly easily, the actual late inspiral and merging phases are not as simple. For that part of the merger, post-Newtonian and perturbation methods break down. Therefore, providing templates for the signatures of merging black holes requires advancements in numerical relativity, which will push computational techniques to their limits. <br />
<br />
For more info, please see:<br />
Abramovici, A. et. al 1992, Science, Vol. 256, pp. 325-333<br />
Baumgarte, T. W. & Shapiro, S. L. 2011, Physics Today, Vol. 64 No. 10, pp. 32-3<br />
Berti, E., Cardoso, V. & Will, C. M. 2006, Phys. Rev., 73, 6Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-66762127346310554852011-12-12T12:57:00.000-08:002013-05-31T14:42:20.416-07:00Merging Black Holes Pt. 1: An IntroductionThere are monsters in the night sky. If you were unfortunate enough to pass by one, there would be nothing to stop the inexorable pull toward destruction. But for such behemoths, you wouldn't be able to see them. You could see the effects of their hunger (if they happened to be hungry) in bright, energetic X-rays. But that's all. That's all you could see of one of the mysteries of astrophysics today - supermassive black holes.<br />
<br />
However, funny enough, these monsters may see and remember you. According to Stephen Hawking, black holes can dissipate, because the huge gravitational field may occasionally pop out particles (it's all about E=mc<sup>2</sup>, where energy is converted to mass). Over time, as more and more particles are ejected from the black hole, the mass that originally fed the black hole will once again return to the universe, making the black hole no more. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIep4OQO55JRrBXPmS3I7SvY8kWHL8heAizUyV4aqcK-qwbou7hINDKkf72VFfEEmWjLePnxShZImaJdy-P7ER5oVRs35sM4D78MRFbukztlKEUBHnuVzuhUs8zfR0XOz0ZGqUZgkjl6BB/s1600/backward-black-holes-100602-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIep4OQO55JRrBXPmS3I7SvY8kWHL8heAizUyV4aqcK-qwbou7hINDKkf72VFfEEmWjLePnxShZImaJdy-P7ER5oVRs35sM4D78MRFbukztlKEUBHnuVzuhUs8zfR0XOz0ZGqUZgkjl6BB/s400/backward-black-holes-100602-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist rendition of a black hole. All images stolen shamlessly from the internet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Massive black holes are everywhere in the universe, yet their formation is still largely unknown. Cosmological models suggest that massive black holes form from the mergers of smaller seed black holes, but can we reproduce this behaviour in simulations? Do these simulations generate surprises about relativity we previously didn't know about? In the next 5 posts, I'll discuss recent simulations of black hole mergers, some of the main techniques used for handling computational relativity, and possible observational signatures of these merging monster systems. Oh, and spoiler alert - there will be a surprise from these simulations, which suggests that there are some things about General Relativity that can continue to surprise us. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGHo_1DjJc2UbmcNFBAN9VlzykPWDkS-QUUFf2K1bnrVYVdHMjn6Vf6CvWSWP9C52K5eG3uPYkXg-a5x_nLhx7k583YPkVzCyYksTHgTC_SUnzUlhzdwpZM-57yUSWqHpPNSRO8JJeAoE/s1600/black_hole_feeding_440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGHo_1DjJc2UbmcNFBAN9VlzykPWDkS-QUUFf2K1bnrVYVdHMjn6Vf6CvWSWP9C52K5eG3uPYkXg-a5x_nLhx7k583YPkVzCyYksTHgTC_SUnzUlhzdwpZM-57yUSWqHpPNSRO8JJeAoE/s320/black_hole_feeding_440.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding black hole.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Black holes are relatively simple objects compared to most physical systems. They are described by analytic solutions to Einstein's equations of General Relativity, and depend on only three parameters: charge, mass, and spin. For most astrophysical black holes, the description is further simplified because the charge is usually set to zero. This happens because in the accretion disk, the charged, ionized material rearranges itself to neutralize the black hole charge at large scales. More specifically, the gas is treated as having infinite conductivity and is therefore able to support infinite currents. These currents are generated from charge imbalances and move charges in such a way as to cancel charge imbalances, thus causing the whole system to neutralize.<br />
<br />
Black holes also span a ridiculously large range of masses, from the predicted tiny holes from string theory to supermassive holes as large as some small galaxies. However, it is still unclear how supermassive black holes are formed. Population III stars are thought to be one of the most likely sources of the first seed black holes. These stars are the theorized first generation of stars, and consequently form from the primordial gas of pure hydrogen. A consequence of this is that the gas is unable to fragment during the formation process, meaning that these stars are extremely massive and live fairly short lives. It is predicted that the stars with masses of 25 and 140 times the mass of our sun formed the first seed black holes.<br />
<br />
However, there is a problem with this scenario. This problem arises in the growth of these smaller seed black holes to the supermassive black holes seen today. If black hole growth proceeds purely by accretion, a liberal estimate of a growth timescale can be computed if the black hole accretes at the Eddington rate. If it is assumed that Population III stars form 100 solar mass seed black holes, then it would take roughly 0.8 Gyrs (or 800 million years) of continuous, uninterrupted accretion to form a black hole of 1 billion times the mass of our sun. But, according to observations, quasars at a redshift of z=6 have been observed. This means that massive black holes must have been in place when the Universe was only about 1 Gyr (1 billion years) old. This means that given even the best estimates for black hole growth, black holes would have had to start accretion in the universe's infancy. Therefore, there must be another mechanism that increases the black hole mass rather quickly.<br />
<br />
The current cosmological understanding is that large black holes must then grow bottom up, where small seed black holes merge to form successively larger black holes. In this way, the formation of supermassive black holes can proceed at the quick pace observations seem to imply. But how common are black hole mergers? And if they did merge, do we know if they'll act the way we think they'll act? <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWI8wYgUXKL_c-l8oI000cBTzFOJAv91hwywgaftGLuwaHs36f4PS-usL38Kh3USh7qvoRld214E8fQc9rttNyiz7Z3aVosDjz_H2w9DG8KWyMQ9_6F5nlyj_I1GVH5S3rl_4Cg-rwYjh/s1600/quasar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWI8wYgUXKL_c-l8oI000cBTzFOJAv91hwywgaftGLuwaHs36f4PS-usL38Kh3USh7qvoRld214E8fQc9rttNyiz7Z3aVosDjz_H2w9DG8KWyMQ9_6F5nlyj_I1GVH5S3rl_4Cg-rwYjh/s320/quasar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rendition of a quasar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In addition to the growth rate of black hole formation, supermassive black hole formation scenarios must also provide explanations for their role in galactic evolution. It is undeniable that large black hole formation is a common occurrence, since they reside in the vast majority of galaxies (in particular bulge galaxies). They are also known to be the source of quasars and active galactic nuclei. To date, though, the interaction between black hole formation and their environments are only just being explored.<br />
<br />
But, even though this field is in it's infancy, it seems like a promising avenue to study how the universe works in conditions wholly alien to us - to push the boundaries of the physics we know into the physics of the unknown. <br />
<br />
* Note * This is just a compilation of knowledge I have read from people who actually do this kind of research. I haven't included references in the proper style for fear that someone may use this as a paper. But, I don't feel right about not acknowledging the people who provided us with this knowledge. If you are interested in this subject, please please please look at these sources! <br />
<br />
Baumgarte, T. W. & Shapiro, S. L. 2011, Physics Today, Vol. 64 No. 10, pp. 32-37<br />
<br />
Carroll, B. W. & Ostlie, D. A. 2007, An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics: 2nd ed., Pearson Education Inc.<br />
<br />
Fan, X. et. al 2001, AJ, 121, 54-65<br />
<br />
Madau, P. & Rees, M. J. 2001, ApJ, 551, L27-L30<br />
<br />
Madau, P. & Quataert, E. 2004, ApJ, 606, L17-L20<br />
<br />
Volonteri, M. 2010, Astron. Astrophys. Rev., 18, 279-315<br />
This is a really good review paper on black holes, by the way! <br />
<br />Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-49911134254392361182011-11-14T20:26:00.001-08:002011-11-14T20:44:20.803-08:00Grad School Lesson #1Well, I feel like a jerk. I wrote a post about how much schoolwork we grad students get, but then we get a week off of homework. Dang.<br />
<br />
So, now I've decided to keep a running, improvised set of lessons from grad school. Perhaps these tidbits will be useful to you. Or... perhaps not. But, for the sake of knowledge, my first lesson is:<br />
<br />
<b>Lunchables are made for children, and do not make a good meal substitute. </b><br />
<br />
I was hungry the entire day, and the sugar from the dang thing put me in a very silly mood. Case in point: this picture made me laugh for way longer than it should have....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtmDnr2MzqrAZXngdfKFfe0Z0xMS-AVwdLWtd0EMpQ8-7sGoHzPsbOCYEOoN4xHvcp7lYCiKnwQcgj2LVgqL26Y-GwHbFwzc-RXtnRvhc8QWAXBrkiWgdjjYwJNUUK7Pe7tiLK9-YsAe1/s1600/320066_309006332462160_205344452828349_1184440_90350830_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtmDnr2MzqrAZXngdfKFfe0Z0xMS-AVwdLWtd0EMpQ8-7sGoHzPsbOCYEOoN4xHvcp7lYCiKnwQcgj2LVgqL26Y-GwHbFwzc-RXtnRvhc8QWAXBrkiWgdjjYwJNUUK7Pe7tiLK9-YsAe1/s320/320066_309006332462160_205344452828349_1184440_90350830_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hmmm... I really should have wolfed down some caffeine, just to see the awesomeness that would have ensued. But, alas, I didn't, and I spent the rest of the day giggling in my office. I wonder what my office mates thought about that...<br />
<br />
<b>Also, do not touch other people's erasers.</b><br />
<br />
Don't even do this by accident. Some grad students are very territorial about this. Even if it's not <i>their</i> erasers.<br />
<br />
Until next time, happy computing. I'll be kicking my computer in anticipation of the next post. :)<br />
<br />Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-53674211247808976612011-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-25T00:00:38.740-07:00Advisor Meeting AnalogI'm pretty sure this is how most advisor meetings go.Thanks to Ryan Shea for finding this. Hopefully he won't find out that I shamelessly stole this from him on facebook.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pQHX-SjgQvQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-8203507121544790352011-09-25T20:58:00.000-07:002011-09-25T21:04:41.212-07:00The World Is BeautifulThis past week was a bit stressful. I felt like I was running around doing things, but not really accomplishing anything. Things happened that were out of my control. <br />
<br />
Sometimes it's hard to let these things go.<br />
<br />
Sometimes it's hard to keep going through grad school, because I realize how little I know. Sometimes I get caught up with trying to be the best, when the "best" is some ficticious concept we all made up.<br />
<br />
I remember when, as an adolescent, I picked up a telescope and stared at the wonders of the sky. I felt pretty good about myself. Then I went through high school and college and got into a great grad school. University of Arizona is the $#&%. Everybody is intelligent. Everybody is passionate. Compared to these people, I felt at best average. Suddenly, being good wasn't... well... good enough. I wanted to be best. It wasn't enough to pick up a telescope anymore and have fun.<br />
<br />
Ah... the shackles I imprison myself in!<br />
<br />
So, this morning (while procrastinating on starting on some homework), I was surfing through some youtube videos. I stumbled on one made by the amazing photographer Terje Sorgjerd. I don't know if everyone has already seen this video, but I think it's breathtakingly beautiful. It reminds me that the world is beautiful and that it's more than made-up definitions of success. But enough of me, I'll let you decide for yourself (only, I highly recommend you go full screen on this one).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/Rk6_hdRtJOE/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rk6_hdRtJOE&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="620" height="512" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rk6_hdRtJOE&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-86547959903958653582011-09-13T16:44:00.000-07:002011-09-13T16:44:22.213-07:00AGN Activity Increased by Galaxy Mergers?Sometimes I forget the amazing things we take as given. Some months ago, a friend of mine asked if scientists had ever figured out if black holes exist. I replied by saying:<br />
<br />
"Well, DUH! Of course they exist! They exist at the centers of every known galaxy. That's something everybody knows, right?".<br />
<br />
If you really think about it, though, black holes, and their existence, are astounding. They are so astounding, in fact, that the man who predicted their existence was convinced they were too weird to exist in nature. That man was Albert Einstein.<br />
<br />
Today, it's pretty conclusive that black holes are ubiquitous throughout the universe. They range in size from about the mass of our sun to gargantuan masses of billions of times as large (although there
seems to be a curious deficiency in intermediate mass black holes - which would
connect the smaller, stellar mass ones with the supermassive ones at
galactic centers).<br />
<br />
Establishing that black holes do exist, and are quite common, I'm going to go further and say that astronomers have seen two main types - those that are actively accreting gas, and those that lie dormant. Our Milky Way's black hole is a dormant type, and the ones currently feeding are called AGNs (Active Galactic Nuclei).The pretty picture below (stolen shamelessly from somewhere on the internet), shows a representation of an AGN.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJ-DTOir97pTkfEW5yQp-5BHl3GjovnA4bdT4PkVl8XrpomXz457NpzoLDeAzDuIab334gWk8qdZYNmZm-oYL3pscH4It-37saYxHyvqf3ri808OQH2r1vaWczcb-pid96aMNeiCwa02z/s1600/agn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJ-DTOir97pTkfEW5yQp-5BHl3GjovnA4bdT4PkVl8XrpomXz457NpzoLDeAzDuIab334gWk8qdZYNmZm-oYL3pscH4It-37saYxHyvqf3ri808OQH2r1vaWczcb-pid96aMNeiCwa02z/s320/agn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Though there are different types of AGNs, they all are thought to stem from one physical model (more or less, there are still fights about specifics). In short, the rotating supermassive black hole is surrounded by a heated accretion disk. The continuum radiation from the infall of gas into the black hole photoionizes the surrounding gas, which creates emission lines we can see on Earth. In addition, a large disk of clumpy, optically thick clouds (or, clouds too thick to see through in some wavelengths, mainly optical in this case) surround the accretion disk, which can obscure some AGNs if the AGN is oriented in such a way that the clouds are between us and the black hole. Some AGNs also host twin collimated jets. These outflows emerge in opposite directions from the central black hole, and travel at velocities close to the speed of light. Heated bubbles from these jets can reach massive sizes, and how these jets impact galactic evolution (for it seems very likely they must have some effect), is not well known. <br />
<br />
This all brings me to a paper I presented at Science Coffee last Thursday: <a href="http://arxiv.org/abs/1109.1292">The Impact of Galaxy Interactions on AGN Activity in zCOSMOS</a> by Silverman et al. This study looked at pairs of interacting galaxies using Chandra X-ray data and the spectroscopic redshifts from zCOSMOS. The main point of this study was to see if galaxy mergers could increase the chances of AGN activity. The main thought is that if a gas-rich galaxy began the process of merging, the gas transferred from that galaxy could provide the fuel to feed the supermassive black hole.<br />
<br />
Previous studies have been inconclusive about the effect of galaxy mergers on the probability of AGN activity. These studies (well, the ones mentioned) used Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations to detect AGN activity, and they tended to conclude that they saw no significant increase in AGNs with merging galaxies. However, Hubble observes in optical wavelengths. Because of this, the thick clouds around the accretion disk could hide AGN activity, depending on the orientation of the galaxy. In an effort to get a more complete sample of AGNs, this new study uses X-rays from Chandra to detect AGNs, which are able to pass through the clouds. <br />
<br />
To determine if galaxies in their survey sample were interacting, the authors looked at interacting pairs of galaxies between 0.25<z<1.05, distances of less than 75 kpc apart, and velocity differences of less than 500 km/s. This, of course, does not include galaxies that have already merged. The figure below shows some of their interacting pairs. The left panels show Chandra X-ray data (AGN detections), and the right panels show HST images. The red crosses denote AGNs, and the yellow crosses denote centers of normal galaxies. (Sorry this is so small. This is the largest size I can get on the blog).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dGms-PWEDGxw7vVlwYeo5Ip88LNcIPD3Dk0vMNdhOIOepwcEv9oBlTdtHQGQpXpMKvBYVp3udfd2MiCIvKm4XHy3mgHVeoGwkv_-TfZJHz6X0AeTu3eaU3GCVjthlvm8Kgdn7ghmQu7R/s1600/agn_data.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dGms-PWEDGxw7vVlwYeo5Ip88LNcIPD3Dk0vMNdhOIOepwcEv9oBlTdtHQGQpXpMKvBYVp3udfd2MiCIvKm4XHy3mgHVeoGwkv_-TfZJHz6X0AeTu3eaU3GCVjthlvm8Kgdn7ghmQu7R/s400/agn_data.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<br />
They found that AGN activity was more common for interacting systems by about a factor of 2 over AGN activity in galaxies not interacting. In addition, for just the interacting pairs, they found a higher fraction of AGNs for lower physical separations and lower velocity differences. This seems to support the idea that more closely interacting galaxies were more likely to host an AGN. They even found a slight increase in AGN probability for interacting galaxies that were more comparable in size (though their sample was not statistically large enough to make that a very strong conclusion).<br />
<br />
I think this study does make a point that galaxy mergers may have an effect on the probability of a galaxy hosting an AGN. How big is that effect? I don't know. Like the authors, I do agree that galaxy mergers can't be a dominant factor in deciding if a galaxy is active or not (about 80% of the AGN sample were in galaxies not interacting). However, they do seem more likely to spur AGN activity, and because of that, shouldn't be discounted entirely. <br />
<br />Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-80232546085499879132011-09-06T19:49:00.000-07:002011-09-06T20:32:58.267-07:00Montage!Hello all! I realize that I've been on a doom and gloom mood as far as blog posts go. My life could be much worse right now - I could, in fact, have been forced to TA. For those of you who do, I give you full permission to slap me across the face whenever I complain about <i>anything</i>.<br />
<br />
I'm not kidding about this. <br />
<br />
I am actually in quite a good mood right now, despite the fact that SExtractor doesn't work consistently for all my survey images. Overall, I'd say this semester is going much better than last year. I've only cried a couple of times so far (just kidding... mostly) :) .<br />
<br />
In celebration of this, and because I'm a pro at procrastinating, I give you two montages. Montages are always fun. These particular ones are stellar-centric, because I'm supposed to be doing work for my Stars and Accretion class right now. My homework guilt has convinced me that if these videos are related, I'm doing something productive... Anyway, less words, more show!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZL7VBmeFxY&feature=channel_video_title" target="_blank">Life of a Star: 12 Billion Years in 6 Minutes</a><br />
Sorry, this video won't embed. Just click on the title. It'll link you to the youtube video.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLbZ4u6-AA0&feature=channel_video_title" target="_blank">Sol Invictus</a><br />
This video has some annoying text over some of the images, but I still enjoy it. If you know me on facebook, you'll have seen this before. So deal with it!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FLbZ4u6-AA0" width="420"></iframe>Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-89421004694928647932011-08-31T20:16:00.000-07:002015-02-11T13:10:20.641-08:00The Future of Astronomy?Let me start off by saying that I had a really, really bad day. <br />
<br />
I started off by making a major mistake. After I made sure my program was still chugging along, I surfed the web for current outlooks on the astronomy job market. Yes, I'm an f-ing genius. It was, as so many post docs say, positively depressing. Too many PhDs, too little money, too little opportunities... etc.<br />
<br />
Post docs spend the majority of their time stressing about the number of papers they publish. It's considered that any less than 1-2 papers a year is a death sentence for getting a faculty job, no matter how good their papers may be. Despite what most people say, in astronomy, quantity trumps quality.<br />
<br />
Then, in a quirky twist of fate, I went to Science Coffee, where we briefly discussed a paper on applying economic principles to astronomy. The gist of the paper was about how the scientific community could gauge the "value" of a theory (though I assume this applies to most research projects in general). The value of a theory could be determined by such factors as growth rate in the field, number of faculty jobs, number of cited papers, etc. With this in mind, appropriate projects could be pursued, and grant money would be allocated to the projects deemed most valuable. Now, this paper in and of itself may not have much lasting impact. Most people in the room kind of snickered at it or dismissed it entirely, but it made me angry. <br />
<br />
No. It made me really, really angry.<br />
<br />
My idealized, rose-colored vision of how astronomy functions is quickly diminishing, and this paper is a symptom of it. With all this focus on publication rates, it's no wonder arXiv papers have become so boring. Nobody can tell me why their research is important, because nobody wants to do a risky project. Nobody wants to do a project that will take longer than 1-2 years to complete. That could impact publication rates! No, it's much better to choose a safe, non-threatening project that can be done will minimal effort. Plus, if it's safe, it's much easier to get that research grant approved. <br />
<br />
This, in my opinion, has only one effect. It breeds conservatism and stagnation within the field.<br />
<br />
Once upon a time, I thought scientists were the heroic people who did science for the love of science. In reality, scientists are forced to do science for the publications. I understand that research will always be impacted by what money-granting institution thinks is in vogue, but that's no reason to buy into it entirely. Yes, some major discoveries were intentional, but the vast majority of major discoveries came by accident. If we all knew where to look, don't you think we would have done it already?<br />
<br />
Discoveries are built upon surprises and the unexplained. They are built upon innovation, creativity, and a healthy heap of luck. How can you put a number of publications on that? How do you define if this risk is good or bad?<br />
<br />
I was once told that the hard work science demanded was rewarded when you got to be the first person in the world to understand something. Think about that feeling for a second. I wonder how much it happens anymore. <br />
<br />
A part of me understands that astronomy is a field in contraction. The competition is so fierce for so few academic job openings, that nobody will dare go against the status quo. That would be career suicide. But some part of me wistfully thinks back to Agent Fox Mulder of the X-Files, who always pushed his wild theories because he knew he was onto something. It didn't matter what the people around him said, or how much he jeopardized his career. He was going to try and collect the proof he needed. <br />
<br />
Corny, I know, but I think the spirit of it is beautiful. <br />
<br />
<br />Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7204958884866531687.post-69079830975652955612011-08-24T11:03:00.000-07:002011-08-24T11:51:59.607-07:00Why Intrinsic Ability Does Not MatterI'll let you in on a secret. <br />
<br />
I am not naturally good at math. I am not naturally intelligent. If you were to put me on a distribution of general "smartness", I would be smack dab in the middle. <br />
<br />
This is not easy for me to say. <br />
<br />
In third grade, I remember being tested for the Gifted Program, which was just a group dedicated to teaching the best and brightest kids at an accelerated rate. Though I scored extremely high on the reading portion, I tested <i>two grades</i> below on mathematics. Needless to say, I did not get in.<br />
<br />
I remember when I was told of my deficiency in math. At that time, I didn't want to be a scientist. I didn't want to be anything. To tell you the truth, I would have been perfectly happy to spend all my days reading. But, for some reason, my lack of mathematical ability <i>bothered</i> me. It truly, truly made me upset - not at the teachers, but at myself. So I went home and told my mother that I had to learn the subject, and that I would be willing to devote my entire summer to it if I had to. <br />
<br />
I kept true to my word.<br />
<br />
In high school, I consistently scored perfectly on anything written or literature based. I always scored consistently lower on math. It was a great source of shame for me, because by that time, I knew I wanted to go into science. What scientist isn't good at math? I knew that if I didn't understand math, the framework for how the universe works fundamentally, then my understanding of how the world works would be severely impaired. So I kept trying, and enrolled in the highest level math classes I could. By the time I graduated high school, I had taken two years of Calculus. Not shabby for someone who used to be two grades behind. <br />
<br />
My friends at the time told me they admired my natural math ability. They said they couldn't ever do math because they weren't wired for it. They claimed people had to be born with the ability, because it couldn't be taught. I tried to tell them how wrong they were. <br />
<br />
I now have a minor in Mathematics. I have more training in math than most people in the world. The thing is, I'm not naturally "wired" to do it. I just did it.<br />
<br />
Now, I don't want to claim that intrinsic ability doesn't matter at all. It does. I will always have to work twice as hard to learn concepts or complete research. I positively suck at programming. I probably won't ever stand a chance getting a job in academia, because truly talented people work just as hard as I do. But you know what? I've made my peace with that. I went into a hard field because I like it and because I needed to at least try.<br />
<br />
There comes a time in most people's lives when they realize that life isn't fair. Some people are born with it all - whether it be beauty, intelligence, charisma, or all these things. I don't know what separated me from my old friends, the ones who were content to throw their hands up in the air. I don't know why I was spurred into action, when so many people around me passively accepted their "inabilities". I don't know why knowledge, for it's own sake, was so important to me, but not necessarily to others. I usually give up pretty easily, to tell you the truth. Today, I could learn a lot from my younger self. <br />
<br />
I don't know if there's a point to this, other than nothing should hamper your ability to learn. Don't believe for a second that anything is above your understanding - not math, not physics, not anything. Don't let other people make up your mind for you. It all comes down to what skills you actively pursue. <br />
<br />
And though it may be above my level to be the best scientist, I can certainly become a good one. That counts for something. Stephanie Johanna Moatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876695395679840561noreply@blogger.com4