Getting “Hallmark Ready”… continued

Last week we established that if I’m going to do this, I might as well go all in and do this right! Which means I need to be Hallmark-movie-moment ready, including dressing the part (see previous post).

As discussed, my New York City closet of black, black, and more black needs an infusion of Hallmark, which boils down to the following:

1. The perfect coat for every occasion
2. The perfect party dress
3. The perfect pair of “everyday” jeans
4. A great pair of boots to go with those jeans
5. A summer dress (or, in the fall, blouses/ sweaters) that incorporate a pop of color.

Since I’m not a professional stylist (at all!), I called upon Stitch Fix and Trunk Club to come to my rescue. Ladies (and gentlemen, because you can Stitch Fix and Trunk Club too), this was so much fun!

My first Stitch Fix Box arrived in an adorably branded box wrapped neatly in tissue paper. Ripping the packing tape off of the box was truly like I gave myself a present, including the surprise of not knowing what I was getting. I began by unwrapping a jewelry box, revealing a gold bangle bracelet, which is totally on point for my style these days, as I’ve begun to embrace gold again after a silver phase.

Impressed with the accessory, I dove into the stack of wrapped clothes and was delighted to discover four more items. In addition to the bracelet, I received a pair of skinny jeans and three tops. The clothes were from brands I’ve not heard of before, including jeans by KUT from the Kloth that fit like a glove. Was definitely keeping those, so we can check #3, jeans, off the Hallmark wardrobe list from above, as well as a solid start on #5, blouses with a pop of color – all thanks to Stitch Fix!

Included in the box is a style card that recommends two outfit pairings per piece.  I found this really helpful, and when morning arrived, I excitedly paired my new jeans with a green Daniel Rainn top, also from my Stitch Fix box, as recommended by the stylist. The one shirt I didn’t keep, I threw in the prepaid return envelope and dropped it off in the mail. Super easy, and I never had to enter a single store!

Although Trunk Club will also style you via the web, I indulged and did my first appointment in-person at Trunk Club’s NYC location on Madison Avenue. There are six cities that have a physical Clubhouse location: NYC, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, LA, and DC, and if you live in or near one of these cities and want to spoil yourself . . . go!

Trunk Club is the opposite of the reasonable Stitch Fix price point, where Trunk Club clothes are all well-known brand names from big fashion houses. I try to embrace my budget, but every once in a while a girl has to splurge on herself. Upon entering the Clubhouse, I felt like I had stepped into the lap of luxury, and I never wanted to leave. Beautifully furnished living rooms sponsored by various designers double as your personal fitting room. In your private living room, your personal stylist asks you a set of questions about what you are looking for and then disappears for ten minutes only to return with a rack of gorgeous clothes, shoes, and bags to try. (Maybe this is what the wardrobe trailer on a Hallmark movie set feels like, I wondered to myself.)

A Hallmark leading lady always needs a perfect coat for every occasion, and I can now check the perfect leather jacket off my wardrobe list, thanks to my Trunk Club stylist. Full disclose, it is black; however, even Hallmark leading ladies wear black when it’s the perfect item.

Now that I’ve met my Trunk Club stylist, she will pack my trunk from now on as often as I choose and mail me ten items to try on from the comfort of my home. I only pay for what I purchase and will send the rest back. I can also return again in person as the mood strikes, get alterations on the items for free, or email to ask for help for special occasions like my upcoming Hallmark Real Life moments.

Did I mention there is a bar with free drinks while you shop? Yep, it’s awesome.

Basically I felt like I was living in a movie and am excited that this Hallmark journey got me out of my shell to try two awesome wardrobe adventures. I am well on my way to having the perfect outfit for my Hallmark adventures and in time will add a great pair of boots and a party dress to my closet.

I think I’ll even wear one of my new outfits as I begin living out my real-life version of The Nine Lives of Christmas. . . . Check back to watch that story unfold.