What could be better than having a stylist curate clothing and it arrive on your doorstep each month? By now chances are you may have heard of Stitch Fix, a personal styling service – a busy mom’s dream come true. A friend recommended I give it a try after using successfully.
As much as I love fashion and clothing, I’m not a fan of shopping. The thought of entering a department store and aimlessly walking each floor in search of the perfect item gives me anxiety. I do much better at local boutiques and shops like Anthropologie, LOFT, H&M, J Crew, etc. My shopping preference is online which works well for shoes and accessories but clothing is tricky when I’m unable to try on. Many times purchases are returned.
My best shopping experiences have been with my personal stylist. She knows my body type and what looks good on me. I show up, the dressing room is filled with pre-selected items. Stitch Fix is a similar concept but doesn’t require leaving the house.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnzSzumnKAQ[/youtube]
How does it work?
Shoppers complete a relatively simple online profile confirming size, shape, style, budget, and lifestyle. It takes about 10 minutes to complete. So far so good…
After selecting a shipment date, Stitch Fix sends you a box of 5 clothing and accessory items they’ve hand-picked “just for you”. Each item includes style cards with ideas and inspiration on how to wear it. Like this…
Not sure you want to commit every month? You can opt to schedule a monthly delivery if you’d like or skip a month. Of course you can unsubscribe at any time.
You pay a $20 styling fee that is applied as a credit toward anything you keep from your shipment. The items you don’t like are returned in a pre-paid shipping envelope.
Easy, right?
I was so excited when my box arrive the first month but after trying on each item, the only thing I kept was a pair of Loren Hope Sophia Stud earrings for $36. The other items were shipped back. Still excited, I decided to go for month two.
The second box arrived and this time was a total miss. Every shirt was sleeveless, boxy and completely unflattering. Confused by the items, I went back to my profile to be sure I had completed appropriately. Yup, all was good. I had stated that I preferred to keep my arms covered and to show off my cleavage. Nothing in that box resembled anything on my profile.
Stitch Fix fail #2.
Three times a charm? Giving the stylist the benefit of the doubt I emailed customer service and shared my experience and concerns. Providing links to other bloggers who had reviewed their service and received amazing pieces as an example of my style. I even updated my style profile. Customer service was very responsive, fingers crossed that would help.
This week box #3 arrived and again – big fat fail. Total bummer.
To their defense I’m not the easiest person to shop for. I tend to fluctuate between sizes depending on the designer and cut. Sometimes I’m a medium, sometimes a small. Sometimes a 6, sometimes an 8.
However, going back to my style profile it’s obvious they are not referencing when selecting clothing.
How do you prefer clothes to fit the top half of your body? Preferred fitted, showing my body
So why do they continue to send boxy blouses that are not fitted each month??
What do you like to flaunt? What would you rather keep covered? Arms – Less is more, keep it covered
The first two boxes included sleeveless tops and a weird sleeveless dress. Ugh.
Are you looking to incorporate more of the styles below into your wardrobe? Casual Chic, Edgy, Glamorous
There was nothing edgy or glamorous in any of these boxes. Somewhat chic but definitely more classic.
Unfortunately Stitch Fix is not for me. As much as I wanted to LOVE it and the $20 styling fee is nominal, my personality and body type is better served using a stylist that can see me face to face and knows me personally. In my opinion you get what you pay for.
Stitch Fix Recommendations:
- Request a full body photo in the online profile. Allow the stylist to see who they are actually styling.
- Pay attention to customer profiles. If someone asks not to show their arms don’t send sleeveless shirts or dresses.
It’s important to know that your box of 5 items will not be an ensemble that can be worn together. Each piece is to be paired with something you own – hence the styling cards. If your ”fashion” weakness is coordinating outfits then Stitch Fix will not solve your problem.
If you do decide try out the service after reading my review, here’s a referral code https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3329449. I will receive $25 credit.
What’s in my box?
Kensie Adelyn Abstract Print Drawstring Waist Dress: $68.00
Leota Hilde Geo Print Faux Wrap Dress: $128.00
Just Black Adora Skinny Jeans: $88.00
Under Skies Pamplona Abstract Floral Tab-Sleeve Blouse: $58.00
Have you tried Stitch Fix or a similar service? What was your experience?
Be sure to check out my Stitch Fix video review!
UGH. That’s disappointing. I’ve been tempted to try stitch fix, but I’m also a tough person to “fit”. (I’m tall and like you, fluctuate between a 4 and an 8 depending on the designer.) Not too sure if I’ll try it. (I’ve also had another friend share photos on Facebook and she wasn’t all too thrilled with it either.)
I know it’s such a great concept and the $20 is reasonable. It seems their team could be really young or they just don’t refer to the online profiles.
I signed up a few weeks ago. Can’t wait to get my first box!
I’ve received 4 fixes and kept one item (earrings from the first) from each. I have a similar body type as you. I’m 5′ 2 1/2″ with an hourglass figure. Typically I get items that are just not that flattering to my body type – lots of billowy tops or fitted ones but made from the jersey type fabric – not crazy about that. Sometimes the “smalls” are too tight across the bust but a medium most often is too boxy and hides my best asset – my waist. I think I’m done with SF. It was fun and helpful in getting me out of a rut fashion wise but it seems geared to an “average” body type – if there is one! Also, since I think I probably do a better job choosing clothing that flatters my figure, I can get better “deals” shopping department store sales. Thanks for sharing your honest assessment.
Sounds like you had the same experience as me Melanie! I’m done with SF too and sticking with my personal stylist who knows me and my stylist. There’s a reason they call it a “personal” stylist. Online is just too difficult.