Stitch Fix #4 Review

StitchFix clothes always look so pretty coming out of the package!

It's been awhile, but I decided to give Stitch Fix a go again, and I'm so happy that I did! I've gotten a few questions from friends curious about giving the service a shot, so I thought it was a good time to get my thoughts down.

This was my fourth Stitch Fix delivery, and as many reviewers say, I feel like my items have gotten better over time as I've provided feedback regarding what I do and don't like. My first two Fixes, I kept one item each time. My third Fix, which was right before our honeymoon, I kept three things, including a pair of jeans that I wear almost every day. And I'm in the process of making a decision on this current one...

Some of the basics to know: 
You pay $20 for a delivery that typically has 5 different items selected for you by one of the StitchFix stylists, usually a combination of tops, pants, skirts, dresses, and accessories, depending on what preferences you indicate in your profile. You try everything on, and then decide what you want to keep, and send back the rest in the mailer bag they provide. StitchFix charge your card for the remaining amount, and also provide space for you to give feedback on the items you didn't keep. They include a pricing sheet so that you can decide based on the cost of each item. There is a 25% discount if you keep all five items. You can sign up for whatever frequency of deliveries that you'd like, from monthly or bi-monthly to just ordering on occasion, which is what I've typically done.

A few things I've learned along the way:

Update your style profile often. Your style profile is the primary thing that the stylists look at when they are deciding what to send you and the more specific you are, the better. Size preferences, your preferred price points, items to send/not send, color and print preferences, business vs. party vs. casual, etc.  

Because I hadn't ordered in awhile, I was sure to update with my current sizes and needs. I also noticed they had some new questions, one of which I was super excited about. Petite sizing!!! I have loved some of the tops that they've sent me in the past, but because I'm a shortie with a short torso, they often looked way too long on me, and so I'd send 'em back. I checked this box, and in my current fix, 3 of the 5 items were sized for petites. Yeah!

Use a Pinterest Board to show what you like. There is an option in the style profile to include a link to a Pinterest board that the stylists can look at to see what types of items you like, and what style trends excite you. I went in and updated my clothing Pinterest board before ordering, and made sure to include current trends I liked, even pinning things directly off of the Stitch Fix boards or from other bloggers reviews. I also cleaned out things that I was no longer really that excited about. My stylist, Libby, noted that she went in and looked at my board, and used it to pull some particular items for me.

Be specific in what you are asking for and in your feedback on items. They tell you this over and over throughout the site - "the more we know about you, the better we can style for you." With each order, I've tried to note specific things I wanted. This time, I noted that I was looking to build back my wardrobe after losing some weight and purging quite a bit of my clothes. I asked for a new pair of jeans, noting that I had loved the last pair they sent me. I also noted that I was looking for some classic pieces, like a black or navy blazer. And they delivered on both! I also try to give very clear details at checkout on why I have returned something they've sent. This was too busy of a print for me. Loved the color on this top, but the cut was off for my body shape. The quality of this item just didn't seem to match the price.

Try stuff on in daylight, and try it all on. So typically my deliveries have come on weekdays, which means I'm often opening them after work when it's dark out. I try stuff on that night, but I've also learned to try everything on again in the morning. Stuff just looks different in daylight. I also try everything on, even if I open the box and see something that I'm instantly iffy about. Sometimes I've been right that something wouldn't work, and other times, I leaned in to the stylist's suggestion and found I really liked something that I never would have picked for myself.

Common questions:

What's the price point? It depends. As I mentioned earlier, you let them know what you'd prefer to spend per item. I usually note "as cheap as possible" for most categories. I'm not at a place where I can spend a lot of money on clothes.

Are there any downsides? Possibly. There is always the chance that you get a Fix that just misses the mark. I had one Fix where I wasn't in love with anything but did keep something just to not lose my $20. But I feel like there is more potential for that at the beginning, and that naturally happens less the more that they get to know you. I have also been sent some items that I liked but felt like were more of a $25 top you might find at Target or Forever 21 than a $40-70 top. Initially I also received quite a few dry-clean only tops, which is just not really my jam. I go to the dry cleaners about once every year and a half. I asked that they send me less of those, and I believe only one of the current tops I received is dry clean only. I do have a Dryel kit now though, which makes it easier to keep up with my dry-clean only tops.     

Want to see what I got this month? Here it is!

Green tab-sleeve blouse from Collective Concepts and Skinny Jeans from Kut from the Kloth

Purple, grey and pink chevron print top from Pixley

Navy, pink and white plaid blouse from Papermoon and Navy Blazer from Kensie

My initial thoughts? This was my best Fix yet, and I'd love to keep the same stylist moving forward. This is the second pair of jeans that I've received that fit perfectly - and we all know how icky shopping for jeans can be. The green top is one of my favorite colors. Despite the fact it is super wrinkled and could spend some quality time with the steamer, I really like the cut and loved that it wasn't too long. Petite sizing for the win! I wasn't sure initially about the print of the chevron top, since I tend to stick to stripes or polka dots, but it fits well and is super comfortable and the print grew on me as I wore it. I also was willing to give the navy and pink plaid top a shot, although it wouldn't be something I ever would have picked up in a store. It looks awesome with the blazer, and would be a great piece for work or going out to dinner. And the blazer was a win all around! And to have all of my tops be the right length, yeah! This is the first time I am debating keeping everything. If I do, I'd basically be getting either the jeans or the blazer for free, with the 25% discount. Plus I have a credit with Stitch Fix, making the cost doable. 

I have until Monday to decide. What do you think? Which item is your favorite?

Want to try Stitch Fix for yourself? Here's my referral link. Full disclosure: If you do order a Fix, I receive a $25 credit. 

  

Third Time is the Charm

This post contains affiliate links.

Last summer, I came across something pretty exciting. A service that shops for you. Yep, Stitch Fix.

You see, I don't really love shopping. While I used to love going to the mall in my younger years, now it feels like kind of a chore. The idea of sorting through racks is just not my thing. I'm much more likely to order clothes online.

So when I found Stitch Fix through the recommendation of a friend, I was eager to try it. For a $20 styling fee, you get 5 items sent to you - clothing or accessories. Based on the style profile that you complete on their site, the stylist does their best to find things that will flatter your body type and match your style. You decide what you want to keep, and then send the rest back. Plus your $20 is credited towards your purchase. Worth a shot.

My first fix was where I found this awesome top which I wore for my engagement photos. I loved it so much. While I got some other things that I didn't love as much, I was still excited to have one thing I was really excited about.

Photo by Lisa Mathewson Photography

Loves it!

I gave the service another shot in December, right before going to a conference. My second Stitch Fix didn't have quite the same amount of success. I kept a magenta sleeveless top that I wear for work, but that wasn't a perfect match. I saw other friends and fellow bloggers finding these amazing outfits via their fixes, and didn't understand why my second one was so far off from my style. In fact, the service seems to have gotten so popular, that they have added staff to meet the demand. I was kind of bummed, and not sure if I was going to try again. 

But I decided to try again, with our upcoming honeymoon in mind. With the start of the school year, there is just no way that I am going to have time to go shopping for anything for our trip. And while I am trying to save money for adventures, my wardrobe could definitely go for a refresh with a new piece or two. The first thing that I did was to go back and edit my profile a bit, per the suggestions of other folks who said to be really specific. The more feedback that you give, the better your fixes become along the way. I asked for pieces that would be good for our honeymoon - layering pieces that wouldn't take up a ton of room in my suitcase, since we are just taking carry ons. I also updated my Pinterest board, and sent that to them too.

My box came last week, and I was pretty excited just upon opening it. There's just something about the way that they wrap the neatly folded clothes that makes it even more special. 

So, I'm going to share some shots of me trying on what I got. Let's not talk about the fact that my hair looks weird from taking clothes on and off, that the lighting is terrible and the shots are blurry, etc. Focus on the outfits. I'll include pictures of the little cards they sent so that you can see some other ways they suggest you style the pieces.

The first thing that I pulled out of the stack was this awesome green top. This color green is one of my favorites. And it was a soft flowy top that was super comfy. I liked the detailing on the sleeves and was just super excited about this one. Except for the price. I just didn't feel like it was worth the cost - almost $70. I knew it had to go back, especially as I looked closer at the seam and noticed that it had a bunch of loose strings. Nope, not today.

I ended up sending it back, although I was really sad to put it in the return bag. In another life, perhaps we will meet again. What I did keep from the outfit above...the awesome jeans that they sent me. Did I need a new pair of jeans? Nope! But when you get a pair of jeans that fit and don't give you a mom butt, you keep em! Love them!

I kind of wish that they sent me the cute striped tank in the picture too!

The next thing that I tried on was this cute white top that I so badly wanted to love. Also flowy and super comfy, it had cute detailing that really made me want to keep it. BUT, it was a size too big. Too long and too wide just doesn't work. However, right before I checked out and was going to send it back, I decided to contact their customer service. While they won't guarantee exchanges, they happened to have the top in a size smaller, and would send it my way. Awesome customer service. Woo! I love you white top!

Here is the card with the styling:

The next item that I tried on was a charcoal gray drape front cardigan. I don't have anything like this, so I was pretty excited about it. It also felt like a high quality piece that I could wear often. This picture doesn't really do it justice - it looks a little weird with the white top that is too big, but it is comfy and wonderful. It is a piece that would get a ton of use on our trip.  

This was another piece that I was debating whether or not to keep. While it is super high quality, the price was a little bit more than I wanted to spend on a cardigan. Or so I thought! Turns out, there was a typo on the price list that they enclosed in the package. When I went to check out and was planning to send it back, it was actually $16 cheaper. Score! So I kept it!

The last thing that I pulled out of the package was a dress that I wasn't so sure about. It was a pretty bold pattern, which isn't necessarily my style. I tried it on, and I was right. Not my style. And also not a good fit. I'll spare you the photo, as it was at least a size too small on the bottom. Cute on someone - just not me.

As a whole, this was a much more positive experience. I didn't anticipate keeping 3 out of 5 things. Allison, the Stitch Fix stylist, definitely did a good job of matching my style and my requests. All of the items were definitely stuff that could be worn throughout our trip and would roll up easily into a suitcase, leaving plenty of room for souvenirs!

While I can't afford to do Stitch Fix every month, I will definitely continue to use the service for different occasions. I think it could be for you too, if:

• You don't have a ton of time, or a ton of interest in shopping.
• You are still figuring out what your personal style is, and could use some help finding direction.
• You enjoy the element of surprise.
• You are willing to give it a shot, knowing that you are going to likely send some stuff back.

Looking around the web, they have a huge array of options - folks aren't all getting the same thing. If you want a whole box of maxi dresses, or one entirely of accessories, they'll do it.

Want to check it out for yourself? Here is a link to their site. When you sign up, I get a $25 credit. Which is always a lovely gift for future Fixes. : )

 

Do you get Stitch Fix? Anything good lately? 

The Great Closet Challenge

Have you ever taken an inventory of all of the clothes in your closet?

I decided to clean mine out this past weekend, and it was a bit frightening. I found two bags of sweaters and tops that have been waiting to go to the dry cleaners. Some of them have been in there for over a year. Fifteen pieces of clothing that need a little tender lovin' care so they can make their way back into the rotation.

This made me want to go through all of my clothes and assess what I am/am not wearing. Long story short, I have a whole lot of clothes. And I certainly don't need any more for some time. I am not a frequent shopper, but when I do buy stuff, I tend to splurge on a bunch of things at once. That may have caused the current situation.

Enter: The Great Closet Challenge!

I am setting a personal challenge to avoid buying any new clothes for an entire calendar year. That's right - a whole year. I am quite confident that I can make 365 combinations with what's hanging in the closet and stuffed in my dresser, even if I am not wearing my favorite thing everyday. At the end of the year, anything that went unworn will have to go. It will make a lovely donation to the Junior League of Milwaukee Grand Garage Sale, a fundraiser that I am happy to support each year.

So starting today, July 22nd, there will be no new jeans, running shorts, cardigans, or tops. And certainly no t-shirts. How does one person accumulate this many t-shirts?!

This challenge also includes accessories - specifically scarves and jewelry. I have more of both than I know what to do with. Nineteen scarves, people. That's just excessive.

There are a few exceptions to this:

Any items specific to Wedding/Honeymoon festivities. I already have my dress, but there may be other items that I am going to need to purchase to go with it - not optional. And I already know that I am going to need to get a rain parka for our honeymoon. So that's a go. I am going to try to pull from my current wardrobe for engagement photos as well, which could get interesting. I may have to make an exception there. Don't worry, I won't go overboard.

Shoes. For a girl who has so many clothes, I actually have very few pairs of shoes. And some of them are looking quite sad. As in, they should probably already be in the trash. So I will allow myself to buy work/casual shoes, within reason.

Gifts. If someone is so kind as to give me a clothing or jewelry gift, I reserve the right to keep it. As any good recipient would do. : )

To keep myself sane, throughout the year I am going to keep a clothing wish list. I think it will be fun to note the things I wish I had throughout the year, and see if I still really want them at the end.

I am also going to take a daily picture to assist me in remembering my outfits and to track what gets worn (and what doesn't). I don't plan to post them here, but will let you know how things are going. I am excited to see how much money that I save and if I can get creative with what I have.

Anyone interested in joining me for this one?

27. Find the perfect pair of jeans

I am not someone who owns a lot of pairs of jeans. I hate shopping for jeans, and will usually give up pretty quickly. I'll find one pair that I like and just wear those over and over. Didn't you know, jeans don't get dirty.

After cleaning out my closet last week, I own exactly 5 pairs:

1. One long dark pair for wearing with heels (which almost never happens). (Gap Long and Leans)
2. One old pair I have kept for when I do service, painting, or other dirty stuff. (American Eagle)
3. One cheap comfy pair for wearing around the house on Saturdays that honestly give me dumpy mom butt when they get too loose. (Target Boyfriend Jeans)
4. One short dark pair that I wear with flats/sandals (Gap 1969s)
5. And my newest pair: My skinnies! (Old Navy Rockstar Skinny)

Last weekend, on our way back from Madison, we stopped at the outlets in Johnson Creek. We ended up spending quite a bit of time in Old Navy, where I tried on anything and everything, but ended up walking out with two things: a black polka dot sleeveless top, and my first pair of skinny jeans. 

It took me awhile to even get up the confidence to try on a pair of skinny jeans. I actually initially was going to have #27 be: Get a pair of skinny jeans, but as a girl with a butt/hips, that didn't seem like something that would be an option for me. Eventually I did decide to try some on, but they were always either way too long that they looked funny, or too loose in the waist/butt but tight in the legs, that they looked totally crazy. Fail.

I ended up trying on a pair of Rockstar Super Skinny jeans, and was pleasantly surprised that the length and fit worked pretty well. The stretch makes a big difference. Chris said that I looked a little bit like a hipster. I was not too concerned about this. 

BTW, I totally wanted this red sleeveless top with horseshoes on it. But I was thinking practically, and went with the black polka dots instead. 

Anyway, I am pretty happy about them and can't wait to get a pair of boots that I can wear with them. Calling these perfect might be a stretch (haha), but I am a fan. I am going to continue looking, but between these and my Gap 1969s, I have two good options. I am hoping to tone up a bit before buying more clothes. Still have to check off #19!

I think I'll check this one off for now. 

Treat Yo Self

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Parks and Recreation. And of course, love the Treat Yo Self episode. No idea what I'm talking about? Watch. This.



I think everyone should have a Treat Yo Self day, at least once a year. I have a long list of things I would like to do on my Treat Yo Self day, but I have yet to actually get it on the calendar. What would I treat myself to? Jewelry. Hands down.

So I was so excited for the opportunity to host a Stella & Dot party with a bunch of friends tonight. Definitely a Treat Yo Self night! It is sure to be a great time to drink wine, laugh, and try on gorgeous jewelry. Can't wait to share pictures.

Here are my current top ten favorite Stella & Dot pieces under $50:

1. Capri Chandelier Earrings - $49 - These also come in turquoise and are just stunning.





2. Bardot Spiral Bangle - $49 - I have this in gold and wear it almost every day. It is the one bracelet that I do not have to take off while typing. I also love the matching earrings!

3. The Ever After Necklace - On sale right now for $47.50 This sweet little necklace is another one that I would wear every day.


4. Serenity Stone Drops - $49 - I got these for Rachel for her graduation present, and they are just gorgeous. I have the smaller size in lapis.


5. The Lindsay Bangle - $49 for the turquoise or the white. This is definitely on my wish list!

 6. Tudor Studs - $39. Ahh, ear candy. : )


















7. Claire Necklace - $49. Jen was kind enough to donate this necklace to our group for a silent auction and raffle. It was a crowd favorite, and would be so cute for work.



















8. Stackable Band Rings (5) - $39. I do not wear a lot of rings myself, but love that these are really cute and delicate.




















9. Carobella Hoops - $39. These earrings look like coral branches, and come in silver, gold, and rose gold. So pretty! They are new this summer, and I think I might just have to get them.

10. Nugget Wrap Bracelet - On Sale for $31.20. I love the look of the stacked bracelets, especially when they mix in leather.

 















So many good things! I have no idea how I am going to decide what to get. But I will find a way to treat myself. : )

Are you missing out on the fun? Check out all of the gorgeous jewelry that Stella & Dot has to offer at Jen's page. Jen is a fantastic independent stylist. You can join our virtual party and treat yourself! (My party is still open if you would like to list me as your hostess).

I cannot wait for the fun tonight. I am also very excited to announce that I have another giveaway coming up. Stay tuned for more details!