Several of my blogger friends have posted about their experiences with Stitch Fix, and I decided 2015 is time to take the fashion plunge! In case you're still fuzzy about the Stitch Fix phenomenon, it's an online service that provides users with personal styling services. So fancy! After Christmas, I felt like it was time to do something nice for myself. I'm usually very hesitant to spend money on myself, especially on clothes, but you know what? I'm turning 30 this year and I'm still wearing clothes I bought during my first year teaching. It's okay to upgrade!
The first step to joining Stitch Fix is filling out a personal Style Profile with information about your age, size and shape, style and modesty preferences, budget, and wardrobe needs. Users can also include information about what clothing, jewelry, and accessory categories to avoid along with any fabrics or materials to leave out. In my profile, I said that I like a healthy mix of pants and dresses, I'd occasionally like to incorporate a few "adventurous" pieces, and that my style is a blend of bohemian, classic, casual, and preppy.
When completing the Style Profile, Stitch Fix users can add a link to a Pinterest profile. After a few Stitch Fix reviews I'd read on various blogs I knew this would help my stylist get a better idea of the kinds of pieces that would be perfect for my wardrobe.
When my Fix arrived, it included a personalized note from my stylist, Alyssa. Per my note, she focused on classic, work appropriate pieces. The note came with suggestions on how to wear the five pieces included in my Fix.
At first glance, the pieces were definitely my style, but hmmm... that's a lot of black.
Alyssa's picks for me were the Renee C Kirkwood Mini Dot Crew Neck Sweater, the 41Hawthorn Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer, the Margaret M Emer High Waisted Cropped Trouser, the 41Hawthorn Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, and the 41Hawthorn Jordanne A-line Skirt. I liked that the pieces seemed really easy to mix and match with each other, and that the styling suggestions Alyssa provided included a lot of items I already have - straight leg jeans, leopard print shoes, a sheath dress, flowy tops, a striped tee, and booties.
Here's the Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer ($78) over my favorite Old Navy dress and GroopDealz bubble necklace. A quick Google search reveals that it has also been made in burgundy, teal, navy, and gray - this seems to be the case with a lot of Stitch Fix items. Unfortunately, a lot of the items in my Fix seemed to run small - this blazer wouldn't button! I liked the ruching, but did not like the Judy Jetson vibe I got from the shoulder pads. Additionally, I already have a similar jersey-material black blazer from Old Navy.
The Kirkwood Mini Dot Crew Neck Sweater ($48) is definitely my style, but the sleeves were a bit too long - I would probably end up cuffing them. The biggest problem I had with this sweater was how thin the material is, more like a t-shirt - I would always have to wear a dark tank top underneath for modesty. I did try it with my herringbone vest, jeans, and boots, and it was so cute I was almost convinced, but here's the deal: Virginia is cold in the winter; if I wear a sweater, it needs to be a sweater.
I really liked the Emer High Waisted Cropped Trouser ($98) - I'm petite (5'2") and the length was perfect with ballet flats (mine are from Payless). Unfortunately, the fabric seemed a little too fussy for my middle school workplace and with their elastic waist, they did not pass the bend test. Also, $98 for a pair of pants? Not happening on a teacher budget! I am still in search of the perfect pair of straight-leg black pants that are work appropriate, and I'm hoping to find a pair with belt loops.
Here's my keeper: the Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse ($58). It's not something I would have chosen for myself - the studs would definitely scare me off it I saw this on a store rack or online - but when I tried it on, I liked the Sargent Pepper vibe from the studs and that the sleeves are a little puffed at the shoulder - so pretty. I prefer 3/4 blouses, and black will be really versatile. This seems to be one of Stitch Fix's most popular pieces, with bloggers modeling the same style in emerald, cobalt, mint, and even horseshoe print!
Mr. Q really liked the Jordanne A-Line Skirt ($68), and I liked how soft the material was, but unfortunately it wasn't a great fit and the length was a little on the short side for work. As far as 14-year-old boys are concerned, I don't have knees. I love the color and would love to find something similar to add to my closet.
Since the blogs I've read have led me to believe that Fixes get better each time, I've already scheduled my next Fix for February! I added "Romantic" to my list of styles and included a note about the dress code for teachers at the school wear I work.
Here's how the pricing for Stitch Fix works: to sign up, users pay a $20 styling fee. The styling fee is credited toward any items from your fix that you keep. If you buy all 5 items, you get a 25% discount. For me, since $58 is more than I would usually pay for a blouse, I thought of the price as being $20 to pay Alyssa and cover the shipping, and $38 for the blouse. Any returns go in a prepaid Priority Mail bag within three business days.
Overall I'm really satisfied with my first Stitch Fix experience - I got to try on fancy clothes without leaving my house, and I liked my new blouse so much I wore it that weekend for a night out with friends.
If you'd like to try Stitch Fix, you can sign up here - please note that this link contains a referral code to help me earn credit toward my future Fixes!
Which of the pieces from my Fix is your favorite? Have you tried Stitch Fix or any other subscription boxes?
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