Tag: Stitch Fix

After receiving 16 monthly Stitch Fix boxes, I figured it would be a good time to do another of my Love/Regret posts. It’s a great chance for me to look back on all the items I’ve purchased from Stitch Fix and whether I still think that they were a good buy. This exercise is also really useful in helping me focus on what I actually want from future Fixes.

For my first “What I love and What I Regret” post last April, I covered the 10 items I purchased between September 2013 – March 2014. So, for this one I’ll be reviewing the clothing I’ve purchased from May 2014 – January 2015.

Between May and January, I purchased 18 items. Here’s pictures of everything, item names (in case you want to request anything in your own Fix) and links to each post:

May 2014 Fix: Edmond Chevron Print Henley Shirt and Sophia Distressed Skinny Jeans.

June 2014 Fix: Karissa Chevron Print Henley Tank and Shana Sleeveless Embroidered Detail Dress.

July 2014 Fix #1: Nothing.

July 2014 Fix #2: Ezra Bryn V-neck Mixed Material Knit Shirt, Mystree Skylar Asymmetrical Knit Zip Up Jacket, Renee C Tucker Mixed Print Tank, Pomelo Missy Polka Dot Tab-Sleeve Blouse, and Daniel Rainn Greta Geo Print Crochet Detail Blouse.

August 2014 Fix: Skipped.

September 2014 Fix: Market & Spruce Colibri Abstract Print Sleeveless Top and Skies are Blue Terese Quilted Faux Leather Jacket.

October 2014 Fix: Toma Floral Print Short-Sleeve Blouse.

November 2014 Fix: Kut From The Kloth Jonathan Corduroy Skinny Pant.

December 2014 Fix:  Market and Spruce Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan and Skies are Blue Gabrielle Embroidered Bib Knit Top.

January 2015 Fix: Loveappella Stanyan V-Neck Knit Top, Skies are Blue Benson Embroidered Trim Top and Loveappella Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt.

I’ve learned a lot throughout my months of using Stitch Fix (check out my “How to Get the Most out of Your Fix” post here), so I feel like my purchase decisions have been improving. However, looking back I’ve still made some mistakes.

For example, in nine months I purchased 15 tops, 2 pairs of pants and 1 dress. While, yes, I do tend to wear the same bottoms a lot and switch out my tops… it might have made more sense to diversify a little. I like to wear skirts to work, but didn’t end up buying any (I tried on one that fit weird). I also tend to wear dresses most of the spring and summer, but only ended up with one.

So, what do I regret?
Out of all 18 items, I only have 3 regrets.

Ezra Bryn V-neck Mixed Material Knit Shirt – I was so excited about my do-over Fix, that I think I got a little blinded by it. I also fell into the trap of the “it was free” thinking because when I bought all five items in my July Fix I got 25% off of everything. The problem is that I haven’t worn this shirt at all. It always felt a bit too warm to wear in the summer, because it is an interesting knit but also requires a tank top. Then, in the Fall I felt like it just clung to all my not-great areas… so it kept getting shoved to the back of my closet. I packed it away over the winter, hoping that when I see it with fresh-eyes in the spring I’ll like it. We’ll see. Otherwise… well, anyone want it?

Market & Spruce Colibri Abstract Print Sleeveless Top – Now, I actually really DO like this shirt – the pattern is super cute and I really like the blousy fit. It looks good on its own and also made a great layering piece for blazers and sweaters. The problem is that it wrinkles so easily. By time I make the drive into work, the whole bottom of the shirt is a wrinkly mess. Its super disappointing, because I really do like this top. Is there anything you can do to keep a shirt from getting wrinkly?

Skies are Blue Terese Quilted Faux Leather Jacket – I have a weakness for coats and if I see an interesting coat I tend to obsess about it until I add it to my collection. The problem is that in Maryland the weather pretty much goes straight from full-on summer swelter to icy cold winter, so window of time to wear a lightweight coat is pretty short. This fall I only had the chance to wear this jacket a few times before it was just too cold to bother with it. I probably should have let this jacket go… I have other jackets that meet the same ‘lightweight coat’ needs, so I didn’t really need this one in the first place.

Pretty much everything else I’ve purchased since May 2014 has been a good choice with no regrets. However, there are five items that have really stood out as GREAT buys:

My FIVE Favorites:

Sophia Distressed Skinny Jean – I love these jeans. LOVE THEM. They are my only pair of actually technical skinny jeans that are fitted all the way down to the ankle, which makes them super easy to pair with boots. They also fit me perfectly and somehow take about 10 pounds off when I put them on. They are comfortable, sexy and have become my ‘go to’ jeans for date nights. I just wish I could get a couple more pairs in different washes!

Shana Sleeveless Embroidered Detail Dress – This dress is exactly why I joined Stitch Fix. I love the fitted bodice, adorable t-back and full skirt. I also love the fact that it’s a little funky without being too “young” for me to wear. I can dress it up for work with a cardigan and neutral heels, or dress it down for the summer with a pair of sandals. The fit is great and the best part is that I can roll it up in my suitcase and it shakes out without a wrinkle to be found.

Toma Floral Print Short-Sleeve Blouse – I knew when I first tried this blouse on that it was going to be one of my favorites. It was that magical combination of lightweight, but not see-through + a bit girlie with the print, but the black background kept it for looking too sweet. I’ve worn it to work on its own, with a blazer and with a cardigan. It looks good tucked into a skirt or flowing out over jeans. This shirt was a great buy and I’m excited to figure out even more ways to style it with my current wardrobe.

Skies are Blue Gabrielle Embroidered Bib Knit Top – This shirt was one of my more recent purchases, but I have already gotten so much wear out of it that I know it’s a long-term favorite. The cotton of the shirt is so nice and soft, which makes it easy to wear on the weekend without feeling stuffy at all. I also really like that it’s a bit fuller towards the hem, so that when I sit down I don’t have to worry about it clinging to my belly and making me feel self-conscious. I typically wear this one with jeans on weekends, but could see dressing it up under a blazer too.

Loveappella Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt – Here’s another newbie to my clothing collection, but considering I wore it 3 times within the first 4 days of receiving it, it’s a total winner. It almost reminds me of athletic or yoga wear, but made out of a fine knit. They call it a sweatshirt, but I think it’s more like a sweater. Maybe if a sweater and a sweatshirt made sweet, sweet love… you’d get this top. Any which way, I love it. It comes in a couple different colors to, so if you’re a Stitch Fix-er, I’d totally request it to try it out!

Where do I go from here?
Now that I have a better idea what works best for me, I think it’s time to update my Style Profile. Knowing that I have an issue with buying too many coats, I think it would be best if I write “no more coats/jackets” on my profile. That should keep the temptation away! I’m also going to make a note that I do not want to be sent any tops that have super wrinkly material. When receiving future Fixes, I’m going to try to remember to test each top to see if it wrinkles easily. Lastly, I need to start asking for more dresses, skirts and pants!

Even with my three regrets, I really feel that Stitch Fix has been a great addition to my life. I love receiving my surprise package every month and I am definitely more thoughtful when purchasing clothes. I also LOVE getting your feedback on what I should buy, so thank you all for your awesome comments over the last 16 months of Fixes!

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? If so, do you have any clothing regrets?

 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix, I pay for the $20 styling fee and any clothing I purchase with my own hard-earned money. I do have a special referral link though and if you decide to click through and sign up I will receive a small referral reward. Here’s my link. So thank you for anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction.

Psssst…Do you love checking out what other people received in their Fixes? I added quick links to every single one of my reviews on my Stitch Fix Reviews page!

I’ve been talking about Stitch Fix, the personal stylist subscription service, for some time and I am often asked how I end up getting such great pieces sent to me each month.

Well, it was quite a work in progress for a while, and it’s still not without some flubs from time to time. But I think I have figured out a process to make sure I absolutely LOVE most of the clothes Stitch Fix sends me. Here are my tips!

Tip #1: Thoughtfully Fill Out Your Stitch Fix Profile

When you first sign up for Stitch Fix, you get to complete a Style Profile. You’ll input all your sizes, list your preferences for which items you’d like to receive (dresses, tops, rings, etc.) and fits you generally like (fitted, flowy). You’ll also note how much you usually like to spend on each item.

In your profile, Stitch Fix shows you some collages with pieces that reflect different style “personalities” and asks you some thorough questions about your lifestyle and risk tolerance. Take your time and really think about what you want from Stitch Fix, so that you’re totally clear when completing the profile.

And if you’re already using the service, make sure to go in and update your Style Profile. For example, if your weight changes, let them know so that they send you the correct sizes.

Stitch Fix helps you explore new things, which can help change your taste, too. Maybe you started out being very risk-averse, and now you’ve stocked up on staples, had a few fun surprises, and you’re ready to explore a little more. Or maybe you started out loving animal print, and now you can’t stand it … be sure to check that box to avoid animal prints in future Fixes!

Tip #2: Make a Stitch Fix Board on Pinterest … and Keep It Updated

When you fill out your Style Profile, you can add a link to a board on Pinterest. It’s a really good idea to do this! By pinning looks you love, you can give your stylist a better sense of who you are when they are styling for you.

I’ve found that I get the best results if I pin actual Stitch Fix pieces on my board, along with a few sentences about WHY I like the item. For example, I recently pinned the Pixley Elissa Striped French Terry Moto jacket on my Fix Inspiration board with this note:

I have no interest in getting ANY other moto jackets… but would ONLY make an exception for this one. I love the stripes, the fact that the “moto” look is subtle and the cute pockets and collar. YES please!

Lo and behold, it arrived in a Fix for me to try.

Once I receive an item I had on my board (or get something similar to what I pinned), I usually delete the piece from Pinterest. I also make sure to pin a few new items each month, to go with my current mood, and what I’m looking for to add to my closet.

In the winter, I tend to pin a lot of plaid, layers, and comfy sweaters. As soon as it starts getting warmer, I pin lots of dresses, skirts, and printed tops. Right now, I’m crushing on emerald, so I pinned a gorgeous blouse and a pair of fun green skinny jeans!

You can check out my Fix Inspiration Pinterest board. Feel free follow it in case you see something you want to pin for yourself. I found lots of Stitch Fix items I liked by searching on Pinterest and following boards.

Tip #3: Follow Bloggers Who Write About Their Fixes

Who doesn’t love checking out what other people get in their Fixes? I follow a few bloggers on Pinterest and Instagram, so that I’m inspired by the things they get. If I see something I love, I go to their blogs and add those pieces to my Pinterest board.

If I’m feeling exceptionally stalkery, I’ll Google “Stitch Fix Reviews” and sort by “in the past month” to see the most recent items the stylists are sending out. You can also search the #stitchfix and #stitchfixfriday hashtags on Instagram to see more pictures. You might also fall in love with some new bloggers to add to your circle!

Tip #4: Be Very Clear About What You Hate

Everyone has style deal breakers they just cannot stand. For me, it’s cowl necks, dolman sleeves, and hi-lo hemlines. Other people may love them, but I’m just not a fan.

The stylists are pretty darn good, but they aren’t mind readers. Tell them what you dislike. There’s a section on the Style Profile that asks, “Anything else we should know before we style for you?” Tell them what just won’t work for you.

If they send you something you despise, be super clear why you hate it. They will review your feedback before sending your next box, so if you hate chevron with a blazing fire of fury, let them know, so that they don’t send you more!

Tip #5: Ask for What You Want

If you want something in particular, ASK for it! Each month when you schedule your Fix, you’ll see a box where you can fill in what you want your stylist to know. Use it!

If you want to try some colorful skinny jeans, or really need a dress for an upcoming destination wedding, tell your stylist so she can add a couple of options to your Fix.

You can even ask for a specific item you saw someone else receive. Unfortunately, they don’t always have the exact piece you are looking for available, but many times they can find you something similar.

A while ago, I saw that a couple other bloggers had received the Loveappella Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweater and wanted to try it SO BAD! So I asked for it. It wasn’t in stock in December, so my stylist sent me a similar sweater.

I didn’t love that one, though, so I asked for the funnel-neck sweater again—and received it in my January Fix. It was everything I imagined it would be, and I snapped it up in a heartbeat!

Tip #6: Open Your Mind

Keeping the other tips in mind, remember that part of the reason to use a service like Stitch Fix is to bust you out of your style rut. It’s a great idea to just let go a little, and approach each Fix with an open mind.

I can’t tell you how many times I opened a Fix and thought an item was horrible, only to have my mind totally changed when I tried it on. And getting people’s opinions on social media helps the decision-making, too.

I was unsure about the leather jacket below, but tried it on, liked it, and got good feedback. Embrace the fun of having a stylist, and release a little bit of that control!

Disclaimer: This post appeared on BlogHer.com. This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix, I pay for the $20 styling fee and any clothing I purchase with my own hard-earned money. If you enjoyed my review and decide to try Stitch Fix for yourself, the biggest compliment you can give me is by using my referral link. Thank you to anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction!

Psssst…Do you love checking out what other people received in their Fixes? I added quick links to every single one of my reviews on my Stitch Fix Reviews page!

I’m so excited to share my very first Fix of 2015… which also happens to be my 16th Stitch Fix delivery. Can you believe it? Even weirder is that I’ve blogged every single Fix and OH MY GOD were my initial pictures terrible!

{For my new friends, if you’re wondering what a Stitch Fix is, please check out this post. If you want to know why I spend money to have a stylist send me clothes and whether I’m getting rich off these reviews, click on this one. If you’re wondering if I ever regret a Stitch Fix purchase, give a clickty click over here. If you’re feeling super stalkery and want to see ALL my Stitch Fix posts, you get on with your bad self and click around here. Okay, all caught up? Let’s join the rest of the class now…}

In the notes section for my January Fix, here is what I wrote: “Stylist Sara J again. I would still like to try the Loveappella Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt! We are going on vacation next month, so comfortable layering items for running around with a 3 year old but still looking fashionable would be great! Also, check out my pinterest — I pinned a bunch of new stuff with lots of notes.”

It’s funny, I was actually considering switching stylists before my last Fix because I wasn’t feeling like Sara J really GOT me any more… but then after she knocked my December Fix out of the park I decided to stick with her for another month. WOW am I glad I did!

Item #1: Loveappella Stanyan V-Neck Knit Top – $58
I actually have another Loveappella top from Stitch Fix that I love – the adorable chevron tank to from my June Fix. I can’t even tell you how much I love the stripes on this top and I crossed my fingers that it had that it had a looser drape that didn’t cling too much. I was pleasantly surprised that the fabric was almost like a sweater knit and the pattern carried over onto the shoulders.

For the first styling, I paired the top with my distressed skinny jeans and Frye boots for a typical weekend look. I like doing a little half-tuck at the belt to show off some shape while still letting the top be a bit flowy.

For the second look, I untucked the top and paired it with a pair of bootcut jeans, booties and a long necklace.

Keep or Return? I really like this top! The fabric is heavy enough that I don’t have to wear a cami underneath to keep you from seeing my bra and it is just loose enough that I feel like I could have a big lunch and not look 3 months pregnant. What do you think?

Item #2: Pixley Messi Lattice Neckline Knit Top – $68
The top of this is super cool, but when I pulled it out of the box my first thought was how in the heck can I wear a bra with this?! However, the crazy lines of the top actually hide any bra you wear beneath it. Thank goodness!

For the first look I styled it for a date night with a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, gladiator wedges, a long necklace and an adorable felt flower headband.

My stylist suggested wearing it with jean shorts… so I threw some on my PALE legs and stood out in 20 degree weather to take this picture. Yeah, I’m insane.

Keep or Return? Well, I like this top but feel like it is doing something kind of weird around my boobs in the second picture. This is my least favorite piece in the box, but if I end up buying everything it will be free. So… share your thoughts!

Item #3: Skies are Blue Benson Embroidered Trim Top – $48
If you’re a regular reader you may be thinking, “But Joules, didn’t you JUST get a Skies are Blue embroidered top from Stitch Fix last month???” Yes. Yes, I did. And I’ve probably worn that shirt a half-dozen times already because I’m in love with it… so I wasn’t mad at all when I saw this top in my Fix.

This is my idea of the perfect weekend or hanging out without looking like a schlub shirt, so I put it on with my favorite distressed jeans and boots.

Here’s a close up of the pretty embroidered detail.

Keep or Return? I have to say, I do love this top and I think this could be another frequently worn top in my collection. I think it would also look super cute with shorts on our vacation, since it is pretty lightweight. What do you think?

Item #4: Market & Spruce Elissa French Terry Striped Moto Jacket – $74
YAY, I actually have this exact jacket on my Pinterest board with this note on it: “I have no interest in getting ANY other moto jackets… but would ONLY make an exception for this one. I love the stripes, the fact that the “moto” look is subtle and the cute pockets and collar. YES please!”

The timing to receive this jacket is perfect too, since we will be going somewhere a little warmer for our vacation. My only concern was that when I would see it on other bloggers, it sometimes seemed so short and cropped and I didn’t really want that look.

Yay, it’s not actually cropped short at all! For my first try, I threw the jacket on over a typical running around on vacation outfit (any guesses where?) with skinny dark jeans, a Mickey shirt and a comfy pair of Toms.

Here it is all zipped up with a fun scarf.

Then, I dressed the moto jacket up a little bit with my sassy red skinny jeans, a black t-shirt and a pair of wedges. In hindsight, I should have added a necklace or two.

Keep or Return? I think this is super cute and I love that it’s a medium-weight layer. Is the moto jacket trend almost over though? What’s your vote?

Item #5: Loveappella Evie Draw String Funnel Neck Sweatshirt – $64
I’m not even exaggerating when I say I broke out into a happy dance when I saw this sweatshirt. I’ve requested it so many times and was almost resigned to the fact that I’d never get to try it out.

I even sent back the black sweater from my last Fix because even though it was cute and similar to this one, I STILL really wanted to try this one on. So, I am SO HAPPY that Sara came through for me! The sweater is so comfortable and is made out of a loose knit which would be great during the winter with layers, in the spring alone and even with a pair of shorts over the summer!

First, I threw it on with those same jeans and boots that keep showing up. However, I wear them ALL THE TIME, so I might as well see how this looks with the outfit too!

For the second look, I dressed it up a little bit with black skinny jeans and knee-high boots. I was a bit concerned that the funnel neck would be a bit fussy and not lay right unless I styled it just perfectly… but really it flops into place and looks great with no effort at all!

Keep or Return? You’re going to have to pry this from my cold, dead hands. Unless you think I look fat in it or something… then you’d be required to tell me and I’d return it. What are your thoughts?

Help me!
Now it’s time for you to help me decide what I should buy! My ‘absolutely cannot live without them’ favorites are the v-neck striped top, the funnel neck sweatshirt and the embroidered trim top. I’m also really, really liking the moto jacket because I think I could throw it on over pretty much everything in my closet. The only item I’m not totally in love with is the tank top. What do you think I should buy????

If I do decide to purchase the whole Fix I will save $73 with the buy it all discount (in addition to my $20 styling fee credit). I also have $5 credit in my account left over from someone clicking through my referral link (THANK YOU!!!), so the entire box would be $214. Oh, and I didn’t end up buying the whole box last month… just two pieces.

I’d love to hear your feedback, so please leave me some comments below and tell me what you think!

 

1/20/15 Update: Thank you everyone for your feedback! I was SO CLOSE to buying this entire Fix, but after doing the Joules Purge and getting rid of everything I don’t fully LOVE in my closet, I just didn’t feel right buying that black top that I knew was going to drive me crazy with the weird draping around my chest. I also decided that I didn’t really need another moto jacket (even though this one is so freaking cute) because I have one from a previous Fix that serves pretty much the same purpose. I did buy the other three items though and love them all so much!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix, I pay for the $20 styling fee and any clothing I purchase with my own hard-earned money. If you enjoyed my review and decide to try Stitch Fix for yourself, the biggest compliment you can give me is by using my referral link. Thank you to anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction!

Psssst…Do you love checking out what other people received in their Fixes? I added quick links to every single one of my reviews on my Stitch Fix Reviews page!