Happy New Year!!

Confession: I don’t make New Years resolutions because I don’t really see much value in deciding in January to make major changes or updates to my life. I’d like to give myself the flexibility to do that year-round, less room for error haha! I do however, think it is important to go in to the New Year feeling renewed in some aspect and perhaps willing to try new things. And so, over vacation I decided you get to see more of me (eek, I hope that’s good) because I don’t see many people who look like me or reflect features that I relate to, and I realized if I want that to change then I should be the one out there, duh! So here’s a bit more of me… 

Have you heard of Stitch Fix? I am sure you have but just in case.. Stitch Fix is a fashion subscription service where a stylist hand picks 5 different clothing items or accessories for you to try on and potentially purchase. They charge a $20.00 styling fee that is then applied to any of your purchases. You can get a fix sent as frequently or as infrequently as you want and you don’t have to purchase anything if you decide not to (note: you lose the styling fee if you don’t buy anything). Everything you get is a surprise and you have 3 days to try things on and decide which items to keep, mail back what you don’t like and repeat. More FAQ on SF here.

I have been using Stitch Fix for some time now. This was actually my 24th fix, wowza! I first learned about it when a co-worker came in wearing this adorable simple dress for a holiday party and everyone asked her where she got it. She said Stitch Fix, which at the time still had a waiting list. I had some immediate reservations about signing up because she was someone I viewed as being fit and easy to size where as I saw myself as a bit harder in that department (read: curvy and not fit). I am one of those one-size fits all skeptics – “like, yeah no, it will not fit me but let’s try and hope to maintain our dignity”.

Well anyway, fast forward to today and you can see I got over my fear and took the plunge. I wouldn’t say all fixes were great but I usually found at least one piece that I was willing to add to my wardrobe. SF recently increased their size offerings (up to 16/XXL) and I believe they are preparing to launch a plus-size line this year so size concerns should not be an issue. Also, there is a Stitch Fix for Men which is great for those guys out there who need to spruce up their wardrobes (or spouses/gfs who want to spruce up their guys wardrobe). I have learned a few tricks and tips over the course of my time with them and I wanted to share my latest fix and some notes on how you can get a good fix below.

Disclaimer: I was not paid or compensated by Stitch Fix to share my thoughts or promote their service. However, I have listed my referral link in the post which grants me a credit if you sign up for your own fix. 

p.s. I used my phone for these pics (clearly…) and they aren’t the bestests but they’ll do. I’ll probably step up the photo game in future posts but for now I hope you don’t mind. Also – ignore any signs of clutter or chaos in the background, k, thanks!

• Seychelle – Snare Cozy Shearling Bootie  $150.00

I told my stylist, Cassie, that I wanted a pair of blue booties that I saw on Pinterest. She said she couldn’t get those exact ones but thought I would enjoy these instead. When I saw these I immediately went “want, want, want!”. Then I looked at the price and said “ok, but only if they are amazing and I just can’t take them off…”. So, long story short… I tried them on and liked them a lot but had some concerns about keeping them clean in our Pittsburgh winter weather. They are suede and thus likely to get stained and dingy in our wet/snowy climate. I also had a hard time with the $150 price tag since I already own a pair of neutral booties. I liked these but wanted to make sure I felt free to wear them without fear of getting dirty.

Verdict: Returned

• 41Hawthorn – Donelson Ruffle Blouse $64.00 

I asked Cassie to send me a shirt/blouse in red. I was thinking I needed a really nice red blouse for work. Something that would brighten up those dreary winter days. I was pretty excited to see this blouse at first but had some concerns about the ruffles (Pirate shirt??). I tried it on and found that it was the cut that was actually least appealing. For some reason I didn’t think it was terribly flattering on me. Thumbs up for color, thumbs down for fit.

Verdict: Returned

• Kut from the Kloth – Mollee Knit Dress $88.00

Here is another item that I pinned to my Pinterest board (notice a trend?) and asked my stylist to send me. I had a feeling this would be a great addition to the wardrobe and the color was perfect! I tried it on and kind of went, “yup!”. This dress is a bit form-fitting (read: curve highlighting) but I was ok with that. The draping details and asymmetrical lines are a nice way of working with that. I already saw myself wearing it to work (note my styling…)!

Vedict: Kept

• Fate – Rowen Faux Suede Quilted Vest $78.00

I am really feeling vests and ponchos right now. I put a lot of vest options on Pinterest board so I was glad to see one in this fix. This one was kind of cool because it had all this fun detail. The belt buckle collar and the faux pocket flaps were cute in my opinion. Some people might see these as silly but I liked the detail. I loved the gold accents and thought this would be nice to wear for a casual Friday at the office or even on the weekends. The vest feels well made and sturdy and I think it will get some good wear.

Verdict: Kept

• Market & Spruce – Pacci Cowl Neck Sweater $78.00 

Remember I said I was really feeling ponchos? Cassie clearly took note of the ponchos and cowl neck sweaters I pinned to my board. I was excited to try this one on since it immediately looked cozy. The minute I put it on I knew it was too big (note the sleeves). The sweater felt well made but just too big.

Verdict: Returned*

*Stitch Fix has added an exchange feature for this reason but given that I now have two ponchos in my closet and the grey was just not exciting enough to keep I decided it was ok to just return.

In Summary:

I thought this was pretty good fix. I kept 2 out of the 5 items which is pretty on par for me. Over time I have learned that your Pinterest board can be your best friend. I have tried to pin individual pieces instead of outfits. I want to make sure my stylist knows what I am looking for exactly instead of seeing a whole outfit. SF does not send you pieces that are designed to be a complete outfit but they give you outfit suggestions on little picture cards (see below). Also, after each fix I go in and do a sweep of my board, removing things that no longer appeal to me or are similar to something I just bought or received. Adding a note on the pin saying what you like about the item is also a good way to get your stylist thinking of what to select for you.

It is also important to give detailed feedback when checking out. This helps your stylist know why you are returning items so they can stay away from those items in the future. If you need a very specific piece i.e., a dress for a wedding or a blazer for work it is best to be very specific and say what kind of wedding you are attending or what style you prefer. Giving your stylist examples will always help them so they can find something similar. If you like your stylist you can request the same stylist for your future fixes by saying “Same stylist” in your note, if you don’t specify they will sometimes give you a new stylist.

Having Stitch Fix has greatly reduced the number of visits I make to the mall, honestly I find I go to an actual store maybe once a month. I have found that it is much easier to try things on at home and for you moms out there I bet this would be a godsend! Ready to sign-up, click here!